552 Publications
Physicochemical Quality of an Urban Municipal Wastewater Effluent and Its Impact on the Receiving Environment.
Author(s): EMMANUEL E. O. ODJADJARE AND ANTHONY I. OKOH (2010)
Published at :Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Doi: 0.1007/s10661-009-1240-y. Available online at http://www.springerlink.com/content/bw8x83467383g556/.
The physicochemical qualities of the final effluents of an urban wastewater treatment plant in South Africa were assessed between August 2007 and July 2008 as well as their impact on the receiving watershed. The pH values across all sampling points ranged between 6.8 and
8.3, while the temperature varied from 18?C to 25?C. Electrical conductivity (EC) of the samples
was in the range of 29–1,015 ?S/cm, and turbidity varied between 2.7 and 35 NTU. Salinity and
total dissolved solids (TDS) varied from 0.36 to 35 psu and 16 to 470 mg/L, respectively. The
concentrations of the other physicochemical parameters are as follows: chemical oxygen demand (COD, 48–1,180 mg/L); dissolved oxygen (DO, 3.9–6.6 mg/L); nitrate (0.32–6.5 mg NO? 3 as N/L); nitrite (0.06–2.4 mg NO?2 as N/L); and phosphate (0.29–0.54 mg PO3?4 as P/L). pH, temperature, EC, turbidity, TDS, DO, and nitrate varied significantly with season and sampling point (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), while salinity varied significantly with sampling point (P < 0.01) and COD and nitrite varied significantly with season (P < 0.05). Although the treated effluent fell within the recommended water quality standard for pH temperature, TDS, nitrate and nitrite, it fell short of stipulated standards for other parameters.
The result generally showed a negative impact of the discharged effluent on the receiving
watershed and calls for a regular and consistent monitoring program by the relevant authorities to ensure best practices with regard to treatment and discharge of wastewater into the receiving aquatic milieu in South Africa.
Keywords Physicochemical qualities . Wastewater effluent · Receiving watershed
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Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Khaya Grandifoliola, Stem Bark
Author(s): *S.A. UZOEKWE, A. FALODUN, O. OBASUYI AND E. EGHAREVBA (2009)
Published at :Journal of Biological Sciences. 9(1): 63-67
The powdered crude sample of Khaya grandifoliola was subjected to phytochemical analysis using standard experimental procedures. The phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids. The methanolic extract of Khaya grandifoliola stem bark was screened for antimicrobial activity against bacterial isolates MRSA, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis at different concentrations. The isolates showed a minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.4 mg mL-1 except B. subtilis of 0.002 g mL-1.
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Phytochemical Analysis, Proximate and Mineral Composition and in Vitro Antioxidant Activities in Telfairia Occidentalis Aqueous Leaf Extract.
Author(s): USUNOBUN, U. AND EGHAREBVA, E. (2015)
Published at :Benson Idahosa University Journal of Science
The present study sought to undertake the phytochemical analysis (using standard methods of analysis), proximate and mineral composition as well as in vitro antioxidant properties (involving inhibition of DPPH and reducing power ability) of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis consumed in Ekpoma, Edo state, Nigeria. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that the leaf of T. occidentalis contains flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids and phenolics. Quantitative analysis showed that phenol, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins in percentage were 0.19±0.12, 7.12±0.50, 0.12±0.08, 1.03±0.24 and 7.01±0.30 respectively. Result on proximate analysis showed 89.01% dry matter, 10.99% moisture content, 21.14% crude protein, 6.46% lipid, 11.56% crude fiber, 8.31% Ash content, and 53.10% carbohydrate. Result on Mineral composition in mg/100g dry matter showed Calcium (61.03±0.04), Sodium (51.49±1.32), Iron (25.75±1.65), Zinc (13.15±0.31), Potassium (801.21±0.45), Magnesium 85.11±1.22), Phosphorus (18.09±0.09), Manganese (21.27±0.32) and Copper (0.93±0.03). In vitro antioxidant scavenging activity using 2, 2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ascorbic as standard and reducing power ability of the plant extract was found to be concentration dependent with maximum inhibition and reducing power ability at 0.4mg/ml which were 69% (lower than 89% for ascorbic acid) and 0.199 respectively. Our findings provide evidence that aqueous extract of Telfairia occidentalis is a potential source of natural antioxidants. The result of these findings also revealed that Telfairia occidentalis leaves are good source of carbohydrates and energy. The leaves are also a good source of minerals.
