Assessment of National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) Curriculum on Implementation of Qur'anic Memorization in North-West, Nigeria

This study assessed the relationship between availability of resources and the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content of NBAIS in North West, Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to: find out the availability of learning resources and the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content of NBAIS in senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools; examine the availability of Qur’anic teachers used in the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content in senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools. Two research questions and hypotheses in line with the objectives guided the study. The study was survey design. The instruments were validated by the experts. Mann Whitney u test was used to test the hypotheses. The finding revealed that: there was a significant difference between the availability of learning resources in senior Tahfeez and Islamic secondary schools and that of senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools in the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content. There was no significant difference between the availability of teachers in senior Tahfeez and Islamic secondary schools and that of Senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools in the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content. The study concludes among others that; available Qur’anic memorization teachers must be provided for effective implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content more especially in senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools. The study recommended among others that; there is need for to providing more human and material resources especially in senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools, for qualitative Qur’anic memorizers in the schools

Survey of Trace Elements and Some Heavy Metals in Goats in Zaria and its Environs, Kaduna State

The aim of this study was to determine the trace minerals in the serum of goats in Zaria and its environs, and to find out the levels of lead and cadmium in the serum of these goats, so as to see if they can serve as biomonitors of pollution. A total of 120 goats were sampled from eight different locations randomly and their serum assayed for trace elements, lead and cadmium using the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The values obtained were: lead 0.259 ± 0.470mg/L, cadmium 0.006 ± 0.004 mg/L, chromium 0.072 ± 0.064 mg/L, copper 0.089 ± 0.060 mg/L, iron 0.229 ± 0.180 mg/L, zinc 0.256 ± 0.266 mg/L, nickel 0.127 ± 0.086 mg/L, cobalt 0.135 ± 0.095 mg/L, manganese 0.042 ± 0.031 mg/L. Lead was above acceptable levels, cadmium was at acceptable levels, zinc, copper, iron and nickel were deficient, chromium was marginally deficient, while cobalt and manganese were normal. The effects of breed, sex, age and locations were generally not significant. The values obtained from lead is of public health significance, since these goats are sources of food to people in the immediate environment, and also this implies that people in the immediate environment are also exposed to the same sources of lead. There should be regular seromonitoring of blood lead levels in man and animals, and farmers should be enlightened on the need to augment the feeding of their animal with mineral supplements.Key words: Heavy metal; trace element; goat; lead; seromonitoring

In-Vitro Anthelmintic Efficacy Of Crude Aqueous Extracts Of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Leaf, Stem And Root On Nematode

The anthelmintic efficacy of the aqueous extracts o neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and stem and root barks against the hatching of eggs and the survival of larvae of nematode parasites of small ruminants were studied. The results of the in vitro egg hatch assay showed that the aqueous extracts of the leaf and stem bark produced significant anthelmintic effect through reduction in nematode egg hatch. The reduction in egg hatch was concentration dependent being highest (51 % and 50 % for the leaf and stem bark extracts respectively) at the highest concentration (100 mg/ml) of the extracts but inferior to those produced by albendazoe (100 % at 40 mg/ml). Aqueous extracts of the leaf and root bark produced significant reduction in larval survival within 60 minutes at ambienttemperature (30 – 35 ºC). Larval death was similar in both extracts and concentration dependent, increasing with increasing concentration of the leaf and root bark extracts. The reduction in larval survival due to the extracts was similar to that produced by albendazole. In general, the aqueous extract of neem leaf was more efficacious in limiting nematode larvae survival and in-vitro egg hatch. The results confirm the folkloric claims that neem has anthelmintic effect and thus suggest its possible usefulness as an anthelmintic. Keywords: Anthelmintic efficacy, Aqueous extract, Leaf, Stem, Root, Bark, Azadirachta indicaAnimal Research International Vol. 3 (3) 2006 pp. 549-55

