Assessment of Compliance with Development Regulations in Abeokuta-West Zonal Planning Area, Nigeria

Development control is a medium through which the land use is licensed for building and other purposes backed-up by planning laws and regulations. Despite the importance of development control measures in physical and environmental balancing, a series of factors still hinder its effectiveness. The paper examines the compliance with development regulations in Abeokuta-West Zonal Planning Area, Nigeria. Primary and secondary sources of data were used. A questionnaire and personal interview were both used. Multi-stage sampling method was adopted because the buildings in the planning area are numerous and spatially located. The planning area was divided into nine zones which were classified into three; from which Obada-Oko, Oke-Ata, and Bode-Olude areas were considerably selected. The number of buildings in the selected areas was 668 buildings, and 40% was used to select the sample for each area, the research then had a sample size of 267 buildings The selection of sample size was carried out systematically for the administration of questionnaires by the residents (building owners). The data collected were presented and analysed through the use of descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that 78.7% of the residents were aware of the existence of penalties for building without permission; 68.5% of the resident did not obtain a development permit, while 15.6% out of the 31.5% that obtained a development permit deviated from the approved building plan; and 58.3% of the residents were not satisfied with the procedures involved in obtaining development permit, because it is cumbersome and expensive.  Regulatory measures were recommended for the improvement of development control practice in the study area. These include the provision of the framework as a guide for physical development; effective public awareness; and enlightenment programmes. Also, various socio-economic classes (high, medium, and low classes), especially the low-income earners, should be given considerate attention in the course of policy formulation and planning implementation

The Contribution of Dysphagia to Acute Stroke Morbidity and Mortality in Nigeria: A Prospective Study

Background: The assessment of time-trend morbidity and mortality in acute stroke is critical to clinical policy decisions and resource allocation. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dysphagia in acute stroke and the impact of dysphagia on short term stroke outcome (30 days post-stroke). Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study. Bedside screening for dysphagia modified Rankin score (MRS) and Barthel Index (BI) were performed on acute stroke patients on day 1, day 7, day 14 and day 30 after stroke to determine the frequency of dysphagia. Patients with dysphagia were then compared with age- and gender-matched controls (stroke patients without dysphagia) in terms of stroke characteristics and 30-day outcome. Results:Of the recruited 200 patients, 99 (49.5%) had dysphagia. Patients with intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke had a significantly higher prevalence of dysphagia (64% vs 36%; p Conclusion: Severe stroke, subcortical stroke and haemorrhagic stroke types were significantly associated with dysphagia at baseline. Dysphagia adversely influenced 30-days morbidity and case fatality in this cohort of acute stroke patients

PLASMA LIPID PROFILE AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL INDICES IN DOMESTICATED GREATER CANE RAT (Thryonomys swinderianus temminck)

Some serum biochemical parameters and lipid profile indices were determined in eight male adult greater cane rats Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck, raised under intensive management system. Activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma were assayed spectrophotometrically, following venopuncture-blood collection and subsequent separation of plasma. Glucose, total protein, albumin and bilirubin as well as lipid profile indices such as total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids concentration were also determined. In comparison with data from previous studies on wild and captive cane rats, our results indicate lower lipid profile indices and total protein. Activities of hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT) were also lower, while plasma glucose concentration was higher in this third generation greater cane rats. It is concluded that certain aspects of management system in domestication may have a profound influence on biochemical parameters most especially the lower LDL-cholesterol that reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (cardiac disease). This study, therefore offers baseline data for third generation intensively raised greater cane rats.Â

Geochemistry and mineralogy of the Campanian Sandstone of Lokoja-Basange Formation, Middle Niger Basin (Lokoja sub-basin), Nigeria: Implications for provenance, weathering, tectonic setting and paleo-redox condition

Twenty six road-cut sandstone samples from two lithological sections of Lokoja-Basange Formation in Middle Niger Basin (Lokoja sub-basin) situated by the side of Auchi-Igarra road (07º 07.201'N, 006º 13.011'E) were investigated using integrated mineralogical, geochemical and pore water chemistry studies. The medium to coarse grained sandstone bodies are poorly sorted suggestive of deposition in a low energy setting, probably in a shelf or floodplain. The observed variations in the sandstone colourations are attributed to the nature of the cementing materials. Based on the mineralogical composition, two specific geochemical intervals were established; the first interval revealed quartz and kaolinite as major crystalline minerals with traces of hematite. The second geochemical interval showed quartz and kaolinite as the major crystalline minerals with minor quantities of grossite and halloysite. The geochemical datasets obtained revealed mature, lithic arenites including sub-greywacke and protoquartzites. The inverse correlation between redox potential (Eh) and electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and Mg (at 0.05 significant levels) suggest well oxygenated environment of deposition. The high chemical index of alteration (CIA), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), and chemical index of weathering (CIW) indices revealed high detrital input dominated by intense chemical weathering. This process eventually led to the formation of clay minerals by hydration and leaching of all major cations, such as Ca+2, K+, and Na+, present in feldspar minerals. The average mineralogical index of alteration (MIA) values are indicative of intense to extreme weathering of mineralogical component of the detrital materials from the source areas. The studied sandstones samples are plotted in the field of the active and passive continental margin settings. The mean ratio of Ti/Zr also corroborates active and passive continental margin settings. The higher ratios of La/Y and La/Th and corresponding lower ratios of La/Co and Th/Co indicates felsic source rock. Moreover, the lower ratios of Ba/Sr, Cr/Zr, Ti/Zr and higher ratio of Zr/Y probably suggest felsic source rock. Based on the previously established thresholds, the low Cu/Zn ratios in the studied sandstone samples suggest deposition under oxidizing conditions. Keywords: Lokoja-Basange Formation, Middle Niger Basin, Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Pore water chemistry, provenance, tectonic setting, weathering, Redox proxy