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Phytochemical Screening and Proximate Composition of Annon Muricata Leaves
Author(s): USUNOBUN, U., OKOLIE N.P, ANYANWU O.G, ADEGBEGI A.J. AND EGHAREVBA, M.E. (2015)
Published at : European Journal of Botany, Plant Sciences and Phytology. 2(1):18-28
Proximate composition and phytochemical analyses were carried out on the leaves of Annona muricata using standard methods. The result of the proximate composition showed that the leaves contained 88.99% dry matter, 11.01% moisture, 25% crude protein, 14.96% ash, 22.20% crude fiber, 21.22 % fat and 16.62% carbohydrate contents. The phytochemicals detected in the ethanolic leaf extracts were flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, tannins, triterpenoid, saponin and reducing sugar. The findings indicate that Annona muricata leaves is a potential source of highly nutritious feed stuff and phytomedicine. They are of nutritional, clinical and veterinary relevance considering the diverse ethnopharmacological uses of the plant in different parts of the world.
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Phytochemical Screening and Proximate Composition of Annona Muricata Leaves
Author(s): USUNOBUN U., OKOLIE N. P., ANYANWU O. G., ADEGBEGI A.J. AND EGHAREVBA M. E. (2015)
Published at :European Journal of Botany Plaint Science and Phytology
Proximate composition and phytochemical analyses were carried out on the leaves of Annona muricata using standard methods. The result of the proximate composition showed that the leaves contained 88.99% dry matter, 11.01% moisture, 25% crude protein, 14.96% ash, 22.20% crude fiber, 21.22 % fat and 16.62% carbohydrate contents. The phytochemicals detected in the ethanolic leaf extracts were flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, tannins, triterpenoid, saponin and reducing sugar. The findings indicate that Annona muricata leaves is a potential source of highly nutritious feed stuff and phytomedicine. They are of nutritional, clinical and veterinary relevance considering the diverse ethnopharmacological uses of the plant in different parts of the world.
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Phytochemical, Trace and Mineral Composition of Vernonia Amygdalina Leaves
Author(s): USUNOBUN U AND OKOLIE NP (2015)
Published at :International journal of biological and pharmaceutical research
This study investigated the phytochemicals, trace and mineral contents of leaves of Vernonia amygdalina obtained from Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. The mineral analysis was done using Atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis method while phytochemical composition was determined using standard methods. The results of the phytochemicals analyses are as follows: saponins (2.50%), alkaloids (1.03%), flavonoids (11.50%), tannins (0.17%), ascorbic acids (46.64mg/100g), beta-carotene (9.05mg/100g), and reducing sugars (45.60%) while the mineral analysis reveals the following: sodium (483.06mg/kg), potassium (627.98mg/kg), magnesium (6,813mg/kg), calcium (12641.76mg/kg), zinc (14.23mg/kg), iron (322mg/kg), phosphate (33.25mg/kg), copper (19.50mg/kg), chromium (3.75mg/kg), and cadmium (4.99mg/kg). Our findings provides evidence that leaves of Vernonia amygdalina contain medicinally important bioactive compounds, shows its inert potentials for use as possible supplement in animal nutrition and it justifies their use in traditional medicines for the treatment of different diseases.
