Fungal resistance of obeche (Triplochiton Scleroxylon K. Schum) wood treated with neem (Azadirachta indica, A. Juss) seed oil extract

This study aimed to providing eco-friendly wood preservatives from neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil extract against wood decay fungi. Seed oil was extracted from the neem seed using soxhlet apparatus with N-hexane as the solvent. After extraction, the phytochemical screening of the oil was carried out. Sixty wood blocks of Triplochiton scleroxylon were treated with five different concentration levels (0 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, 75 mL and 100 mL) of the seed oil extract and the untreated wood samples served as the control. The wood blocks were exposed to Sclerotium rolfsii (brown rot fungus) and Pleurotus ostreatus (white rot fungus) for 16 weeks and their weight loss determined. The phytochemical screening of the oil revealed that alkaloids (2141.7 mg/100g), tannins (975.0 mg/100g), flavonoids (1418.3 mg/100g), terpenoids (826.7 mg/100g), saponins (43.3mg/100g) and steroids (218.3mg/100g) were present. There were significant differences in the weight loss at different concentration levels at p< 0.05. The control has the highest weight loss of 36.48% ±2.03 and 47.89% ±2.34 for Pleurotus ostreatus and Sclerotium rolfsii respectively while the lowest weight loss for white and brown rot was 8.23% ± 1.07 and 11.84% ± 1.24 for Pleurotus ostreatus and Sclerotium rolfsii respectively. From this study, it is established that Azadirachta indica seed oil extract is a potential bio-preservative against wood decay fungi.Keywords: Azadirachta indica, fungi, bio-deterioration, phytochemical screenin

Fagunwa in translation: aesthetic and ethics in the translation of African language literature

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Arts, 2016This study focuses on the aesthetics and ethics of translating African literature, using a case of two of D.O. Fagunwa’s Yoruba novels, namely; Igbo Olodumare (1949) translated by Wole Soyinka as In the Forest of Olodumare (2010) and Adiitu Olodumare (1961) translated by Olu Obafemi as The Mysteries of God (2012). More specifically, the overall aim of this study is to determine the positions of these target texts on the domestication and foreignization continuum. The study of these texts is carried out using a descriptive and systemic theoretical framework, based on Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS), Polysystem theory and the notion of norms of translational behaviour. The descriptive approach is extended by drawing on ideological and ethical approaches to translating postcolonial and marginalized literature. Lambert and Van Gorp’s model for the description of translation products is used in exploring the position of Fagunwa’s translated novels in the target literary system. A close comparative analysis of a number of extracts from the two target texts and their corresponding source texts is conducted in order to determine the approaches taken by both translators in their translation of the distinctive stylistic features of Fagunwa’s prose. Building on the work of Christopher Fotheringham (2015) in the field of stylistic analysis of translated African prose, this study describes and analyses the occurrence of shifts of formal literary features between these target texts and their corresponding source texts. This is done by employing Antoine Berman’s scheme of deforming tendencies and Anton Popovič’s scheme of stylistic shifts as the basis for the translational shift analysis.GR201

Quality assessment and potential utilization of high amylolytic Nigerian maize cultivars

This study was carried out to compare the qualities of two acclaimed Nigerian amylolytic maize cultivars; SPMAT and TZEE*TZEE-W*DEMARSCUS*TZEE-W with barley, red and white sorghum. Results obtained (P ≥ 0.05) showed marked differences in the properties of the two maize cultivars compared to barley, white and red sorghums. Suggestions on the application of these cultivars were discussed based on our findings

Managing the Ratcheting Risk in Target Setting in the Nigeria Financial Sector

Target setting and performance measurement are very crucial roles of the managers while harnessing the resources of the organization together to achieve its objectives.  Ratchet build-up is a risk and counter productive within organization system due to communication gaps among members hence, it must be well managed.  The study was a descriptive research which used the data obtained from 239 staff in the marketing departments of the 15 quoted banks operating in Lagos, Nigeria. It documented that communication with subordinates during target setting has insignificant impact on the expected performance (P- Value = 0.074 which is >0.05).  Also, bonus award, job rotation and performance measure have significant impact on the expected performance of the subordinates (P-value =.021, .000 and .003) respectively which is <0.05.  The study established that communication will encourage ratchet build-up when the workforce have the opportunity to discuss and share experiences among themselves to inter-temporal manage their output. However, it has its positive side when an active interaction with the subordinate is allowed. It helped the superior to determine the level of reliance to be placed on past performance of the subordinate to set new targets. Keywords: Ratchet, Performance measurement, Target setting, communication, job rotation

Plasma lipid profiles and risk of cardiovascular disease in occupational lead exposure in Abeokuta, Nigeria

In order to investigate the effects of lead exposure on risk of cardiovascular disease during occupational exposure to this metal, plasma cholesterol and its fractions as high-density liporotein (HDL), low-density liporotein (LDL) and triglyceride were determined in various artisans in Abeokuta, Nigeria who have been shown to be occupationally exposed to lead and these were related to blood lead levels. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease was observed in the artisans. Total cholesterol in the artisans was between 1.5 and 2.0 times higher in the artisans than that present in controls while LDL cholesterol was between 1.6 and 2.4 times higher in the artisans when compared with control subjects [p < 0.001]. HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not affected [p > 0.05]. A significant positive correlation was observed between blood lead and total cholesterol on one hand [r = 0.372; p = 3.0 × 10(-5)] and blood lead and LDL cholesterol on the other hand [r = 0.283; p = 0.001]. LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio was also higher in the artisans when compared with control. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and other anthropometric parameters were not significantly different between the artisans and the control subjects [p > 0.05]. Results suggest that lead exposure increases cholesterol synthesis and transport to peripheral tissues whereas reverse cholesterol transport to the liver is not affected

