Toxicological and Nutritional Evaluations of Milk Bush (Thevetia neriifolia) Seed Oil-Based Diet in Albino Rats

The seed oil of milk bush Thevetia neriifolia have been analyzed to provide some physical data for the oil and growth performance and toxicity evaluation in rats using the seed oil-based. The fatty acid composition of the oil was identified using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS). The oil consist of 97.583%  fatty acid of which the most abundant is the monounsaturated  (C18H34O2) Oleic acid (52%), and the others are saturated fatty acids  (C18H36O2) Stearic acid (25%) and the other Palmitic acid (C16H32O2). The physicochemical studies of the seed oil showed: acid value of 0.515 ± 0.27; 117.125±2.38 mgKOH/g saponification value and 74.145 ± 0.784 iodine value. Growth performance was investigated in Wistar albino rats following a feeding period of 6weeks, using 5 %, 10 % and 15% of the oil compounded feed. We observed a significant decrease in body weight gain and feed intake in 10% and 15% oil-based feed group compared to control. The enzymatic antioxidant, biomarkers of kidney/liver toxicity and histopathology of visceral organs were evaluated. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum AST, and ALT of treated groups with respect to control group. Which explain its toxic nature. Keywords: chemical composition, characteristics, feed formulation, growth performance, toxicological evaluation

Influence of macroeconomic factors on residential property returns in Abuja,Nigeria

An attempt was made in this study to bridge the existing gap in the knowledge of the influence exerted by macro-economic factors on residential property returns in Abuja. The backward and forward relationship between property market and the economy has influenced a rise and fall in future of property returns in Abuja market. The methodology employed primary data for returns and secondary data for macro-economic variables, time-series data for annual macroeconomic indices and total returns index spanning between 2001 and 2015. The populations of study consist of transactions of sales (429) and lettings (1213) during the stated period; the respective sample sizes of 286 and 436were quantitatively determined using Frankfort-Nachmias model. The result of Augmented Dicker Fuller (ADF) test showed that all the variables were stationary after first and second differencing order. Tue result of eagle granger cointegration test further suggests the existence of long run relationship between macroeconomic factors and residential property returns. The result of further cointegration regression suggests that between 18.2%-83.6% and 16.2%-79% variation in 3-Bedroom (3B/R) and 4-Bedroom (4B/R) property returns respectively across seven out of twelve residential markets were significantly influenced by macroeconomic indicators. Tue study concludes that positive economic policies aremeant to energize the property market, and vice versa. The study therefore recommends that policy-makers should painstakingly study the future implications of any macroeconomic policy as they could adversely affect property returns, and by extension, the contribution of real estate sector to national economic developmentKeywords: Cointegration regression analysis, macro-economic factors, property return

Geophysical Investigation of Impact of Geologic Structures on Preferred Percolating Paths of an Oil-based Leachate within a Migmatite-Gneiss Environment: A Case study of Federal University of Technology, Akure Campus (Nigeria)

The study was aimed at determining the lateral and vertical flow of an oil-based leachate within the Migmatite-Gneiss environment with time and to delineate the presence of possible bedrock structures that can enhance the leachate movement. The method of study adopted combines the use of VLF-EM profiling, Electrical Resistivity Tomography survey (Dipole-dipole) and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES). The surveys were carried out at four times with regular interval of four-week. A particular point along a feeder road within the Federal University of Technology, Akure campus was polluted with used black engine oil. The location was left to settle for two weeks before the first round of survey involving the above mentioned methods was carried out. The results show that the oil-based leachate percolated towards the south which is an uphill direction. Each successive results showed a gradual progression of the leachate in different directions; laterally and vertically. At the fourteenth week, which is the fourth round of survey the leachate was observed to have percolated down to the depth of about 10-15 m, which is rather too fast for a leachate moving according to normal gravity flow. This indicated that probably geologic structures; perhaps faults, fracture and void could be present at the subsurface beneath the polluted point. The VES result presented as geoelectric section confirms this speculation as the bedrock layer beneath VES 1, 2 and 3 have resistivity values that range between 230 and 347 ohm-m. The integrated geophysical method adopted for this study successfully helps in delineating the oil-based leachate flow direction, extent and preferred paths. Keywords: Electrical resistivity tomography, vertical electrical sounding, oil-based leachate, bedrock structures and bedrock fracture

Evaluation of varying levels of Carica papaya leaf meal on growth, carcass, hematological parameters and its use as anticoccidial for broiler chicken

Medicinal plants have been traditionally used for treatments of various diseases in many countries. Carica papaya is one of potential feed supplements which have recently been reported as having a wide range of beneficial effects on production performance. A seven weeks trial was conducted to investigate the effect of graded levels of C. papaya leaf meal on broiler growth performance, carcass characteristics, hematological parameters and its anticoccidial properties. A total of one hundred and fifty day-old Marshal broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments with 30 birds per treatment, replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. The treatments were; diet with coccidiostat as a positive control (T1), diet without C. papaya leaf meal nor coccidiostat (T2), diet with 200 g of C. papaya leaf meal/100kg of feed (T3), diet with 400 g C. papaya leaf meal/100kg of feed (T4), and diet with 600 g of C. papaya leaf meal/100kg of feed (T5). The phytochemical component of the C. papaya leaf meal varied from positive to strongly positive. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the final weight, feed intake and the mortality percentage. The best liveability and final weight gain were obtained from the birds fed diets with 400 g of C. papaya leaf meal while non significance differences were observed on the carcass characteristics except on the live weight. The blood profiles were within the normal levels. It can be concluded that C. papaya leaf meal can be used at the rate of 400 g/100kg of feed for broiler chicken without any deleterious effect on the performance and carcass characteristics. Keywords: Carica papaya, performance, coccidiostat, phytochemical, carcass, hematological