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Pollution in Aquaculture: Chemical Health Concerns of Aquaculture Systems in Nigeria. African Scientist (afs) Vol. 10: 117-122
Author(s): OBASOHAN, E. E. (2009)
This paper reviews the chemical health concerns associated with products from
aquaculture and the possible risks to consumers. Various chemicals used in aquaculture
that are of public health concerns such as chemical fertilizers, chemicals in feed,
antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, agrochemicals and industrial pollutants were highlighted.
Health concerns of some pathogenic bacteria and fish-borne helminthes species
associated with some specific aquaculture systems such as integrated fish/poultry and
fish/livestock farming were also highlighted. The need for rational use of chemicals in
aquaculture was stressed. The paucity of information regarding the health hazards and
risks associated with the use of hormones, feed additives, anaesthetics, veterinary drugs
and vaccines I Nigeria and most African countries and the need to intensify investigations
to generate data for the development of quality criteria and legislative frame work for
adequate use of chemicals in aquaculture were stressed.
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Pollution Studies on Nigerian Rivers: Heavy Metals in Surface Water of Warri River, Delta State
Author(s): WOGU, M.D. AND OKAKA, C.E. (2011)
Published at :Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 1(3), 7-12
Surface water samples from Warri river in Delta State of Nigeria were analyzed quantitatively for the concentration of nine heavy metals, namely: Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, Vanadium and Zinc, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Iron (Fe) recorded the highest mean value of 1.9304mgl-1 while Lead (Pb), had the least mean concentration of 0.000mgl-1. Warri river receives effluents from industrial, agricultural and domestic sources. Cadmium, Chromium, Manganese and Nickel had higher concentrations than values in standard guidelines for potable water, pointing the existence of risks to public health. There is need, therefore for a constant monitoring of the heavy metals concentrations in the surface water as well as a comprehensive conservation efforts by relevant organizations.
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Polyphenolic Contents and Antioxidant Potential of Stem Bark Extracts from Jatropha Curcas (linn).
Author(s): OSAMUYIMEN O. IGBINOSA, ISOKEN H. IGBINOSA, VINCENT N. CHIGOR, OLOHIRERE E. UZUNUIGBE, SUNDAY O. OYEDEMI, EMMANUEL E. ODJADJARE, ANTHONY I. OKOH AND ETINOSA O. IGBINOSA (2011)
Published at :International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 12, 2958-2971; doi:10.3390/ijms12052958. www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms.
We assessed the polyphenolic contents and antioxidant potential of the aqueous, ethanol and methanol stem bark extracts of Jatropha curcas. The total phenol, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidin contents of the extracts were evaluated to determine their effect on the antioxidant property of this plant, using standard phytochemical methods. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts of the plant were also assessed against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion, (O2?) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using spectroscopic methods and results were compared with that of butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid as standards. The concentrations of different classes of phenolic compounds were higher in methanol and ethanol extracts compared to aqueous extracts. There was correlation between total phenol, total flavonoids, total flavonol and total proanthocyanidins (r = 0.996, 0.978, 0.908, and 0.985) respectively. There was correlations between the amount of phenolic compounds and percentage inhibition of DPPH radicals scavenging activity of the extract (r = 0.98). Findings from the present study indicated that J. curcas is a potential source of natural antioxidants and may be a good candidate for pharmaceutical plant based products.
Keywords: Jatropha curcas; antioxidant activity; polyphenolics; free radicals; scavenging capacity
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Preliminary Investigation on the Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Activity of Senna Alata L. Flower.
Author(s): IDU, M.; OMONIGHO, S. E. AND IGELEKE, C. L. (2007)
Published at :Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 10 (5): 806 - 809.
Preliminary studies on the Phytochemistry and extracts of water, methanol, chloroform and petroleum ether of Senna alata flowers were examined for antimicrobial properties. Extracts tested at a final concentration of 500ug/mL produced in-vitro antimicrobial activities in assays against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeureginosa and Bacillus subtilis. The zones of inhibitions produced by the extracts in agar diffusion assay against the test microorganisms ranged from 4 to 10 mm, while the gentamicin antibiotic control produced zones that measured 5 mm. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts showed the presence of phenols, tannins, anthraquinoes, saponins and flavonoids.
