GEOCHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL COMPOSITION OF ISHARA SANDSTONE DEPOSIT, SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA.

A total number of eleven [11] sandstone samples were collected at Ishara Remo in Ogun state in order to classify the deposit of the Ise Formation asexposed in this area on the bases of its chemical and mineralogical make-up. Out of these, nine [9] samples were selected for both geochemical andpetrographic studies. Relative concentration of the major oxide groups – silica and alumina alkali oxides, iron oxide and magnesia has been used to classify the deposit. The result of the geochemical analysis on the selected samples shows that the classification agrees with parameters of log SiO2 / Al2O3 < 1.5and either of log K2O / Na2O or log FeTO3+ MgO /Na2O = 0. On the basis of these, the sandstone could be classified as sub-greywacke or rather low rank greywacke. The ratio of the alkali [Na2O / K2O] > 0 also shows that the sandstone deposit is immature. Moreover, quartz, feldspar and rock fragments were microscopically identified with quartz constituting less than 90% of the total mineral constituent, while feldspar constitutes less than 25% and rock fragments make up more than 15%. On the basis of this also, the deposit can equally be classified as greywacke

Drivers of Agricultural Productivity in Agriculture-Based Economy

Stagnation in agricultural productivity, especially in an economy with fast and persistently growing population, would compromise food security. This study examined the factors influencing agricultural productivity in an agriculture-based economy. The study used a 35-year period (1980 – 2014) panel data focusing on Agricultural Productivity (AP), Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Government Agricultural Expenditure (EXP), Agricultural Trade Barrier (ATB), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Farm Machinery (MACH), Fertilizer Consumption (FERT), Human Capital (HCAP) and Irrigation (IRRG). Data were analyzed using Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique. The IRF revealed that there was a positive and stable response of GDP to shocks in AP in agriculture-based economy. Panel Least Squares revealed that consumer price index (p\u3c0.01), irrigation (p\u3c0.01) and machinery (p\u3c0.01) increased AP in agriculture-based economy. However, FERT decreased (p\u3c0.01) AP in agriculture-based economy. The study concluded that AP will grow in agriculture-based economy with an expansion in irrigation application, farm machinery and appropriate use of fertilizer. Therefore, improved irrigation infrastructure and farm machinery that will enhance smallholder farmer’s capacity for all-season cropping and appropriate application of fertilizer should be encouraged for increased agricultural productivity in agriculture-based economy

Drivers of Agricultural Productivity in Agriculture-Based Economy

Stagnation in agricultural productivity, especially in an economy with fast and persistently growing population, would compromise food security. This study examined the factors influencing agricultural productivity in an agriculture-based economy. The study used a 35-year period (1980 – 2014) panel data focusing on Agricultural Productivity (AP), Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Government Agricultural Expenditure (EXP), Agricultural Trade Barrier (ATB), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Farm Machinery (MACH), Fertilizer Consumption (FERT), Human Capital (HCAP) and Irrigation (IRRG). Data were analyzed using Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique. The IRF revealed that there was a positive and stable response of GDP to shocks in AP in agriculture-based economy. Panel Least Squares revealed that consumer price index (p\u3c0.01), irrigation (p\u3c0.01) and machinery (p\u3c0.01) increased AP in agriculture-based economy. However, FERT decreased (p\u3c0.01) AP in agriculture-based economy. The study concluded that AP will grow in agriculture-based economy with an expansion in irrigation application, farm machinery and appropriate use of fertilizer. Therefore, improved irrigation infrastructure and farm machinery that will enhance smallholder farmer’s capacity for all-season cropping and appropriate application of fertilizer should be encouraged for increased agricultural productivity in agriculture-based economy

Comparative evaluation of inhibitory activity of Epiphgram from albino and normal skinned giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) against selected bacteria isolates

A study was conducted on evaluation of inhibitory activity of epiphgram from albino and normal skinned giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata). After aestivation, epiphgram were collected from twenty snails (10, albino and 10 normal skinned). The epiphgram were washed, air dried and ground into powder form. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of epiphgram from both albino and normal skinned species were determined by standard broth micro-dilution method using four (4) clinical bacteria Isolates which include: Eschericia coli, Pasteurella species, Salmonella species and Staphylococcus aureus. Ciproflaxacin antibiotic was used as control. Result showed that epiphgram from both albino and normal skinned snails had higher microbial activity for both Eschericia coli and Salmonella species as shown by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC: 0.050 and 0.098 vs 0.098 and 0.049) compared to streptomycin (MIC: 78 and 1.95 vs 15.63 and 1.95) which is the control. However, normal skinned epiphgram had higher antimicrobial activity considering the MIC values for Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella species. While MIC value recorded for Eschericia coli showed that albino snail epiphgram had higher antimicrobial activity in the elimination of this bacteria species better than the normal skinned. It can be concluded from this study that substance which eliminate bacteria especially the four bacteria isolates used in this study are present in the epiphgram of both normal and albino snails in varying proportion with the highest amount present in normal skinned snail’s epiphgram except for Eschericia coli.Keyword: Albino snail, Archachatina marginata, Inhibitory activity, Epiphgram, Bacteria isolat