Chemical analysis and nutritional assessment of fluted pumpkin (Telfairiaoccidentalis Hook F.) seed residue fed to African catfish (Clariasgariepinus) at graded inclusion levels

The chemical analysis and nutritional assessment of fluted pumpkin seed residue fed to African catfish (Clariasgariepinus) at graded inclusion levels was carried out in order to evaluate its effect on the growth performance and nutrient utilization of the catfish. Five diets containing 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% inclusion levels of fluted pumpkin seed residue (FPSR) as partial replacement for groundnut cake were prepared and fed to the fishes for eight weeks. Each treatment had three replicates with 15 fish per replicate (mean initial weight 140.87 ± 8.77g) in 30-litre plastic tanks and fish fed at 3% of body weight twice daily. Fish on control diet showed the best growth and nutrient utilization while diets with defatted fluted pumpkin seeds cake produced weight reduction in the fish with the least reduction on diet 2 (15% inclusion) and greatest on diet 4 (45% inclusion). The specific growth rate, feed conversion ratios and protein intake of the control fish were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those on FPSR-containing diets. Histopathological reports showed some damage to the liver of fish in higher FPSR-containing rations, torn gill tissues and changes of intestinal structure. Haematological parameters like haemoglobin, erythrocyte, sedimentation rate and biochemical parameters were within the ranges for healthy fish though reduced from pre-treatment values

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Ecotourism and community development: a case study of Olumirin Waterfall, Erin – Ijesha

Ecotourism, one of the fast expanding tourism markets receiving global attention, accounts for a large share of some countries’ Gross Domestic Product; contributes to the livelihoods of many people; as well as encourages community participation and development. This study assessed the contribution of ecotourism to the community development of the host community and her environs. The survey research design relied on primary data collected through the questionnaire instrument. Tourist survey, staff survey, local business sector survey and community members’ survey were used to determine tourists appreciation, sensitivity and participation; tourists patronage; business turnover and ecotourism-related development in the community respectively. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The survey showed that employment opportunities generated were mostly as business owners and staff on the tourist site. Over half of the respondents (fifty-five percent) and 36.67% accepted that tourist influx has a ‘good’ influence on trade and business in Erin Oke and Erin Ijesha respectively. Sixty percent and 33.33% of respondents in Erin Oke and Erin Ijesha respectively attributed the development of facilities/infrastructures to the ecotourism of Olumirin waterfall. Olumirin Waterfalls attracts high tourists’ visitation; which aids revenue generation from gate receipts as well as positively influences local trade and businesses. Contributions to the communities are however minimal; majorly in forms of small scale establishments within and outside the ecotourist destination and the few members of the community employed as members of staff. Improved development of the communities such as good road network and recreational facilities construction will increase tourist influx as well as the economic and social welfare benefits to the residents. Revenue sharing policies should also be incorporated into the management policies.Keywords: Ecotourism, Community Development, Olumirin Waterfalls, Erin-Ijesh

Effect of varying dietary lysine on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, organ weight and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying levels of dietary lysine on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, organ weight and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. One hundred and eight (108) 1-d old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three dietarygroups (T1 = 0.20%, T2 = 0.40%, T3=0.60% lysine inclusion) of thirty-six birds replicated six times. The experiment lasted for six weeks. Significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed in the total weight gain, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio at the finisher phase. Birds fed T2 and T 3 had improved crude protein digestibility (P &lt; 0.05) compared to those fed T1.Moreover, birds fed T2 had a significantly higher thighweight (P &lt;0.05). Conclusively, birds on T3 had better performance in terms of total weight gain, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Although, high level of lysine in feed adequate in crude protein beyond 0.40% may not translate to higher thigh yield.Keywords: Carcass; Growth; Lysine; Nutrient retention; Organ weight

Factors responsible for prolong waiting time of patients seeking eye care at a tertiary health facility

Prolong waiting time can cause poor utilization of health facility because it causes discontent among patients. The purpose of this study was to determine waiting time of patients attending the eye department of the tertiary centre and to assess the factors responsible for prolong waiting time and give recommendations on how to improve the uptake of the health facility by reducing waiting time of patients. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive,observational study of all patients both old and new attending ophthalmology department of the tertiary centre between January and February 2017was done. Results: A total of 171 respondents were seen, out of which 72(42.1%) were new patients and the others were follow up patients. There were 71 males and 100 females with male: female ratio of 1:1.4. The respondents waiting time from registration to doctors consulting room rangedfrom11minutes to 5.24hours with mean time of 2.67 hours ±1.04 hours. Almost two-third of the patients111 (64.9%) waited for over an hour before being seen by eye doctors. The total time spent with the eye doctors ranged from 3mins to 3.50hours with mean time of 1.09hours ±1.02hours. Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients did not significantly influence the time spent in the eye facility. Majority of follow up patients( 84.7%)spent lesser timewith the eye specialist compared with new patients(15.3%). Two third of the patients 66% that spent 0-1hour with eye specialists were very satisfied compared with7% of patients that were dissatisfied. Conclusion: Despite the prolonged waiting and time spent with eye specialist caused by plethora of factors, the level of patient satisfaction was still high .To reduce this prolonged waiting time, government through the hospital management needs to provide a reliable alternative power supply to the department, employ more qualified staff and improve the existing workers both the eye specialists and other allied health professionals through capacity building. This will ultimately improve the uptake of this facility