Unlocking Rural and Remote Coverage with Small Cells and Satellite

According to the Global System for Mobile Alliance (GSMA), in 2017, there were around 3.3 billion people connected to the mobile Internet. This represented an upward surge in global coverage compared to previous years. However, more than one billion people are still not covered by mobile broadband networks, representing what is termed “the coverage gap”. Uncovered populations typically live in rural locations with low population densities, low per-capita income levels and weak or non-existent enabling infrastructure, and thus, closing the mobile coverage gap seems to be more of an economic challenge, than a pure technical one. This paper presents an overview of the need for rural and remote coverage, both from an operator and consumer as well as government perspective. It then presents the major challenges, and necessary actions to be taken by industry, Government and other stake-holders to drive rural and remote coverage by significantly lowering the cost of network roll-out and increase incentives for such deployments. The paper therefore, presents a technical and business case for the use of “Small Cells” in conjunction with satellites with a view to opening up huge markets via collaboration between the mobile operators and satellite system owners, while offering significant improvements in the coverage and capacity needs of remote, rural or underserved end-users in a cost-effective and scalable manner. Detailed insights to these two technologies are presented, including the innovations to overcome technical and regulatory challenges. Lastly, some real-life deployments are given and the paper concludes with some recommendations for Government and network operators presente

A synopsis on the effects of anthropogenic greenhouse gases emissions from power generation and energy consumption

Despite the looming difficult energy context in the majority of countries in the world, global change in environmental dignity resulting from power generation and energy consumption scenario is rapidly becoming a globally disturbing phenomenon. Stakeholders and environmental activists alike have been clamouring for adoption of reduction procedures using sustainable means because ignominious environmental practices have associated disastrous consequences. Increasing essential strategies are needed to fortify the pursuit for the reduction in the emissions from power generation and energy consumption. Therefore, this article presents an overview of the effects of anthropogenic energy generation and consumption practices capable of ejecting emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It also endeavors to identify some greenhouse gas emission reduction and control measures

Pre-weaning growth of lambs under village management system in Konni Local Government Area of Tahoua State in Niger Republic

This study evaluated the pre-weaning growth performance of a total of 144 lambs from 118 dams selected purposively from cooperating farmers’ flocks in Gabastawa and Gumbi villages in Konni Local Government Area of Tahoua State in Niger Republic. Body weight of the lambs was assessed weekly, using the hanging type weight-balance, for a period of 12 weeks. Prior to the weekly weighing, each of the lambs was identified, using plastic number tags, on the bases of breed, sex, birth type, location of flock, nutritional status and parity of dam which were recorded on the lambs’ record card. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS software package (SPSS, 1995); and student's t-­‐test as well as Duncan’s new multiple range tests were used for mean separations. Results of the study revealed that mean bodyweight of lambs increased from 2.56±0.75 kg at one week after birth to 10.25±1.80 kg at 12 weeks after birth. Mean body weight gain of the lambs was 641 g week-­‐1 (or 91.5 g day-­­‐1). The lambs’ pre-­‐weaning body weight changes produced a linear regression equation; Y = 0.598x + 3.518; and R2 = 93%. Of the various factors considered, only nutritional status of dam showed significant (P < 0.05) effect on the lambs’ pre-weaning body weights. Lambs from dams that had adequate nutrition weighed significantly (P < 0.05) heavier from week 2 (5.99±2.5 kg) to week 12 (13.14±2.2 kg); followed by those lambs from dams that had moderately adequate nutrition from week 6 to 12 and than those from the dams that had inadequate nutrition from week 2 (3.55±1.9 kg) to week 12 (8.83±2.0). It can be concluded that the pre-weaning growth performance of lambs in this study was comparable to those obtained under on-­‐stationand the results underscore the importance of adequate nutrition as a major factor that influences lambs pre-­‐weaning growth performance under the village production system. Hence, adequate nutrition of dams should be ensured to improve the pre-weaning growth of the lambs and overall productivity of sheep in the study area.Key words: Pre-weaning growth, Lambs, Traditional management system, Niger Republi

Coverage of hospital-based cataract surgery and barriers to the uptake of surgery among cataract blind persons in nigeria: the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey.

PURPOSE: To determine cataract surgical coverage, and barriers to modern cataract surgery in Nigeria. METHODS: Multistage stratified cluster random sampling was used to identify a nationally representative sample of 15,027 persons aged 40+ years. All underwent visual acuity testing, frequency doubling technology visual field testing, autorefraction, and measurement of best corrected vision if <6/12 in one or both eyes. An ophthalmologist examined the anterior segment and fundus through an undilated pupil for all participants. Participants were examined by a second ophthalmologist using a slit lamp and dilated fundus examination using a 90 diopter condensing lens if vision was <6/12 in one or both eyes, there were optic disc changes suggestive of glaucoma, and 1 in 7 participants regardless of findings. All those who had undergone cataract surgery were asked where and when this had taken place. Individuals who were severely visually impaired or blind from unoperated cataract were asked to explain why they had not undergone surgery. RESULTS: A total of 13,591 participants were examined (response rate 89.9%). Prevalence of cataract surgery was 1.6% (95% confidence interval 1.4-1.8), significantly higher among those aged ≥70 years. Cataract surgical coverage (persons) in Nigeria was 38.3%. Coverage was 1.7 times higher among males than females. Coverage was only 9.1% among women in the South-South geopolitical zone. Over one third of those who were cataract blind said they could not afford surgery (36%). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgical coverage in Nigeria was among the lowest in the world. Urgent initiatives are necessary to improve surgical output and access to surgery

