Analysis of Strategies Used By Lecturers in Teaching Agricultural Education in Higher Institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the teaching strategies used by lecturers in teaching agricultural education in higher institutions in Rivers State. The specific objectives focused on the demographic characteristics of the lecturers, conventional teaching strategies used by lecturers, contemporary teaching strategies used and the challenges of the teaching strategies in agricultural education. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample size for the study was forty lecturers. Data was collected using a well structured questionnaire designed in four-point rating scale of agreement. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation with acceptance mean score of  ≥ 2.50. T-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05% level of significance. The study revealed that majority of the respondents agreed that discussion, demonstration, problem-solving, project and lecture strategies respectively were some of the most outstanding conventional strategies used in teaching agricultural education courses. The study also revealed that the contemporary strategies used included E-learning, video conference, power point presentation, internet, digital presentation and computer. Lack of relevant materials, lack of farm tools, lack of demonstration farm among others were some of the challenges of teaching strategies in agricultural education in higher institutions in Rivers State. The result revealed that the three hypotheses were all accepted. Meaning that there is no difference in the response of RSUST lecturers and that of FCET lecturers on the concept.  The study therefore recommends that adequate and appropriate teaching strategies should be used at all times by the lecturers to allow practical involvement by students for effective teaching and learning process. Keywords: Teaching strategies; Agricultural education; Analysis and Lecturer

Lipid Profile and Haematological Indices of Wistar Albino Rats fed Riped, Unripe and Artificially Riped Mangifera indica (Mango) Pulp Formulated Diets

Lipid profile and haematological indices of Wistar albino rats fed naturally riped, unripe and artificially riped mango pulp formulated diets were investigated. Artificially riped mangoes were obtained by wrapping with dark polyethylene bag and others by treatment with calcium carbide and hot water. After inducing ripening, the mango samples were air-dried, ground and used to formulate the 10%, 20%, 30% diets fed to rats for 28 days. Results obtained indicated that at 10% level of incorporation, there was no significant difference in high density lipoprotein concentration in all the groups which ranged from 69.5±3.29mg/dl in calcium carbide group to 72.4±0.87mg/dl in the control group. At 20% and 30% levels of incorporation no significant difference in high density lipoprotein was obtained between the controls, unripe the polybag and hot water riped groups but each was significantly higher than values obtained for calcium carbide group. At 10% level of incorporation low density lipoprotein was highest in polybag group (88.60±5.95mg/dl) followed by calcium carbide group (88.67±5.95mg/dl) but was lowest in the control group (78.37±3.75mg/dl), whereas at 20% and 30% levels of incorporation, no consistent pattern was observed. At 10, 20 and 30% levels of incorporation ofsamples into the formulated diets, White blood cell count increased while Red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration decreased in the artificially riped groups compared to the control. Generally, the values of lipid parameters and haematological indices suggest that artificial ripening especially by the use of carbide may not be a good candidate in the ripening of mango fruits

Quality Assessment of Surface and Groundwater Sources in Lugbe, Abuja, North-Central Nigeria

Lugbe is one of the satellite towns in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It is situated between latitudes 08º55´N to 09º00´N and longitudes 07º19´E to 07º26´E covering an area of about 50 km2.  The area is underlain by crystalline rocks of Precambrian age mainly the older granite and the Migmatite-gneiss. Groundwater and surface water samples were collected and analyzed for their physical, chemical and microbial parameters. Results of the analyses indicate that the physical parameters falls within the acceptable limit except pH which ranged from 5.8 and 6.9 indicating slightly acidic environment. Concentrations of the chemical parameters analyzed are within the permissible limits except copper and lead whose concentration in few locations where found to be higher than the WHO and NSDWQ recommended limits for safe drinking water. The water is poor bacteriologically as total coliform and E.coli were determined in both the surface and groundwater samples which is an indication of faecal contamination. The dominant water type from Piper diagram and Schoeller plot is Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4. Due the poor quality of surface and groundwater sources in Lugbe, treatment of the water before domestic usage is recommended. The observed anomalies in the water sources are finger-prints of anthropogenic contamination due to upsurge in population and urbanization without proper sanitary measures as well as rock-water interaction mechanism. Keyword: Quality Assessment, Surface water, Groundwater, Lugbe, Abuja, North-Central Nigeri

Development And Evaluation Of Complementary Foods Based On Soyabean, Sorghum And Sweet Potatoes Flours Blends