Keywords: Phytochemistry, antimicrobial activity, Senna alata L. flowers.
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Prelimnary Studies of the Length – Weight Relationships and Condition Factor of Five Fish Species from Ibiekuma Stream, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. E3journal of Agricultural Research and Development, Vol. 2(3): 061 – 069
Author(s): OBASOHAN, E. E., OBASOHAN, E. E., IMASUEN, J. A. AND ISIDAHOME, C. E. (2012)
This study examined the length - weight relationships and condition factor of five
freshwater fishes: Papyrocranus afer, Parachanna obscura, Malapterurus electricus,
Tilapia mariae and Oreochromis niloticus from Ibiekuma Stream, Ekpoma, Nigeria. The
results of the length - weight analyses showed that all the fishes exhibited negative
allometric growth pattern with regression exponent b values less than 3, while the
correlation coefficients (r) obtained which ranged from 0.850 to 0.963 revealed a high
degree of positive correlation. The analyses also showed that the condition factor of
P. afer and P. obscura were less than 1, and implied that these fishes were not in
good physiological state of well-being in the stream, but the values for M. electricus,
T. mariae and O. niloticus were greater than 1 and implied that they were in
good physiological condition. Other complementary investigations of the length-weight
relationships and condition factor of these fishes and indeed of the morphometrics
and general biology of the fishes of this stream are advocated.
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Press Reports on the Activities of the Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria: May 1999 – May 2002
Author(s): OBOH, G.E. (2004)
Published at :Journal of Society, Development and Public Health, Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, pp. 99-118 (ISSN: 1597-4817
The church as a social institution is supposed to continually promote civilized norms and values in every society. But recent studies reveal that most teachings and sermons in Nigerian churches no longer have positive influence on the lives of many Christians. These occurrences tend to make the public doubt the moral integrity of the Nigerian churches, especially the Pentecostal churches. This paper, therefore, examines the effort the Nigerian press, the Watch-dog of the society, has made so far in providing direction to the Pentecostal churches. To this end, The Guardian, Vanguard, Punch and The Nigerian Tribune issues published between May, 1999 and May, 2002, were content analyzed with a view to determining the volume of coverage they gave to Pentecostal activities, as well as the issues that were actually reported. A total of 256 news items were reported by the four dailies: The Guardian, Vanguard, Punch and The Nigerian Tribune on Pentecostal activities. It was based on these data that the various research questions were answered. Findings from the 3 Tables show that the Nigerian newspapers did not give sufficient coverage to the Pentecostals, similar to the attention it gave to other socio-economic and political issues. On the second research question on the degree of prominence, it was also discovered from the data in Tables IV, V and VI that the prominence the press gave to the Pentecostals was low in terms of the prominence it gave to other issues reported. Table VII however, indicates that the Pentecostals were favourably reported. However, Table VIII disclosed that the press reported mainly on the activities of some of the Pentecostal pastors, including the major crises within and among Pentecostal churches without necessarily suggesting ways of resolving such conflicts.
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Prevalence and Socio-economic Effects of Onchocerciasis in Okpuje, Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria
Author(s): WOGU, M.D. AND C.E. OKAKA (2008)
Published at :International Journal of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 4(3), 112–119.
