Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus): Composition, Products, Uses and Health Benefits - A Review

This paper is a review on little history and the composition of Tigernut ranging from proximate, mineral and amino acid  content. The paper further explains the kind of phytochemicals and antinutrients that can be found in tigernut .The kind of microorganisms which could be found on tigernut was also explained based on the previous works of researchers. Tigernut can also be eaten raw, processed in to flour and be used for different purposes such as bread and substitute in animal feed manufacture. Oil can also be obtained from tigernut, which is highly unsaturated and good for the health of humans. Tigernut can be used to produce drink/milk, which can serve as substitute of traditional cow milk, different types of tigernut milk are also produced, it can also be used to produce a local snack “Dakuwa”. Tigernut also contributes to the reduction of cholesterol, it reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis and is recommended for those who have heavy digestion, flatulence and dysentery.Keywords: Tigernut, Composition, Milk, Flour, Oi

Effect of storage methods on some selected mineral and ascorbic acid content of red and white onion (Allium cepa)

The study investigated the influence of three different storage conditions in minimising the postharvest losses of onions. The fresh onion walla-walla variety (red and white) were obtained from Modibbo Isah Farms, Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria. The onions were stored for eight weeks under three different storage conditions which include: Ambient temperature (30 ± 2 ºC), refrigeration storage (5-7 ºC) and control cupboard temperature storage (45-50 ºC) during which the samples were analysed weekly. During the storage period of onion bulbs, the temperature ranged between (29-32 ºC) while the relative humidity was between (70 – 95 % RH).The mineral (calcium, sodium and potassium) content was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry while Ascorbic acid was determined by the 2, 6- dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) titration. The result showed that some components of the stored onions decreased with an increase in the storage period and these include: ascorbic acid (9.62-3.87mg/100g) and sodium content (12.13-11.77mg/kg). While some parameters also showed an increase with an increase in the storage period and these include: potassium content (30.00-72.12mg/kg) and calcium content (55-105mg/kg)

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts among children with acute gastroenteritis in Zaria, Nigeria

This research was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts among children with acute gastroenteritis in Zaria, Nigeria by Kinyoun Modified Carbol-Fuchsin Staining (Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining) Technique. The results for the screening of Cryptosporidium oocysts showed that out of 372 stool samples investigated, 17 samples were positive for the oocysts. Among 17 positive samples, 8 were among 199 male while 9 were among 173 female children studied. The statistical association between microscopic detection of oocyst and gender was not significant (χ2 = 0.297, df = 1, p=0.586). However, there was no statistically significant association between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocyst and the age of children observed (χ2 = 7.268, df = 9, p = 0.609). The results also showed no significant association between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the house hold animals (χ2 = 1.489, df = 4, p=0.829). There was also no statistically significant association between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the source of drinking water (χ2 = 6.367, df = 4, p=0.173). Similarly, there was not statistically significant association between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the type of toilet among the study population (χ2 = 1.128, df = 2, p=0.569).Keywords: Children, Cryptosporidium, Gastroenteritis, Oocysts, Prevalence, Zari

The Implications of Executive-Legislative Conflicts on Good Governance in Nigeria

The legislature and executive are two very important political institutions in presidential democratic regimes and they have a very critical task to play in promoting good governance. The achievement of this task however is dependent on whether the relationship that exists between these institutions is constructive or conflictive. In Nigeria’s Fourth Republic for example, the relationship between the executive and legislature has been characterised more by dysfunctional conflicts which often deadlocks the policy making and implementation process, ultimately inhibiting good governance. More worrisome is the fact that even after thirteen years of democratisation in Nigeria, the political players have refused to wean themselves off from the culture of impunity and flagrant disregard to the rule of law, which are the twin evil introduced into the country’s body politics by the military. These factors and others have remained the triggers of political conflicts in Nigeria especially between the executive and legislative arms of government. This study therefore carried out an incisive analysis of the implications of executive-legislative conflicts on good governance in Nigeria and it clearly found out that executive-legislative conflicts have profound negative and positive impacts on good governance in the country. The research methodology adopted in this study is both descriptive and analytical. In conclusion, the study recommends that both the executive and legislature should respect and strictly adhere to the tenets of the principles of separation of powers so as to avoid frictions that could be counter-productive to the discharge of their constitutional duties, while embracing dialogue in resolving their differences. It is also imperative that both institutions should see themselves as complementary partners in the administration of the Nigerian state and as such synergize in the policy making and implementation process with a view to promoting good governance in Nigeria. Key Words: Conflict, Executive, Legislature, Governance and Good Governance

