Trends in rape cases in a Nigerian state

Background: Rape remains a controversial issue with a few victims reporting experience because of the myriad of societal perception, prolonged steps in pursuing a case to logical conclusion of securing conviction, as well as psychological and physical residuals of the experience. Data in Nigeria is therefore hard to come by as it is diminished and often not available. Objectives: To assess the pattern and trend of rape cases in a State in Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study where data records on socio-demographics and case specifics was collected on victims of sexual assault that reported to DFID/ PATHS 2 supported Tamar Sexual Assault Centre between 2014 and 2016 after which it was analysed and presented in bar charts. Results: The yearly prevalence varied for the different age groups studied with the highest prevalence noted for 13 years and above (175,200,255) over the 3 years of 2014, 2015 and 2016 studied. The reported cases also improved over the studied years with rates of 0.47, 0.96 and 0.5 respectively. Conclusion: The yearly comparison and baseline data show that the centre's establishment caused an improvement in rape case reporting and follow-up

Serological Survey of Dengue Virus Immunoglobulin M Among Febrile Patients in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

The purposes of this research were to determine the prevalence of dengue virus in the study population, to determine the relationship between the occurrence of dengue virus IgM and potential risk factors and to determine the association between the occurrence of dengue virus and some symptoms. In this study, blood specimen were collected from 340 subjects with febrile complaints attending hospitals in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria and who gave their consent to participate. Serological determination of dengue virus IgM was carried out using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Structured questionnaires were also administered to obtain data on demographic, risk factors,  and symptoms of illness. A total of 6 subjects were positive for dengue virus IgM giving a prevalence of 1.8%. There was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of dengue virus IgM and potential risk factors, demographic factors and symptoms of the illness. The occurrence of dengue virus in the study population was confirmed

Assessment of the Perception of Librarians on Gender Stereotype as Correlate of Job Performance in Academic Libraries in Delta State

Gender matters all over the world and in almost all areas of life. Librarianship is no exception. There exists obvious gender stereotypes in libraries all over the world. However, there is no empirical evidence that ascertains whether these gender stereotypes affect the job performances of librarians. This study therefore assesses the perception of librarians on gender stereotype as a correlate of job performance of librarians in academic libraries in Delta State. A structured questionnaire was used to survey 95 librarians in academic libraries in the State. Data were analyzed using percentages, descriptive statistics and Pearson moment correlation. Findings include that gender stereotypes exist to a low extent in these libraries and its influences have some negative sides on the job performances of librarians. However, it was found that there is no significant correlation between gender stereotypes and the job performance of librarians. Hence, recommendations were made

Productivity of Maize Varieties intercropped with Cassava in Lafia and Makurdi Locations, Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

Two experiments were conducted from 2015 to 2016 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi [Latitude 07º 45\u27 - 07º 50\u27 N, Longtitude 08º 45\u27- 08º 50\u27 E, elevation 98 m] in Benue State and the Research and Teaching Farm of the College of Agriculture, Lafia (Latitude 08.33N and Longitude 08.32E) in Nasarawa State, all located in Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. The experiments sought to determine the performance of maize varieties when intercropped with cassava.The experiment was laid out as split-plot in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plot treatment comprised of two cropping systems [sole cropping (maize, cassava) and row intercropping (maize + cassava)] while the sub-plot treatment was 3 maize varieties [Quality Protein Maize (QPM), Suwan 1-1 and the Local]. Each sub plot consisted of 5 ridges spaced 1m apart and 4m long and the net plot was the three middle ridges, 3m long. Intercropping severely depressed plant height at harvest, leaf area index at harvest, cob circumference, cob length, number of rows per cob, number of seeds per row, cob weight, grain yield and 100-ssed weight in Lafi and Makurdi. The highest grain yield of maize was produced when QPM was planted as a sole crop in Lafia (2.95t/ha) and Makurdi (2.99t/ha). However, values obtained from LEC and LER showed intercrop advantage. Similarly, intercropping decreased the growth and yield (plant height at harvest, root circumference, root length, number of marketable roots per plant, number of unmarketable roots per plant and root weight) of cassava in both locations. Intercropping cassava with Local maize produced the highest root weight in Lafia (8.50t/ha) and Makurdi (9.02t/ha) among the treatments intercropped. All LER and LEC values were above 1.0 and 0.25 respectively in both locations. Values obtained for competitive ratio showed that maize was mnore competitive than cassava probably due to its height advantage