A survey of the prevalence and socio-economic effects of onchocerciasis in Okpuje, Owan West L.G.A. of Edo State, Nigeria, was undertaken. Of the 655 persons enumerated in the community, a total of 200 subjects (102 males and 98 females) were randomly chosen for the study. The people were skin- snipped after undergoing a physical examination by a physician. The overall prevalence of infection was 47.5%. The symptomatic manifestations of the disease were: Leopard skin recorded the highest prevalence of 40.5%, ocular lesion, 14%, nodules, 10.5% and lizard skin, 7.5%. More males (27.5%) than females (20%) had onchocerciasis but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, age had a significant effect on the prevalence of onchocerciasis (P < 0.001). Socio – economic studies using structured questionnaires and interviews were carried out. The results indicated that onchocerciasis was associated with a variety of adverse social and economic effects on the people. 40.5% of subjects mainly farmers and artisans, that presented with pruritus or itching complained of insomnia, general fatigue and lack of concentration at work, with a net effect of low productivity. Some children of infected parents reportedly dropped out of school. 14% of females with ocular lesions had given up jobs such as sewing, weaving and hair plaiting because of visual impairment thus leading to loss of personal and household economic productivity. 93.3% of subjects with lizard skin and 50.5% of those with leopard skin presented with varying levels of body disfigurement, had high level of low self-esteem, marital problems and social stigma.
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Prevalence of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Secondary School Students in Benin City
Author(s): WOGU, M.D. AND OGBEBOR, N.E. (2011)
Published at :African Research Review, 5(4), 145-151
A total of 180 secondary school students (62 males and 118 females) selected randomly from the three local government areas in Benin City were screened from March to May 2007 for the presence of bacteria in their urine. Standard bacteriological methods were used in the screening of mid-stream urine samples collected to determine significant asymptomatic bacteriuria. Results obtained from the study showed that the prevalence rate was 15% distributed into 12.78% females and 2.22% males and urine culture yielded 27 samples with isolates. The isolates were Candida sp. (48.28%), Escherichia coli (17.24%), Streptococcus faecalis (13.79%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.34%) and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (10.34%). High occurrence of Candida sp. in the females could be as a result of intake of broad spectrum antibiotics which reduces competition in the normal flora in the female genitourinary tract thereby favoring its proliferation part of which may ascend the urethra. Good personal hygiene and de-emphasizing self prescription drugs which could lead to antibiotics resistance are recommended measures to curtail the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in secondary school students.
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Prevalence of E. Coli 0157:h7 in Fresh and Roasted Beef in Kano City, Nigeria.
Author(s): DAHIRU, M., URAIH, N., ENABULELE, S. A. AND SHAMSUDDEEN, U. (2008)
Published at :Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 1 (1): 39 – 42.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in 300 fresh beef and 150 roasted beef samples from Kano city Nigeria was determined, by direct plating on Sorbitol MacConkey agar (CT-SMAC) supplemented with Cefexime 50µg/L and Potassium tellurite 25mg/L and resuscitation on Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) at 250C for two hours for roasted beef samples. Presumptive colonies were confirmed by using E. coli 0157:H7 latex agglutination test kit. Prevalence rate of 53% was obtained in fresh beef and 25.3% in roasted beef. Consumption of inadequately cooked beef poses a serious risk of infection. The study therefore stressed the need for health authorities to educate and put in place efficient surveillance strategies for detection and control of possible outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 in the society
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Prevalence of Malaria Parasite Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Author(s): WOGU, M.N., NDUKA, F.O. AND WOGU M.D. (2013)
Published at :International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, 3(2), 126-132
Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of malaria parasites among some pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Study Design: Cross:-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: Five healthcare centres in Rivers State, Nigeria, between April and September 2011.
Methodology: Peripheral blood samples were collected using venous procedure and the presence of malaria parasites was observed microscopically on thick and thin blood smears prepared from each sample. Personal data were collected through questionnaires and the general results gotten during this study were analyzed statistically using two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
Results: The only species of malaria parasite identified in this study was Plasmodium falciparum. A total of 104 (26%) pregnant women were infected with P. falciparum in this study. Pregnant women in their first, second and third trimesters had prevalence rates of 27%, 27.3% and 21.8% respectively (P<0.05). Prevalence rates for primigraviidae, secundigraviidae and multiparous women were 26.1%, 31.5% and 20% respectively (P<0.05). prevalence rates of 26.9%, 27.8% and 21.5% were observed in pregnant women between the ages of 11-20, 21-30 and 31-40 respectively (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Malaria still needs to be given more attention due to its negative impact on pregnant women and their unborn children.