Biosynthesis, characterization and antimicrobial study of silver nanoparticles (agNPs)

In this paper, biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Syzygium guineenses stem extract with 1mM, 2mM and 3mM AgNO3 concentrations has been presented. The plant extract was prepared with distilled water. The characterization and morphological composition of the synthesized AgNPs were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy and SEM respectively, while FTIR analysis was performed to identify the presence of the possible functional groups in the synthesized nano particles. It was observed from the UV and SEM analyses that the particles formed have diameters in the range of 23.5nm - 89.3nm, which is the range of nanoparticle size. Antibacterial test was carried out on the sample with six pathogenic microbes (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococus aureas, Vancomycin Resistant Entrococci, Staphylococcus aureas, Bacillus sublitis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) to ascertain the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized AgNPs. Both the characterization and antimicrobial activity test were very successful and could lead to significant economic viability, as well as being environmentally friendly for treatment of some infectious diseases.Keywords: Syzygium guineenses, Green Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Optoelectronics, Biomedical Sensor

Response of Broiler Birds to Choline Chloride in Semi Arid Sokoto, Nigeria

A study was carried out to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler birds fed with varying level of choline inclusion in their diets; T1 (control), T2 (10g/10kg) and T3 (20g/10kg). A total of 225 marshall broiler chicks were randomly divided into three (3) treatment group of 75 birds each. Each group was divided into five (5) replicates of fifteen (15) birds each laid in a completely randomized design. Feed and water was supplied ad-libitum and the experiment lasted for 49 days. The total feed intake (1316.75-14442.18) (24437.13-31999.76) for starter and finisher respectively, body weight gain (6227.30-8241.20) (10956.64-14182.96) for starter and finisher respectively, feed conversion ratio (1.73-2.26) (2.21-2.48) for starter and finisher respectively. Many (thigh, wings, back) of the carcass parameters measured were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the treatments but significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in drum stick, breast and neck.  However, significant difference (p<0.05) was also observed in gizzard, liver and bile, heart, lungs, legs and head. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in primal cuts per live weight, primal cuts per dressed weight, organs per live weight and organs per dressed weight. In view of the results obtained, it can be concluded that treatment two (10g/10kg) performed better in terms of total body weight (TBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also in the carcass characteristics, treatment two performed better in terms of breast yield, drumstick, percentage of primal cuts from live weight (P/LW) and percentage of primal cuts from dressed weight

YIELD AND YIELD CHARACTERS OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench )VARIETIES AS INFLUENCED BY IRRIGATION INTERVAL AND PLANT DENSITY AT KADAWA IN THE SUDAN SAVANNAH

A two-years field experiment was conducted during 2008 and 2009 dry seasons at Irrigation ResearchStation Kadawa in the Sudan savannah to study the yield and yield characters of sorghum (Sorghumbicolor L. Moench) varieties as influenced by irrigation intervals and plant densities. The treatmentsconsisted of factorial combination of three sorghum varieties (KSV-4, KL-2 and NR 71168), three irrigationintervals (7, 14 and 21 days) and three plant densities (66,666, 53,333 and 44,444 ha-1). Splitplot design was used in the experiment and replicated three times with irrigation interval and varietyassigned to main plots and plant density allocated to the sub plots. The sub plots size was 4m x 3m(12m2), while the net plot was 6m2. Significantly longer panicles were found in KSV4 and KL-2 at 14days interval in 2008 and at 21 days interval in 2009. Higher grain weight per panicle was recorded inNR 71168 at 21 days irrigation interval in both years. NR 71168 variety out yielded other two varietiesin both years when irrigation interval was extended from 7 to 14 days. No significant response wasrecorded due to varying plant densities although, 66,666 gave higher grains output compared to otherplant densities studied. From this study it is concluded that NR 71168 variety at 14 days irrigation intervaland 66,666 ha-1 plant density under irrigation could be used at Kadawa in the Sudan savannahagro ecological zone of Nigeria