Introduction:The study evaluated the nutrient, antinutrient and sensory properties of complementary food (gruels) based on fermented soyabean, sorghum and sweet potatoes flour blends. Methodology: The soyabean, sorghum and sweet potatoes were subjected to different fermentation periods, 24, 48 and 72hr. The unfermented flour samples served as the control, the fermented flour were used to prepare gruels. The chemical and sensory properties of the gruels were analyze using the standard assay method. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the mean and standard deviation. Result: Based on the result, there was increase in the protein content of the gruel made from the 48hr fermented flours relative to the control (46.78 to 56.15%). There were decreases in the fat content of the gruel on the 24 and 72hr fermentation period when compared with the control (14.01 to 5.55 and 6.98%) respectively. Relative to the control fermentation increase the ash and fiber level at 72hr period (2.01 to 4.94) and 1.64 to 3.25) the carbohydrate content was increased on the 24hr fermentation period respectively. The tannin and phytate levels were drastically reduced due to fermentation. The gruels based on 48 and 72hr fermented composites were much more acceptable when compared with the 2hr and the control. As judged by the results, fermentation improved the nutrient composition of the gruels. Conclusion: These gruels can serve as a good complementary food that can substitute the popular maize gruel (pap) which is the commonly available complementary food especially in rural areas. Keywords:Development, Evaluation, Complementary Foods,Soyabean-Sorghum-Sweet Potatoes, Flours Blend

Geotechnical and Geochemical Properties of Lateritic Profile on Migmatite-Gneiss along Ogbomosho-Ilorin Highway, Southwestern Nigeria

Lateritic soils are very important in the construction industries and activities as construction material and foundation support for engineering structures in the tropical regions. This research tends to focus on the influence of position of horizon within the laterite soil profile and the resultant geotechnical and geochemical properties of soils developed over migmatite gneiss rock and also examine their suitability as construction and /or foundation material. A total of twenty three (23) soil samples and two rock samples were obtained from 8 different locations along Ogbomosho – Ilorin Highway, Southwestern Nigeria and considered under this study. The area is underlain by Basement Complex rock and migmatite gneiss is the most widely spread rock type. The laboratory test carried out includes specific gravity, grain size analysis, Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index and linear shrinkage), Standard proctor test, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Shear test. Geochemical analysis for major oxides and thin sectioning of rocks for petrological analysis was also carried out. The oxides are SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O, TiO2, CaO and MnO while SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 constitute about 70-80 % of the soils chemical composition. Petrology reveal strongly foliated rock that composed of mafic mineral such as biotite, hornblende, and felsic mineral consisting of quartz and feldspar. Quartz, biotite and feldspar constitute about 77% of the minerals with quartz having 40% of the total mineral composition. The position of the horizon within the soil profile was found to have varying influence on the plasticity, moisture density relationship, CBR, and shear strength. This study showed that the influence of the parent rock on engineering properties and the position of the horizon within the lateritic profile determine the engineering properties and behaviour of residual soils. Keywords: Assessment, Laterite Soil, Migmatite-gneiss, Ogbomosho-Ilorin Highway, Southwestern Nigeri

Soluble transferrin receptor levels among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is one of the medical problems that affect pregnant women in developing countries. It contributes considerably to the morbidity and mortality in pregnancy especially in areas where malaria is endemic. The concentration of soluble transferrin receptor is a reflection of body iron status. It is therefore, a valuable tool for assessing bone marrow erythropoetic activity and can also be a marker of iron deficiency.Methods: This study evaluated the levels of soluble transferrin receptor in pregnant subjects. A total of 275 pregnant subjects of age 20 to 45 years and 88 age-matched apparently healthy control subjects were involved in this study. Individuals who had severe anaemia, HIV infection, sickle cell disease or Hookworm infestation were excluded from this study. Five millilitres (5ml) of blood were collected from each consenting subject for the analysis of soluble transferrin receptor, haematological parameters and iron parameters using appropriate methods.Results: The mean value of parameters for the study subjects were sTfR( 21.16±9.11 nmol/L), Hb(9.05±1.22 g/dl), TIBC(332.61±80.87 µg/dl), Serum Iron(97.91±39.44 µg/dl), LIBC(239.36±80.52 µg/dl), TS(30.24±11.00 %) while for control subjects were sTfR(18.21±3.77 nmol/L), Hb(12.19±0.66 g/dl), TIBC(261.94±52.49µg/dl), Serum Iron(107.10±34.77 µg/dl), LIBC(155.52±61.25 µg/dl), TS(42.81±18.03 %). The mean sTfR levels in pregnant women was significantly lower (p<0.001) than in control subjects. The pregnant women also had significantly lower values of Hb (p<0.001), serum iron (p=0.038) and TS( p<0.001) values, and significantly higher values of TIBC(p<0.0001) and LIBC(p<0.0001). There were also increases in soluble transferrin receptor levels from first to third trimesters. The sensitivity of sTfR as against Serum iron parameters from this study was 76% while the specificity was 50%. The positive predictive value was 60% while the negative predictive value was 50%.Conclusions: sTfR may be a useful supplementary diagnostic tool in the management of anaemia in pregnancy