Response of Onion (Allium cepa L.) to Irrigation Intervals and Plant Density in Zuru, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted during the dry seasons of 2006/07 and 2007/08 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the College of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The objective was to investigate the response of onion to irrigation interval and plant population density. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of four irrigation intervals (3, 6, 9 and 12 days) and five plant population densities (160,000, 200,000, 250,000, 350,000 and 500,000 plants/ha), corresponding to 25x25, 25x20, 20x20, 20x15 and 20x10 cm spacing respectively. The treatments were laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Irrigation interval was allocated to the main plots and population density to the sub plots. Results reveal that mean bulb diameter, mean cured bulb weight and onion yield in both trials and the combined analysis were significantly (p < 0.05) favoured by irrigation intervals at 3 and 6 days. Lower plant densities (160,000 and 200,000 plants/ha) increased both bulb diameter and cured bulb weight but decreased total yield. The result of the research concluded by recommending 6 days irrigation interval and plant population density of 500,000 plants/ha for maximum onion yield in the study area.Keywords: Onion, irrigation, population, Northern Guinea savanna, NigeriaNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19(2):241- 24

Isolation and Identification of Air Borne Fungal Spores and Fragments in Buildings Within Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria

- Indoor air contains a complex mixture of microorganisms, microorganism fragments, and by products such as molds, bacteria, endotoxins, mycotoxins, and volatile microbial organic compounds. Airborne fungi and bacteria can be toxic, allergenic and/or infectious. A research was conducted to determine the number and types of airborne fungal spores in Buildings of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria. Five (5) areas were chosen within the University for the Survey, these were student Hostel, Staff Quarters, Botanical garden, Microbiology laboratory and city campus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. . A total number of fifteen (15) petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar each were vertically placed in each sampler and exposed at end of each height and site for 10 and 20 minutes respectively. A total of thirteen (13) different fungal specie were identified namely; Aspergillus Niger, A. flavus, A fumigates, A. ustus, A. terreus, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Alterneria altenata, Rhizopus oryzae, R. stolonifer, Helminthosporum sp., Penicillum candidum and Absedia corymbifera. Aspergillus Niger had the highest frequency of occurrence of (14.9%), Helminthosporus species had the least frequency of occurrence of (1.5%). Conclusively it was observed that the concentration of fungal spores was high in the upper surface than the ground level at the time of the survey

Teachers’ Perceptions and Undergraduate Students’ Experience in E-Exam in Higher Institution in Nigeria

This study was conducted to explore teachers’ perceptions, and students’ experiences in e-Examination in University of Maiduguri. Questionnaires were distributed to 30 teachers and 50 students, and the 80 collated instruments were valid for data analysis, representing a response rate of 100%. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by some experts in the field. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed the data. The descriptive results indicated that teachers’ and students’ exposure and experiences to ICT was low. The findings further revealed that both the teachers and students agreed that e-Examination is important to them and more efforts should be gear toward improving its integrity. Furthermore, both the teachers and students agreed that e-Examination is not the true reflection of the students’ performance if used as the only way of measurement.From the findings of the study, it is recommended that courses such as computer supported learning, and  e-Examination process, should be introduced periodically for teachers and students’ exposure to the nature of e-Examination through practice and drill to improve teachers’ and students’ level of confidence and perceptions towards the use of e-Examination. Keywords: Teachers, Students, ICT, e-examination, higher education, institutio

