Eating Pattern, Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Status of Children and Adolescents Residing in Orphanages in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: The population of orphaned children is increasing at devastating levels especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, only very little is known about the eating pattern, dietary diversity and the nutritional status of children living in orphanages. This study therefore aimed to assess the eating pattern, dietary diversity and the nutritional status of children residing in orphanages in southwestern Nigeria.Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 260 children in selected orphanages in Lagos State, south-western Nigeria, selected using two-stage sampling technique. The nutritional status of the respondents was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference values of 2007. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 24.0. The confidence interval was set at 95% with significant level at p<0.05.Results: Majority of the respondents (52.7%) were adolescents (10-19 years), 54.6% were females, 90.4% were attending schools and 90.0% were single-orphans. Majority of the respondents consumed fruits (97.7%), vegetables (80.0%), animal proteins (96.2%) and carbohydrates (96.2%) more than 3 times in the week preceding the study. The mean dietary diversity (DD) score was 4.6 ± 0.5, with 150 (57.3%) of the respondents having a high dietary diversity. Using BMI-for-age, 177 (68.1%) of the respondents were underweight and 23 (8.9%) were overweight/obese.Conclusion: Majority of the children living in orphanages were underweight, despite the reported healthy eating patterns and high dietary diversity. There is the need for nutritional interventions targeted at children living in orphanages in Nigeria. Keywords: Children; Dietary diversity; Eating pattern; Nutritional Status; Orphanag

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of Centaurea senegalensis growing in Nigeria

The increasing prevalence of drug resistant pathogens in developing countries has necessitated research for effective therapeutic agents from plants. This study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of Centaurea senegalensis and investigate the phytochemical constituents. The plant sample was extracted using methanol and subjected to successive partition with n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. The methanol extract (ME), hexane (HF), dichloromethane (DF) and ethylacetate (EF) fractions were subjected to antibacterial screening on selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using agar well and micro broth dilution methods. The antibacterial efficacies of extracts showed varying zones of growth inhibitions (15-31 mm). The DF fraction was effective on Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) with interesting activity (28 mm, MIC 12.5 mgmL-1). However, the EF was most effective fraction against gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli (31 mm, MIC, 12.5 mgmL-1). Chemical composition of bioactive fraction was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The compounds detected were largely natural acetylenes such as 1, 5-heptadien-3-yne (23.2%), 2-hexyne-1-ol (12.3%), 2-methyl-1,5-hexadien-3-yne (6.6%) and 5-methyl-1-hexyn-3-ol (2.1%) as most abundant phytoconstituents identified. C. senegalensis fractions have demonstrated effective activity on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, which might be attributed to acetylene derived natural compounds. Our findings have shown the importance of C. senegalensis as source of chemical compounds with effective antibacterial properties.Keywords: Centaurea senegalensis, phytochemical screening, antibacterial activity, GC-M

Total petroleum hydrocarbon content in surface water and sediment of Qua-Iboe River, Ibeno, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria

The total petroleum hydrocarbon content in surface water and sediment of Qua Iboe River, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria was assessed by randomly collecting samples from five sampling points of the study area and from a control site. The samples were extracted with dichloromethane (DCM) by liquid-liquid partition for water and Soxhlet extraction for sediments followed by subsequent clean up on column chromatography and analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) for the determination of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The results showed variation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content from 90 to 250 μg/L in the water and 270 to 830 mg/kg in the sediments, with mean value of 168.33±59.29 μg/L and 606.83±229.48 mg/kg respectively. The average amount of TPH in the water samples collected from all the sampling points was generally lower than the EU standard limit of 300 μg/L. However, the levels in the sediments exceeded the EGASPIN target value (50 mg/kg) for mineral oil but were below the intervention value (5,000 mg/kg), this indicates a serious impact of oil industrial activities on the area. Hence, our findings have indicated evidence that Qua Iboe River is under pollution threat and underscore the need for early remediation if adverse health defects are to be prevented.Keywords: Total petroleum hydrocarbon, GC-FID, surface water, sediment

Syntheses of copper complexes of nicotinohydroxamic and isonicotinohydroxamic acids.