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Prevalence of Multiple Antibiotics Resistant (mar) Pseudomonas Species in the Final Effluents of Three Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities in South Africa.
Author(s): EMMANUEL E. ODJADJARE; ETINOSA O. IGBINOSA, RAPHAEL MORDI, BRIGHT IGERE, CLARA L. IGELEKE, AND ANTHONY I. OKOH (2012)
Published at :International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 9: 2092 - 2107.
The final effluents of three (Alice, Dimbaza, and East London) wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were evaluated to determine their physiochemical quality and prevalence of multiple antibiotics resistant (MAR) Pseudomonas species, between August 2007 and July 2008. The annual mean total Pseudomonas count (TPC) was 1.20 x 104 (cfu/100mL), and 2.66 x 104 (cfu/10mL), for the Alice, Dimbaza, and East London WWTPs respectively. The effluents were generally compliant with recommended limits for pH, temperature, TDS, DO, nitrite and nitrate; but fell short of target standards for turbidity, COD, and phosphate. The tested isolates were highly sensitive to gentamicin (10%), ofloxacin (100%), clindamycin (90%), erythromycin (90%) and nitrofurantoin (80%), whereas high resistance were observed against the penicillins (90 - 100%), rifampin (90%), sulphamenthoxazone (90%) and the cephems (70%). MAR index ranged between 0.26 and 0.58. The study demonstrated that MAR Pseudomonas species were quite prevalent int he final effluents of WWTPs in South Africa, and this can lead to serious health risk for communities that depend on the effluent-receiving waters for sundry purposes.
Keywords: Pseudomonas, antibiogram, multiple-antibiotic resistance, wastewater effluent.
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Prevalence of Multiple Antibiotics Resistant (mar) Pseudomonas Species in the Final Effluents of Three Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities in South Africa.
Author(s): ODJADJARE E.E., IGBINOSA E.O., MORDI R., IGERE B., IGELEKE C.L., OKOH A.I. (2012)
Published at :International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 9(6):2092-2107. doi:10.3390/ijerph9062092.
The final effluents of three (Alice, Dimbaza, and East London) wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were evaluated to determine their physicochemical quality and prevalence of multiple antibiotics resistant (MAR) Pseudomonas species, between August 2007 and July 2008. The annual mean total Pseudomonas count (TPC) was 1.20 × 104 (cfu/100 mL), 1.08 × 104 (cfu/100 mL), and 2.66 × 104 (cfu/100 mL), for the Alice, Dimbaza, and East London WWTPs respectively. The effluents were generally compliant with recommended limits for pH, temperature, TDS, DO, nitrite and nitrate; but fell short of target standards for turbidity, COD, and phosphate. The tested isolates were highly sensitive to gentamicin (100%), ofloxacin (100%), clindamycin (90%), erythromycin (90%) and nitrofurantoin (80%); whereas high resistance was observed against the penicillins (90–100%), rifampin (90%), sulphamethoxazole (90%) and the cephems (70%). MAR index ranged between 0.26 and 0.58. The study demonstrated that MAR Pseudomonas species were quite prevalent in the final effluents of WWTPs in South Africa; and this can lead to serious health risk for communities that depend on the effluent-receiving waters for sundry purposes.
Keywords: Pseudomonas; antibiogram; multiple-antibiotic-resistance; wastewater effluent
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Prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among Active and Passive Smokers of Cigarette in Benin City, Nigeria.