Fruits and vegetables moderate blood pressure, fibrinogen concentration and plasma viscosity in Nigerian hypertensives

Fruits and vegetables contain vital components such as potassium, antioxidants, vitamins and folic acid that might contribute to lowering blood pressure which is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disorders. However, the results of the few investigations on the correlation between intake of fruits and vegetables and cardiovascular disease have been inconsistent. Worse still, there is dearth of information on disease prevention with fruits and vegetables in Africans. Thus, we investigated the relative effect of fruits and vegetables on blood pressure, viscosity of blood and fibrinogen level. Ten weeks intervention study with ≥ 3 times daily consumption of fruits and vegetables by hypertensive patients was conducted. The fruits and vegetables included in the test diet were oranges, banana, pawpaw,  mango, pineapple, grape, tangerine, garden egg, okra, pumpkin leaf, spinach,  amaranthus and water leaf. The patients were allowed to consume the food servings while their eating habit was not restricted. Blood pressure, blood viscosity and plasma fibrinogen and nutrient intake were determined before and during  intervention. The complementary fruits and vegetables included in the normal dietary regimen of the patients during the 10 weeks study increased the levels of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants and dietary fiber significantly  compared to the baseline values (P&lt;0.01). The systolic and diastolic blood  pressure were significantly lowered; percentage differences of – 9.01 and –3.73 (P&lt;0.01) respectively were observed after 10 weeks. Percentage differences of –6.02, -38.86 and –5.29 (P&lt;0.05.) were observed for haematocrit, blood viscosity and plasma fibrinogen respectively compared with the base line. Fruits and vegetables lowered the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood viscosity and plasma fibrinogen. The decrease in haematocrit and fibrinogen could influence reduction in blood viscosity thereby preventing premature CVD in hypertensive. Daily intake of fresh fruit and vegetable might be beneficial for the prevention and as therapeutic regime for cardiovascular complications.Key Words: Hypertension, Fruits, Vegetables, Fibrinogen, Viscosit

Perceived effect of bush burning on households livelihood security in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

This study was to determine the effect of bush burning on household’s livelihood security in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State. Multi-stage sample technique was used to select 130 respondents in the study area. Data was collected through the use of interview scheduled with the aid of well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The study revealed that the agricultural activity was the major occupation of the respondents in the study area. Also, the level of livelihood security was low with more than half (53.8%) felt the negative effect of bush burning ranging from destruction of wildlife, pollution of environment, destruction of soil texture, respiratory infection and lastly destruction of agricultural products. However, significant relationship existed between livelihood activities and livelihood security. (r =-0.318, p ≤ 0.000). This study therefore recommends that the dwellers should be educated by extension agents on safer cultivation strategies and appropriate farming methods to be used instead of bush burning.Keywords: Bushing burn, Livelihood and Livelihood Securit

Improving Hydrophobicity of Tropical Hardwood along Axial Positions

Wood is hygroscopic and is considered dimensionally unstable materials when exposed to wet conditions. To increase the hydrophobicity of wood, this study focused on the modification of tropical hardwood (Triplochiton scleroxylon) along different positions of the stem using acetic anhydride The weight percent gain (WPG) was determined and acetylation reaction was confirmed with FTIR. The dimensional stability of the wood was characterized by water absorption (WA), volumetric swelling (VS), anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), and water repellent efficiency (WRE). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance at α0.05. It was observed that the weight gain (WG) by acetylation increases along the axial position (base to top) of T. scleroxylon wood. IR-spectra confirmed properly the substitution of the acetyl group. The treatment resulted in a marked improvement in the WA and VS, ASE, and WRE of acetylated T. scleroxylon wood were also found to improve considerably from base to top of the wood. It could be said that the WPG and hydrophobicity increased, but the percentage of water absorption and volumetric swelling diminished. Hence, the modified wood showed good hydrophobicity and improved dimensional stability

Influence of Decay Fungi on Selected Anatomical Properties of Aningeria Robusta A. Chev. Wood

Due to population explosion, the forest of Nigeria like most tropical forest is over exploited for choice traditional species. Therefore, need to investigate species that can substitute the species arise. Five trees of Aningeria robusta were harvested from Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. Bolts of 50cm length were obtained at the base, middle and the top; radial strips also obtained for innerwood, middlewood and outerwood. Ten test specimens of dimension 12mm x 15mm x 25mm were obtained per zone. N-hexane heartwood extracts of a 30 year old Gliricidia sepium diluted with kerosene using volume by volume method into 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% was used. Quantitative characterizations of fungi inoculated and uninoculated wood blocks were determined. The wood blocks were immersed in the extract for 48 hours prior subjection to Lentinus sajor-caju and Trichoderma viride for sixteen. Samples were laid in split plot and factorial experimental designs for the uninoculated and inoculated respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Mean proportion of vessel, fibre and ray before inoculation are 16.89%, 59.08% and 23.74% respectively. Sources of variance had significant effect on the properties at 5% probability level. There was a general reduction in all the anatomical properties after inoculation with the fungi strains. The fungi used, concentration levels adopted, sampling heights involved and radial position had significant effect on the anatomical properties after inoculation with the fungi. Conclusively, the bio-preservative could not prevent fungal growth on the anatomical properties; it could only reduce it

Human Asset Accounting and Corporate Performance

Abstract Human beings are the most critical assets in organizations a