Consumers Preference for Hotel Amenities and Willingness to Pay in Lagos

The paper investigated user demand and pricing determinants ofhotel facilities in Lagos. The main objective was to develop a model of these perceptions that will serve as a tool or framework for prospective investors and management staff of related investments. Using information obtained from personal interviews and structured questionnaires served on users of selected hotels in Lagos Island (Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki), Hedonic Model was developed with the aid of certain identified attributes. The findings revealed that security and safety attributes, location attributes, recreation and entertainment (including food and beverages), hospitality and basic attributes are some of the significant factors affecting demand and pricing of hotel in the study area. It is recommended that investors and managers should take into consideration attributes ofhotels in line with customers' value hierarchy when making investment decisions to realize optimum sustainability; and that hoteliers need to ensure that the qualities of these hotel attributes are maintained at an acceptable level by constantly reviewing customers' feedback.Keywords: Hedonic pricing; Hotels; Lagos Island; Pricing; Users demand

MAPPING SCHOOLS FOR INCLUSIVITY IN IFE CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

The investigation created data sets using administrative boundaries and road networks in Ife Central Local Government area of Osun State, Nigeria. The study also mapped spatial distribution of primary schools in the study area and determined its primary school enrolments. The geo-database was also linked while a spatial decision support system for educational planning purposes in Ife Central LGA. These were with a view to ascertain the importance of GIS technologies in school mapping. The study gathered through field work using the Global Positional System (GPS) tool to collect the coordinate positions of the primary schools while oral interviews were held with 10 head teachers (N=31) or their proxies. The data so gathered were incorporated into the Geographic Information System (GIS) environment for analysis of water body in the study area while direct estimation of schools’ enrolments, number of classrooms, number of teachers and their qualifications using survey approach. Results indicated the existence of 276 classrooms, 4677 pupils and 416 teachers in the 31 public primary schools located in little ‘water body’ areas; and major roads concentrated towards the southern part of the LGA. Most of the primary schools are located in the south (4.25 to 7.235 degrees) while the northern part of the study area had only four primary schools (7.237-7.350 degrees). The enrolment range of primary schools in the south was 259 to 600 pupils much more than enrolment range in the northern part (30 to 144). Results also showed the existence of a range of two classrooms (L.A. Middle School in Iremo Ward 1) to 22 classrooms at Baptist Elementary School in Ilare Ward 4 in the study area. The teachers possessed both Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) which is described as ‘highly qualified middle level manpower in the National Policy of Education’ (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2013) and Bachelor degrees. The study recommended, among many other steps, a better spread of the schools towards the northern part in order to reduce the distance of schools thus complying with United Nations Children Fund two kilometres distance from homes in the study area; the need to build more classrooms in the northern part and thus divert some resources from the south to the northern part of the study area particularly in the urban slums; and thus, disaggregating crowded settlement in the south. The study concluded that the GIS technology was capable of engendering inclusivity and efficiency in the management of schools’ establishment. Article visualizations

Detection of Symmetries in Cattle Skulls

A sample of adult individuals from two ethnological groups (“European” n=36 and “African” n=10) that exhibited a normal craniofacial phenotype on their dorsal aspect was studied by means of geometric morphometric methods. Eleven landmarks were selected, corresponding to the neurocranium and viscerocranium. Both fluctuating as directional asymmetries were detected. The latter accounted for the largest proportion of the total variation, causing the main variation in symmetric shape, the former being higher in Kuri cattle. Detected fluctuating asymmetries could indicate an overall poor quality or general low health condition of individuals, due to the harder conditions (climatic, tropical) in which Kuri breed must thrive. Detected directional asymmetry, on the other side, could reflect just a mere functional lateralization of Bos taurus, as it has been established for other domestic animals