Mineralogy and Geochemical Appraisal of Paleo-Redox Indicators in Maastrichtian Outcrop Shales of Mamu Formation, Anambra Basin, Nigeria

The Mamu Formation exhibits two types of shales, viz. grey and dark shales. The geochemical and mineralogical compositions of these shales were investigated using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Laser Ablation- Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) and X-ray diffraction techniques. The basal part of the section is characterized by presence of quartz and kaolinite as the major crystalline minerals with minor quantity of hematite. The presence of hematite in the basal part of the shale sequence suggests oxidizing diagenetic environment of deposition. The second geochemically specific interval (upper part) is characterised by quartz and kaolinite as major crystalline minerals with traces of halloysite and grossite. The ternary plot of these major elements indicates the majority of shale samples examined are variably enriched with SiO2 relative to Al2O3 and CaO. The positive correlations of K2O, TiO2, and Na2O, with Al2O3 indicate that these elements are associated entirely with detrital phases. Some trace elements such as Cr, Ni, and V are positively correlated with Al2O3 which suggest that these elements may be bound in clay minerals and concentrated during weathering. The K2O/Al2O3 ratio is close to the lower limit of clay mineral range, which suggests that kaolinite is the dominant clay minerals. The Al2O3/TiO2 and low Cr/Ni ratios suggest that felsic components were the main components among the basement complex source rocks. The geochemical indices such as Th/Cr, Cr/Th, Th/Co and Th/Cr ratios suggest that these shales were derived from felsic source rocks. The chemical index of alteration values indicates that these shales have experienced strong chemical weathering at the source area. In addition, the depletion of Na and Ca also illustrates an intense chemical weathering of the source rocks. The mineralogical index of alteration values of the studied shale samples indicates an intense to extreme weathering of mineralogical components. The shale units exhibits different degrees of trace-element enrichment, with the approximate order of enrichment relative to an average shale being Co > Pb > Ni > Zr > Cu > Rb > V > Cr > Ba > V > Sr > U. The inverse correlation between Eh, pH, EC and TDS in outcrop Maastrichtian shale samples suggests well oxygenated environment of deposition. In addition, based on previously established thresholds, V/Cr, Ni/Co, Cu/Zn and U/Th ratios support that these shales were deposited under oxidizing diagenetic environment. Keywords: mineralogy, geochemistry, paleo-redox conditions, trace element enrichments, shales, Mamu Formation, Anambra basin, Nigeria

A suspected case of digitalis toxicity secondary to therapeutic management of congestive heart failure in a Boerboel dog

A 15 months old male Boerboel, weighing 25kg presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria, with complaint of abdominal distention, emaciation and anorexia was diagnosed of congestive heart failure (CHF) of unknown etiology. At presentation, prominent S- wave voltages in lead II, III electrocardiogram, a positive R-wave in lead AVR and a mean electrical axis of -900 suggestive of right ventricular enlargement were evident. A right atrial enlargement was also suspected due to the presence of a tented P-wave on the electrocardiogram. Digoxin was administered at 0.01 mg/kg orally, once daily to increase cardiac contractility and reduce heart rate; Enalapril given at 0.5 mg/kg orally once daily was to blunt the renin angiotensin aldosterone response, Furosemide at 2mg/kg orally, once daily was administered to increase natriuresis and diuresis. After 2 weeks of medication the dogs exhibited signs of digitalis toxicity such as ventricular premature contraction, ventricular tachycardia. This case is a rare occurrence and has not been reported in our veterinary clinics. The management of CHF with standard dose regime of digitalis requires therapeutic drug monitoring as it could result in breed specific toxicity

Studies on Local Knowledge and In vitro Cytotoxicity of Moringa oleifera L., Andrographis paniculata N. and Asystasia vogeliana B. Extracts