Age, Gender, Religiousity and Family Factors on Sexual Attitude and Behaviour of University of Ibadan Undergraduate Students

This study was on age, gender, religiosity and family factors on the sexual attitudes and behavior of University of Ibadan students. A sample of 360 respondents 182 males and 178 females participated in the study. Using a questionnaire, four hypotheses were tested using repression and Analysis of variance (ANOVA). It was found that age, gender religiosity, family type, parental care/protection and maternal career/protection jointly predicted, sexual depression (R2 =.084, <05), sexual preoccupation negatively (β=0.419,p< 0.5) maternal protection independently predicted sexual preoccupation negatively (β=-121, p<.05) family type jointly predicted sexual depression positively f(2,357)=5.298,p<.05) The study had some limitation. is was recommended that religious institution should brace up to their duty that parent be include in drawing up intervention program me aimed at reducing per-marital sex

Modelling the Predictors of LIS Students' Response to the Pedagogy of Practical Courses on DSLMS in Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out how students respond to the pedagogy of practical courses on Delta State Learning Management System (DSLMS) as well as the predictors of students' response to practical courses on DSLMS in Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku (DSPG). Design/Methodology/Approach: A hypothesized research model was designed to help establish the predictors of students’ response to practical courses on DSLMS. Survey design was employed for this study. All the students in the department of Library and Information science, that 131 students, in DSPG were used to carry out this study. The questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected.Findings: The study revealed that students respond positively to practical course pedagogy on DSLMS due to predictors such as instructor attitudes, quality of course content, and learners' perspectives. Originality/Value: This study is novel and has contributed new knowledge in the aspect of establishing the predictors of students’ response to pedagogical processes of practical courses on online learning system. Students' response to the pedagogy of practical courses on DSLMS is a good indication that students construct knowledge from new learning experiences as postulated by the constructivist theor

Effects of Synthetic (Carbofuran) and non Synthetic insecticides on Maize Growth and Yield in Stem Borers Infested Zones of Cross River State, Nigeria.

Field experiment was conducted in the early and late planting season of 2009 and 2010 at Akampa and Bekwarra to evaluate the effects of carbofuran, a synthetic insecticide, Neem and Gmelina seed powder on maize agronomic characters in maize stem borer endermic zones. The treatments consisted of 2 levels carbofuran (1.0 and 1.5kga.i/ha) and 2 levels each of neem and Gmelina arborea seed powder (20 and 30kg/ha). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data collected included stem borer population per plant, plant heights at six (6) and eight (8) weeks after planting, and grain yield. Carbofuran and Neem seed powder significantly increased plant height and yield while Gmelina seed powder application significantly  (P?0.05) reduced maize growth and yield. The treatments significantly reduced borer population compared with control. It is possible that the neem powder at 30kg/ha may be used as a boost to maize development outside its insecticidal properties on maize used by resource poor farmers. Key words: Agronomic characters, Carbofuran, Gmelina, Neem, powder, Stem borers

Obesity and Insulin Resistance Components of Metabolic Syndrome Induced by High-fructose Diet in Wistar Rats could be attenuated by Spices-Supplemented Diets