Effects of pharmaceutical effluents on germination, growth and development of Amaranthus hybridus L

The growth and development of Amaranthus hybridus polluted with pharmaceutical effluents were studied. Preliminary experiments were carried out in the Laboratory and Screen house with Paracetamol (P) and Amoxicillin (B) effluents. Distilled water served as the control. Media utilized for the main experiment was remediated with poultry manure and compost from Delonix regia leaves. Results from the preliminary experiments in the laboratory showed that seedlings germinated on effluent P had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher shoot length, root length and percentage germination. Results from screen house experiments showed yellowed, stunted seedlings for the polluted treatments at week 3; control had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) the highest leaf area, shoot and root lengths. Seedlings grown on effluent P had the lowest growth parameters. In the experiment with remediated soil, both polluted and unpolluted plants showed morphological similarities. T3 (Soil + Poultry manure + effluent B) recorded the highest mean fresh weight of leaves, stem and root at week 7. T2 (Soil + Poultry + effluent P) recorded the highest mean leaf area, plant height, stem girth and root circumference at week 10. A. hybridus adapted to and utilized pharmaceutical pollutants better while under natural attenuation (outdoor, with access to unsterilized soil and direct sunlight). These findings suggest caution in the use of effluents in agricultural practices

Occurrence of Fluoride and some Heavy Metals in Groundwater from Shallow Aquifers Near Ogbomosho, North-central Nigeria

Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources that when contaminated by either natural or anthropogenic means is difficult and expensive to clean-up. Fluorosis is a disease affecting the bone and teeth of humans due to excessive intake of fluoride either through water or food. Heavy metal pollution is a burning environmental issue due their toxic, persistent and bio-accumulative nature. The present study evaluates the presence of fluoride and some heavy metals in groundwater from shallow aquifers around Ogbomosho, north-central Nigeria and the result of investigation confirmed their enrichment. The fluoride concentration ranged between 1.35mg/l to 2.75mg/l with a mean value of 2.18mg/l as against the recommended value of 1.50mg/l. This is an indication that continuous use of water from this area may result to colouration of the teeth and deformation of the bone among the people especially children since they are the most vulnerable. High fluoride content in groundwater can be attributed to the continuous water-rock interaction during the process of percolation with fluoride-bearing country rocks under arid, low precipitation, and high evapotranspiration conditions. The study has established that the fluoride-rich groundwater as well as heavy metal contamination in the area may have emanated from geochemical processes of dissolution and weathering of the granite aquifers in the area. The heavy metal enrichment is in the order of: Ni &gt; Mn &gt; Cr &gt; Cd &gt; Fe &gt; Cu &gt; Zn. These findings suggest that the enrichment of the groundwater system is geogenic and related to the local geology of the area. It is recommended that people living in the coarse grained porphyritic biotite granite dominated area should discontinue the use of groundwater for domestic and drinking purposes in order not to experience fluorosis in future. Environmentally friendly techniques such as phyto-remediation and bio-remediation should be employed to monitor and control fluoride and heavy metal content in the groundwater system. Keywords: Groundwater Quality, Fluorosis, Heavy metals contamination, Shallow Aquifers Ogbomosho and North-central Nigeri

The Influence of Thyroid Hormones on Gamma Immunoglobulin Density (Ig-Gp) and Apgar Score

Observations over the years, particularly in the labour rooms of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), and TANDAM Medical Centre, Jos, Plateau, Nigeria, indicates that several neonates respond differently to these parameters. However, the experience of four mothers who had protracted labour and neonates with weak cry and low muscle tone, prompted this present investigation. Ex-vivo placenta, maternal and cord blood of twenty deliveries (10 primipara and ten multipara; five of which were by elective caesarean section) were assayed for thyroid hormone in maternal serum and IgGp in maternal and cord sera; while the APGAR scores of the neonates were as well, documented. Results showed that the mean immunoglobulin G population (IgGp) or density of neonates compared with that of their euthyriod mothers though higher in neonates was not statistically significant (P&gt; 0.05). It was however significant (p &lt; 0.01) between neonates and their hypothyroid mothers. APGAR score of the neonates of the euthyroid mothers were higher (p &lt; 0.05) than those hypothyroid mothers who also bled for longer periods postpartum. It is our opinion that there could perhaps be an insight into the cause of such agonizing deliveries and to that effect, we recommended possible interventions.Keywords: Euthyroidism, hypothyroidism, APGAR score, Gamma Immunoglobulin (IgG