Multi-Purpose Medicinal Plants (J\.1J'v1Ps) are gaining nnprecedented attention apparently because of their potency to contribute to the prevention and treatment of myriads of diseases. As such the toxicity of many herbs including the J\.1J'v1Ps has always been a concern particularly relating to internal organs. The present study investigates the local knowledge use and in vitro cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines; BGC-823 and HeLa cells on three (MMPs); Moringo oleifero (Lam) (Moringaceae) Androgrophis poniculoto (Burm. f) and Asystasia vogeliana (Benth) (Acanthaceae). The local knowledge was collated through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach from selected locations in the Oke-Ogrm area of Oyo state, Nigeria. Ethanolic extracts were used for the in vitro cytotoxicity study. The extracts were screened in two cancer cell lines (BGC-823 and HeLa cells) using the Sulpha Rhodamine B (SRB) assay. For the treatment of diseases, the local knowledge shows that A. poniculoto recorded higher fidelity level on the treatment of malaria (95% ), diabetes (80% ), high blood pressure (87 .5% ), cancer and tlllllor ( 65.7% ). The infusion of A. vogeliana in combination with the leaves of Cassia alata, Cymbopogon citrutus and fruit juice of Citrus aurantifolia recorded higher fidelity level in the treatment of malaria and chronic fever (74.8%), gonorrhea (65%) and leprosy (40%) suggesting better alternative toM. oleifera and A. paniculata. The medicinal relevance of the species in the treatment of diseases such as malaria, fever, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes among others in local herbal medicine were revealed. Cytotoxicity assay on the two cell lines, BGC-823 and HeLa cells revealed that only the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata exhibited some level (moderate) of cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 24.7 and 23.1 ).lg/mL, respectively. M. oleifera and A. vogeliana did not show any significant activity on the cell lines. The study highlights the importance of local knowledge in finding cost effective, potent and safe herbs for people and screening of the plant species for their activities against cancer cell line

A Model for Determining the Effect of Irregular Power Supply on Machining Foundry Products in a Developing Economy

In this paper, profit is maximized (or production cost is minimized) by developing an Integer programming (IP) model to determine, at a given respective unit cost, optimal numbers of outputs obtainable per production cycle (time) using public electricity generated from national grids and alternate electricity from generators subject to production output capacity or demand constraint. The results obtained showed that production cycle time has a great impact on the determination of optimal outputs for the respective conditions. Also, increase in cost of public electricity per unit product has an upper limit beyond which it has negative effect on the profitability. The results served as determinant factors for production industry in establishing the level of outputs that sustained the profitability by providing optimal cost of public electricity to operate without having any effect on the profit, at a given cycle time. Keywords— Constraint, cycle time, integer programming, optimal number, mode

In-silico and in-vivo comparative evaluation of the cardioprotective potential of Yellow turmeric and White turmeric in Mn-induced cardiac oxidative stress

Introduction The effect of the ethanol extracts of Curcuma longa Linn (yellow turmeric) and Curcuma zedoaria Rosc (white turmeric) on cardiac oxidative stress in rats exposed to manganese was evaluated in this study. Methods We divided 60 Wistar rats into 12 groups (n = 5) with some administered different concentrations of yellow or white turmeric extract. The animals except the control groups were exposed to manganese on days 1,3, and 7. All the animals were sacrificed on the 8th day and the hearts were harvested for biochemical assays. Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the levels of cardiac superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation in rats were determined. Additionally, in silico studies were performed to further compare the cardioprotective potential of the two species of turmeric. Results The results showed that rats treated with manganese alone had decreased levels of FRAP, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione but increased levels of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation were observed. The Mn-induced oxidative stress was ameliorated in animals co-treated with yellow or white turmeric. The yellow turmeric showed better activity than white turmeric. In the in-silico evaluation, phytocompounds from yellow turmeric had higher binding energy against Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) protein than the ones from white turmeric. Bioactive compounds from white turmeric did not violate any of Lipinski's rules of five or three, despite having lower binding energy. Conclusion These findings suggest that ethanol extract of yellow and white turmeric may have the potential to ameliorate manganese-induced cardiac oxidative stress

Awareness of Cassava Peel Utilization Forms among Cassava Processors in Rural Communities of Southwest, Nigeria

Significant quantities of generated peels are been thrown on dumping sites in southwest, Nigeria thereby constituting a source of environmental pollution. This study assessed the awareness of cassava peel utilization forms among cassava processors in rural communities of southwest, Nigeria. Interview guide was used to elicit information from 200 cassava processors through a multistage sampling technique. Data were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Result revealed that majority of the cassava processors were women (76.5%), married (75.0%), and members of cassava processing associations (89.5%) with 73.0% having at least primary education. The mean age and cassava processing experience were 53.01 and 22.76 years respectively. About 23.0% of the processed cassava tubers constituted peels. The study also revealed that 50% of the cassava processors discarded peels as waste, 26% sold generated peels while 24% fed the peels to their livestock. Also 93.5% of the cassava processors were not aware of any cassava peel utilization technology. Chi-square analysis revealed that significant association existed between existing practice on cassava peel utilization (χ2=17.341, p<0.05) and cassava processors’ awareness of cassava peel utilization forms. The study concluded that substantial quantity of peel been generated is discarded as waste due to lack of awareness of cassava peel utilization technologies in the study areas. The study therefore recommended that improved technologies on the utilization of cassava peel should be popularized through result demonstration among cassava processors in southwest, Nigeria