Author(s): EKRAKENE, T. AND IGELEKE, C.L. (2010)
Published at :International Journal of Biomedical and Health Sciences 6 (1): 91 - 96
A survey aimed at ascertaining the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among 100 men (involving active and passive smokers) was carried out at the Central Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Sputum samples from incoming patients of the Hospital were screened and diagnosed in the Chest Ward Laboratory of the Hospital and Zichl-Neelsen's staining technique was used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The obtained results showed that there was a prevalence of 48% pulmonary tuberculosis is active smokers and 16% in passive smokers. A high prevalence of 43% was obtained for 36 - 40 years age group. 33% for 31 - 35 years age group, while 25 - 30years of age recorded 20%. The result of this survey has serious health implication as passive smokers who may not be aware of this, are mostly exposed to these dangerous smokes innocently and ignorantly. It therefore behooves on the authorities of nations to enforce all relevant laws on prohibition of smoking in public places and where such enabling laws are absent, they should be enacted it in order that the health of the general public is protected from the health hazard emanating from cigarette smoking and cigarette smoke.
Key words: Active smokers; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Passive smokers; Pulmonary tuberculosis; Cigarette.
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Probabilistic Fixed Lifetime Inventory Model for Continuous Demand Rate.
Author(s): ENAGBONMA. O AND OBAHIAGBON K.O. (2014)
This paper deals with the development of expected cost model in a fixed lifetime inventory
system. In this type of inventory, items in stock are expected to be used before the
expiring date. The system consists of an age-wise profile of items (state space). The size
of the space is directly proportional to the life of the items. Consequently, the inventory
management is faced with lots of challenges otherwise item will be outdated, additional
cost such as holding cost, shortage cost and ordering cost will be incurred. Optimal
solutions to the fixed lifetime of perishable inventory problem cannot be realized in
practice due to their computational complexity arising from the fact that exact
formulation of the problem requires information on the age distribution of the items in
inventory and the corresponding quantity of items of each age. Hence there is a gap
between theoretical results and practical requirements for computational results. The
purpose of this study is to minimize the proposed expected cost model, an interval of the
optimal value of inventory level (s) was derived Hence we bridge the gap between
theoretical results and practical requirements for computational results. The expected
holding cost, expected shortage cost, expected outdates cost, ordering cost were
computed and were applied to determine the expected cost for the fixed lifetime inventory
system.
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Profitability and Constraints in Cocoyam Production in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria
Author(s): EKUNWE, P. A., EGWARE, R. A. AND AKAHOMEN, A (2015)
Published at :Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Nigeria
This study examined the profitability and constraints of cocoyam production in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire administered to 60 cocoyam farmers. Both purposive and simple random sampling methods were employed in the selection of the 60 cocoyam farmers for the study. Farm budgetary analysis was used to estimate the profitability of cococyam production while the likert scale was used to identified and analysed the production constraints. The results showed that male respondents were 37(53.3%) while female were 28(46.7%). The average household size was 9 persons. Majority (48.3 %) of the farmers were within the age bracket of 31- 40 years, while 63 % of the respondents had faming experience of less than or equal to five years. The average farm size for the respondents was 1.45 hectare. The result also revealed that the cocoyam production was profitable with a gross farm income of N 283,680.46 per annum and a net farm income of N253, 984.32 per annum. The return per naira invested was 1.67 indicating that the farm business realized a return of N 1.67 for every naira invested in cocoyam production. Finally, the major constraints faced by the cocoyam farmers were unavailability of land, inadequate finance, high cost of labour, incidence of pest and diseases, inadequate storage and inadequate processing. It was therefore recommended that the National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike should assist in and tackled the incidence of diseases and pest.
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Proliferation of University Education in Nigeria: Implications for Human Resource Development
Author(s): JOHNSON AGBONAVBARE OSAIGBOVO, (PH. D) (2013)
The proliferation of universities both public and private in Nigeria, despite
the economic recession in the country since the 1980s, has increased the
problems of the universities and their products so much that now their
future seems uncertain (Ogunsola, 2004). In spite of the poor funding and it
negative consequences, university population grew exponentially, leading to
further strain on dilapidated structures. As student populations outstripped
available lecture spaces and teaching resources, lecturers became
overburdened with crowded classrooms and excessive grading
responsibilities. Rather than respond to the quality issues resulting from
over population, federal and state governments resorted to the proliferation
of universities. The federal government over curiously announced the
establishment of nine new universities recently at a time existing ones are
on crutches. Yet, no provisions were made for capacity building
opportunities for existing lecturers and the training of new ones. These
developments have resulted in poor teaching and learning outcome in
Nigerian Universities. Hence, this paper examined the implications of
proliferation of universities education on human resources development in
Nigeria. It was concluded that Nigeria universities should be equipped and
modernized to be able to compete with other universities in the world. The
paper recommended that federal government should grant full autonomy
to all nations’ university systems.