Nicotinohydroxamic acid (NHA) and isonicotinohydroxamic acid (INHA) were synthesized, characterized by electronic and spectral studies,magnetic measurements and their pKa determined spectrophotometrically as 8.68 ± 0.02 in aqueous medium of 0.1mol dm-3 I=ionic strength. The composition of the complexes was determined by Job’s plot. The ratios of Cu2+ to ligands under investigation were ML2. The formation constants obtained and the possible binding modes for the complexes in solid states are discussed. Spectral studies of the isolated complexes indicate tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry via (O,O) and (N,O) coordination modes. The magnetic moments obtained for the complexes are in the range 1.57-1.79B.M. Microbial sensitivity test carried out on the ligands and their isolated complexes showed no activity on the microorganisms under investigation. Keywords: Nicotinohydroxamic acid, isonicotinohydroxamic acid, IR spectra, ionic strength, Job’s plot, pKa, microbial sensitivity

Evaluation of nutrients and anti-nutrient properties of traditionally prepared Treculia africana decne (bread fruit diet and toasted seeds)

Protein deficiency affects more than 170 million pre-school children and nursing mothers in developing countries creating a need for a strategy to improve the nutritional status of their diet through supplementation with plant proteins. The nutritional value of Treculia africana (African Breadfruit) has been extensively studied under laboratory conditions. Although the Breadfruit tree grows wildly in some West and Central African countries, and its seeds eaten in various forms by the populace, there has not been an attempt to evaluate its nutritive value as prepared at the home level. The goal of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the nutritive value of the seeds as indigenously prepared by the general populace in order to determine the suitability of its use as a good complementary diet. The raw seeds purchased in the Ikenne local government area (LGA) of Ogun State, Nigeria were subjected to cooking and toasting methods (using firewood) as practiced in the area. A proximate analysis was performed on the three samples (Raw, Cooked and Toasted) in order to evaluate the composition and some anti-nutritional factors of the Breadfruit seeds. Results showed that the cooked and toasted samples had better nutritive values as compared with the raw seeds; the mean % protein content of the raw, cooked and toasted samples were 16.32±0.09, 18.25 ±0.00 and 17.22±0.04, respectively. Ash content was 1.36±0.057, 1.86±0.042 and 1.83±0.007, respectively, fat was 10.98±0.071, 11.50±0.134 and 13.74±0.233, respectively and crude fiber was 1.25±0.007, 2.13±0.014 and 2.39±0.064, respectively. The tannin level was higher in cooked and toasted seeds than in the raw seeds but was not in toxic amounts (1.19gm, 3.50 and 2.32 in the raw, cooked and toasted seeds, respectively). Phytate levels were generally lower in the cooked and toasted seeds; at 2.85%, 1.99%, and 2.24% for raw, cooked and toasted seeds, respectively. This study showed that the two major modes of preparation of the African Breadfruit seeds retained high levels of nutrients with lower levels of anti-nutrients. The resulting meal/snack will be useful as a good complementary diet for the African child, especially in areas where it grows wildly as it will provide a more viable alternative to the currently known and consumed weaning diets among the rural population. Toasting the African Breadfruit seed will be particularly helpful for working mothers who require ready to eat food as the moisture content was lowered (and by extension the shelf life increased) by this method of processing.Keywords: Toasting, Proximate composition, Anti-nutritional factors, African Breadfruit, Complementary die

Antifungal Activity of Hyptis spicigera Methanol Leaf Extract and Flavonoid Fraction

Control of plant fungal diseases using synthetic fungicides continue to cause major problems to human health and the entire ecosystem. The aim of this research was to investigate the phytochemical and antifungal properties of Hyptis spicigera methanol leaf extract and flavonoid fraction on Aspergillus and Fusarium species, with a view to uncovering effective bio-fungicides for development as substitutes to chemical fungicides. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of sterols and triterpenes, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. The quantitative analysis showed that saponin (690 mg/g GAE), phenolics (220 mg/g GAE) and flavonoids (140 mg/g GAE) were found to be in high concentration. The antifungal effects of H. spicigera methanol extract on F. graminearum (21 mm) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the control fungicide (Mancozeb). Similarly, the flavonoid fraction was more effective on A. parasitic (18 mm) than the control fungicide used. The extract and fraction exhibited MIC with range 3.13-12.5 mg/mL and MFC 6.25-12.5 mg/mL, indicating promising antifungal efficacies against A. flavus and F. graminearum. Our findings have revealed that H. spicigera flavonoid rich fraction has potential for development as effective bio-fungicide to control plant fungal diseases of the Aspergillus and Fusarium species

Geospatial Mapping and Multi-criteria Evaluation of Surrounding Flood Risk Communities of Usman Dam Abuja-Nigeria