Article size distribution and control on Bitumen saturation of some Tar Sand Deposits in parts of South-Western Nigeria

Sedimentological analysis of some Afowo oil sands was carried out with the aim of characterising the reservoirs vis-à-vis their bitumen saturation and recovery efficiencies. Fourty-four samples of tar sands of the Afowo formation (collected at three different localities namely; Idiobilayo, Idiopopo and Igbotako) were subjected to granulometric and petrological analyses to determine the particle size distribution as well as other textural characteristics. The bitumen saturation analysis was carried out with the use of toluene. The result of sedimentological and particle size distribution studies showed that the sands are medium grained, moderately sorted and mesokurtic. The grain morphology can be described as having low to high sphericity, with shapes generally sub-angular to sub-rounded indicating a fairly long period of transportation. The result of bitumen saturation analysis showed that both Idiobilayo and Idiopopo oil sands have an average oil saturation of 17.2% and 16.9% respectively, while Igbotako sands have an average oil saturation of 12.3%. Consequently, Idiobilayo and Idiopopo oil sands deposits are therefore expected to have better reservoir quantities and possibly good oil recovery efficiencies. Keywords: Article size, distribution, Bitumen, Tar Sand Deposits, South-western Nigeria.Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (3) 2008: pp. 307-31

INFLUENCE OF ILLNESS INTRUSIVENESS, NEUROTICISM AND DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AMONG HYPERTENSIVE AND DIABETIC PATIENTS

This cross-sectional survey investigated the influence of illness intrusiveness and personality on emotional distress in chronic medical conditions. Participants were 259 outpatient attendees of two General Hospitals in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria: 137 in treatment for hypertension and 122 in treatment for diabetes mellitus. A psychological battery, consisting of standardized measures of illness intrusiveness, personality (neuroticism), emotional distress and a socio-demographic prototype was used to collect data. Initial analyses indicated that the two samples (diabetic and hypertensive patients) were significantly high (and differentially so) on emotional distress illness (t = 3.04; p<.05), illness intrusiveness (t = 12.28; p<.001) and neuroticism (t = 2.61; p<.05). Furthermore, results indicated that a high level of illness intrusiveness and high neuroticism were indicative of more emotional distress in both diabetes {F(1,118)=5.44;P<.05} and hypertension {F(1,133)=78.40;P<.001}, with both differentially influencing emotional distress. It was strongly recommended that individuals experiencing chronic illness should be helped and encouraged to engage in hobbies and valued activities as much as possible in order to reduce their perceived illness intrusiveness. Psychological intervention should also be conducted for these individuals in order to reduce emotional distres

EVALUATION OF UDDER TRAITS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF (WAD) GOATS AND SHEEP IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Udder traits of extensively managed 229 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats and 143 three West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep in Southwestern Nigeria were evaluated and factors affecting them were determined. Traits evaluated were udder and teat morphometrics including udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder circumference (UC), distance between teats (DT), teat length (TL), teat width (TW) and teat circumference (TC). Udder and teat shapes and teat placement were also evaluated. In WAD goats, the average UL, UW, UC and DT were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by age, parity and physiological status (pregnancy and lactation status) but age alone significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced TL, TW and TC. In sheep, age, pregnancy and lactation status significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced TL and UC respectively. In both species, all udder and teat dimensions increased with age and parity while largest and smallest udder and teat dimensions were observed for lactating and non-lactating (dry) animals respectively. The average UL, UW, UC, DT, TL, TW and TC of WAD goats were 12.44 &plusmn; 0.15 cm, 8.81 &plusmn; 0.11 cm, 26.81 &plusmn; 0.32 cm, 8.27 &plusmn; 0.09 cm, 2.40 &plusmn; 0.02 cm, 1.22 &plusmn; 0.02 cm and 3.11 &plusmn; 0.03 cm respectively. The average UL, UW, UC, DT, TL, TW and TC of WAD sheep were 11.30 &plusmn; 0.15 cm, 8.78 &plusmn; 0.13 cm, 26.21 &plusmn; 0.36 cm, 9.02 &plusmn; 0.12 cm, 2.10 &plusmn; 0.02 cm, 1.19 &plusmn; 0.02 cm and 3.06 &plusmn; 0.03 cm respectively. It is evident that WAD goats had larger udder size than WAD sheep, thus, indicating greater milk production potentials. Udder shapes found in WAD goats and sheep were bowl, cylindrical and funnel with the latter not found in sheep. Bottle, cylindrical and funnel shaped teats were found in both species while vertical and oblique teat placements were recorded in both species. In both goats and sheep, bowl shaped udder was the most predominant with 57.20% and 83.92% occurrence respectively. Cylindrical shaped teat was most prevalent in both species with 64.43% and 83.91% occurrence respectively. Oblique (tilted) teat placement was the most frequent in both species with 77.73% and 95.10% occurrence respectively in goats.&nbsp;&nbsp; High positive significant (p&lt;0.05) phenotypic correlations were found between UL and UW (r = 0.68), UL and UC (r = 0.62), UL and DT (r = 0.42), UW and UC (r = 0.73), UW and DT (r = 0.59), UC and DT (r = 0.53). In sheep, high positive significant (p&lt;0.05) phenotypic correlations were also found between UL and UW (r = 0.74), UL and UC (r = 0.65), UL and DT (r = 0.53), UW and UC (r = 0.72), UW and DT (r = 0.65), UC and DT (r = 0.54). In essence, this could be a basis for selecting udder traits of WAD goats and sheep as an indirect response in multiple traits selection programme especially for milk production . &nbsp