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Promoting Small and Medium Enterprises in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.
Author(s): AIGBODUWA, J. E. AND OISAMOJE, M. D. (1950)
Published at :European Scientific Journal (January 2013), 9(1), 244-261.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are generally acknowledged as having huge potentials for employment generation and wealth creation in any economy. Hence, interest in their development continues to be in the forefront of policy debates. In Nigeria however, the sector remains relatively small in terms of its contribution to GDP or to gainful employment. Though the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry has played pivotal role in the economic development of the country since independence, with over 95% of the total export revenue currently accruing from this sector, the participation of SMEs in the sector has been largely insignificant. However, the enactment of the Nigerian Content Development Act 2010 provides a number of opportunities for Nigerians to participate in the oil and gas sector. This paper examines the historical trend in the development of SMEs in Nigeria and identifies the several opportunities and competitive advantages now exclusively reserved for Nigerian companies under the Nigerian Content Act. The access to funding for the development of the capital base of SMEs is emphasised, and it is suggested that the Act would offer a turning point in the realisation of all the policy thrusts formulated for growing SMEs in Nigeria in future.
Keywords: SMEs, Oil and Gas, NOGIC Act, Nigerian content
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Protective Effects of Annona Muricata Ethanolic Leaf Extract Against Dimethylnitrosamine (dmn)-induced Hepatotoxicity.
Author(s): USUNOBUN USUNOMENA (2014)
Published at :IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences
The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective role of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced hepatotoxicity in rat model. DMN administered rats (single dose orally, 12 mg/kg; on day 8) were pretreated with ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata (400 mg / kg body weight) for 7 days and sacrificed 48hrs after DMN intoxication. Results showed that DMN caused a marked rise in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), as well as marked decrease in serum total protein (TP), globulin, albumin (ALB), PCV, WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin and platelet compared to controls. However pretreatment with Annona muricata ethanolic leaf extract produced a significant decrease in the ALT and total cholesterol level and an increase in total protein, globulin, albumin and hematological parameters compared to DMN alone group. Taken these data together, it can be concluded that natural plant components such as Annona muricata leaves could protect the liver against dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver toxicity.
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Protective Role of Ethanolic Extract of Vernonia Amygdalina Against Potassium Bromate Induced Tissue Damage in Wistar Rats
Author(s): S.J. JOSIAH, S.C.O. NWANGWU, A.A. AKINTOLA, U. USUNOBUN, F.S. OYEFULE, O.K. AJEIGBE AND A. AKINOLA (2011)
Published at :Pakistan Journal of Nutrition
The protective role of ethanolic extract of Vernonia amygadalina against potassium bromate induced tissue damage in Wistar rats was investigated. Twenty rats were divided into four groups of five rats each (A, B, C and D). Group A was administered 1 ml of 0.25 M sucrose solution. Group C and D were pretreated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of V. amygdalina respectively. The oral induction of 60 mg/kg potassium bromate to groups B, C and D were done eight hours before sacrifice. The liver, spleen, brain, kidney, heart and stomach were collected. Organ-body weight ratio, total tissue protein, amino acid level and malondialdehyde level in the tissues were estimated. The result showed a significant increase in all the parameters studied in group B. The organ to body weight ratio, total protein level, MDA concentration significantly lowered at both doses and amino acid level reduction is significant (p<0.05) in Group C when compared with Group B. This suggested that ethanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina has a protective potential against tissue damage induced by potassium bromate.
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