There is concern of flood increase in recent decades due to its effect on human life and man’s environment. This study thus mapped and analysed flood risk communities around the Usman dam in Abuja, Nigeria, using geospatial techniques. Spatial data were captured which included positional coordinates, Landsat enhanced thematic mapper (ETM), soil map, and shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM). The factors of flooding and their effect on the area under study were identified. The results of the study revealed based on the criteria weights that, slope (0.24) and elevation (0.24) were the most important factors contributing to flooding in the study area followed by drainage proximity (0.16), land use land cover (LULC)(0.12), and soil (0.08), respectively. The results also showed that, the built-up area, farmland, forest, grassland, rock outcrop and water body covered about 278.0 km2, 306.9 km2, 1406.6 km2, 1635.8 km2, 387.5 km2 and 386.9 km2, respectively of the study area. Moreover, it was found out that 6.41% of the settlements were located in the highly vulnerable areas, while 64.02% were located within the areas moderately vulnerable to flooding. However, the remaining 29.57% were located in the low vulnerable areas. It was suggested based on the results of the study that settlements close to the river course and dam reservoir, and along the flood plains should be relocated to the low vulnerable areas (eastern parts of the study area) in order to prevent future flood hazard. Keywords: Environment, Flood Risk Management, Geo-spatial Mapping, Hazard, Multi-criteria Analysi

A Fuzzy-Logic Approach to Dynamic Bayesian Severity Level Classification of Driver Distraction Using Image Recognition

open access articleDetecting and classifying driver distractions is crucial in the prevention of road accidents. These distractions impact both driver behavior and vehicle dynamics. Knowing the degree of driver distraction can aid in accident prevention techniques, including transitioning of control to a level 4 semi- autonomous vehicle, when a high distraction severity level is reached. Thus, enhancement of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) is a critical component in the safety of vehicle drivers and other road users. In this paper, a new methodology is introduced, using an expert knowledge rule system to predict the severity of distraction in a contiguous set of video frames using the Naturalistic Driving American University of Cairo (AUC) Distraction Dataset. A multi-class distraction system comprises the face orientation, drivers’ activities, hands and previous driver distraction, a severity classification model is developed as a discrete dynamic Bayesian (DDB). Furthermore, a Mamdani-based fuzzy system was implemented to detect multi- class of distractions into a severity level of safe, careless or dangerous driving. Thus, if a high level of severity is reached the semi-autonomous vehicle will take control. The result further shows that some instances of driver’s distraction may quickly transition from a careless to dangerous driving in a multi-class distraction context

Investigation of the suitability of a flat plate collector in a multi-effect humidification (MEH) system in Makurdi

A flat plate solar collector was designed, constructed and the performance with regards to suitability for use in a multi-effect humidification (MEH) system evaluated in Makurdi. 17.7o was used as the angle of tilt for the collector. A blackened storage tank was provided to supply slightly pre-heated water to the collector. 10 mm diameter copper pipes were formed into loops to serve as the water passages. A flow rate of 0.0034 kg/s was used for the passive system while 0.0039 kg/s was used for the active one. The hourly ambient temperature, initial and final water temperatures, the outer surface cover temperature of the collector and the incident radiation were measured daily from 08.00 to 17.00 hours for 8 days. The efficiencies of the collector were computed from the measured data. The experimental results showed that the mean temperature of the water from the collector was 48.440C for the passive option and 45.540C for the active one on hourly basis. These values are lower than the minimum required for the operation of a MEH system. The respective efficiencies on daily basis were 0.71 and 0.60. Further work will focus on increasing the resident time of the water within the collector

Small Scale Performance Evaluation Of A Multi-Effect Humidification-Dehumidification System In Makurdi

A multi-effect humidification (MEH) -dehumidification solar desalination system utilizing a solar collector was designed and evaluated. A blackened aluminium storage tank was used for the feed water and was positioned so that water enters the collector by gravity for the passive test and through the pump for the active case with slight preheating. The heated water exits the collector into the desalination chamber made up of a humidifier and a dehumidifier. The ambient, collector inlet and outlet water, evaporator and condenser temperatures were measured hourly as well as the volume of water produced 10.00 to 16.00 hours. The collector was able to achieve a mean elevation above the inlet condition of about 20.80C and 290C respectively for the active and passive cases. The mean collector, water production and the overall efficiencies were computed as 0.51, 0.50 and 0.256 respectively for the active case while the corresponding values for the passive case were 0.69, 0.55 and 0.37. The respective mean daily yields of the active and passive options were 0.298 cm3 and 2.39 cm3 per unit volume of evaporator, 0.098 cm3 and 0.785 cm3 per unit volume of condenser or 0.0035 cm3 and 0.028 cm3 per cm2 of collector aperture. A good potential for the system to contribute significantly to the production of safe drinking water in relatively larger quantities especially with passive option exist