Petrographical study of ewekoro carbonate rocks, in ibese, south western nigeria

Limestone deposits can be found in every system of the geologic column since the Precambrian. In classifying this rock, various attempts have been made and notable among them is the classification scheme based on three components: allochems, cements and matrix. Another classification divided limestoneonthe basis of texture into grainstone, packstone, mudstone, wackestone and boundstone. Texturally, limestone ranges from fine to coarse grained with aragonite and calcite as the most common minerals. This work was aimed at identifying and describing both the allochemical and orthochemical components of the limestone deposits in order to classify and deduce their depositional environment.Eight core samples of limestone deposits representing the Ewekoro Formation of the Dahomey Basin were studied petrographically.The result of the analysis carried out on the samples showed that the Ibese limestone is composed of the following allochems: sponges, echinoids, bivalves, coralline algae, and pelecypod which represent the skeletal content and intraclasts, pellets and ooids which represent the non skeletal grains. The orthochemical constituents include the carbonate mud matrix and the sparry calcite cement.These constituents observed from the slides indicate that the Ibese limestone belongs to the class of wackestone and could have been deposited in a quiet and low energy environment

Exogenous enzymes activities in the fore- and mid-gut of the African snail (Archarchatina marginata)

This study investigated the enzyme activities of two (2) microbial organisms in the fore- and mid- gut regions in the gastrointestinal tract, in Archarchatina marginata, a giant Land snail from the region of West Africa. Microbial analysis was conducted to verify the microbial organisms present in different parts of the snail gut while enzyme assay was performed to determine the type and level of enzyme activities taking place in the mouth and stomach regions. Results revealed the different bacteria inhabiting the regions of the alimentary tract in Archarchatina marginata. Azobacter chroococcum and Pseudomonas syringae, the two bacteria isolate that were further investigated, effectively digested starch, cellulose and casein. However, P. syringae exhibited the highest enzymatic activities for cellulase (8.72µmol/min/ml at 18h) and amylase (9.05 µmol/min/ml at 24h) while Azobacter chroococcum exhibited the highest enzymatic activity for protease (17.18 µmol/min/ml at 24h) during incubation. Consequently, the study validated amylolytic, cellulolytic and proteolytic bacterial activities within the digestive tract of A. marginata. This knowledge is informative for research and an aid to snail farmers in the choice of feeding materials for these land snails

COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF HAEMOCYTE FROM TWO SPECIES OF GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS (Archachatina marginata AND Achatina achatina)

A study was conducted to evaluate the presence and types of haemocytes inherent in haemolymph of two species of giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina). Haemolymph samples were obtained from three liveweight groups of snails (&lt; 100 g, 101-150 g and &gt;150 g) after removal of the first three whorls of the shell. Smears were made from thin layer of settled portion of the haemolymph after six hours. Staining was carried out after air drying at room temperature with MayGrünwald-Giemsa stain.  Four replicates per liveweight per species were used. Representative slides were selected after viewing under microscope. Dimensions of haemocytes identified were taken followed by photomicrograph. Results showed that four haemocyte types were present in the haemolymph of both species. Those haemocytes identified in Archachatina marginata had significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher dimensions than those found in Achatina achatina. Morphologically, the haemocytes were different in terms of shapes, nucleus position and cytoplasm types. It can therefore be concluded from this study that four circulating haemocytes types are present in both Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina. Furthermore, in terms of dimension, Archachatina marginata had higher values compared to Achatina achatina. Also, morphologically, those four haemocyte types are different from each other in both specie of giant African land snails.Â