Constant consumption of fructose-sweetened diets and beverages has led to increasing incidences of metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome (MS). This research was designed to evaluate the potentials of supplementing diets with some locally available spices in ameliorating obesity and insulin resistance in induced metabolic syndrome. Thirty out of thirty-five rats weighing 128.08±5.29g were induced with MS, divided into six groups and treated with diets supplemented with powders of garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper and equal mixture of the spices while the other 5 rats were maintained on normal diet throughout the experiment. The weight and blood glucose were recorded weekly, while serum insulin level was determined on the 56th day of the treatment after which HOMA-IR was computed. The group of MS-induced rats fed normal diet had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher weekly average weight gain of 11.43g±0.63g compared with other groups. Our data show that blood glucose level (mmol/L) ranged from 4.61±0.22 - 5.99±0.17; Insulin (μU/mL) 8.00±0.41 - 22.00±0.58 and HOMA-IR 1.65±0.14 - 5.47±0.07. The treated groups had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher percentage decrease in blood glucose and HOMA-IR when compared with the control but all the MS-induced rats maintained on supplemented diets had significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower blood glucose and HOMA-IR when compared with MS-induced rats maintained on normal diet. From our finding, obesity and insulin resistance due to consumption of MS-causing diets could be ameliorated by consumption of diets fortified with any of the four spices, but fortification with a blend of the spices could give a better result

HEATING EFFECT ON PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PROXIMATE CONTENTS OF COOKED AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS (KIDNEY BEANS)

Objective: Plant chemicals and nutrients abound in different parts of plants and in different compositions. P. vulgaris (kidney beans) is a nourishing leguminous food commonly eaten by both human beings and animals in the world due to its health benefits and risk reduction of diseases. It is however, indispensible for plants’ food stuff to retain their phytonutrients for maximum benefits. This study therefore investigated the effect of heat on the phytochemicals and proximate contents in cooked P. vulgaris (kidney beans). Methods: P. vulgaris (kidney bean) was prepared by winnowing, hand picking of stones and removal of dirt and then lightly washed to remove dust and air dried. &nbsp;Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and proximate (nutrient contents) analysis were determined on fresh kidney bean (FKB) and cooked kidney bean (CKB). Results: Results of phytochemical quantification revealed a significant (p˂0.05) increase of alkaloids and saponins in FKB than those in CKB, significant (p˂0.05) increase of flavonoids, glycosides and tannins in CKB than those in FKB. While proximate analysis of cooked sample (CKB) showed significant (p˂0.05) increase in protein content, crude ash content and carbohydrate content FKB. Conclusion: Obviously, the increased concentrations of phytochemicals in fresh Phaseolus vulgaris may be due to the absence of heat action and the heating effect on cooked P. vulgaris could unleash the high rich nutrients value and could supply its antioxidants roles, thereby improving healthy life when eaten cooked. It was observed that cooking significantly reduced the crude fat. Cooking increased the levels of flavonoids, carbohydrate and protein contents. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Peer Review History: Received 9 December 2019; &nbsp;&nbsp;Revised 20 December; Accepted 3 January, Available online 15 January 2020 Academic Editor: Rola Jadallah, Arab American University, Palestine,&nbsp;[email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Prof. Dr. Hüsniye Kayalar, Ege University, Turkey, [email protected] Dr. Mohamed Said Fathy Al-Refaey, University of Sadat City, Menofia, Egypt, [email protected] Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel,&nbsp;Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622,&nbsp; Giza, Egypt, [email protected]&nbsp; Similar Articles: PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL EVALUATIONS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF COCOS NUCIFERA (L.) LEAVES PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHIC OF PRUNUS DULCIS (ALMOND) MEDICINAL PLANT LEAVES USED IN FOLK MEDICINE FOR TREATMENT OF WOUNDS AND BURNS IN HUFASH DISTRICT AL MAHWEET GOVERNORATE–YEMEN PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-DIABETIC POTENTIALS OF PERSEA AMERICANA MILL. (LAURACEAE) FRUIT EXTRACT CYTOTOXIC EFFECT AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF PETROLEUM ETHER EXTRACT OF TILIA CORDATA MIL