Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Morinda lucida on alloxan induced diabetic rats

Healthy male wistar rats(30) of average weight of 150 – 190gm were randomly distributed into 5 gr. oups of six each. Group 1, normal control; each given only 0.2ml distilled water throughout the period of study; group 2 diabetic control, induced 150mg/kg b.w., i.p., administration of alloxan monohydrate and thereafter given 0.2ml distilled water throughout the period of study; group 3 and 4 diabetic (i.p., 150mg/kg b.w. alloxan), rats were orally administered methanolic leaf extract of Morinda lucida at 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg respectively for 15 days. Group 5 diabetic rat (i.p., 150mg/kg b.w. alloxan) were treated with 84mg/kg /b.w. of chlorpropamide once daily for 15 days. Serum glucose levels were found to decrease significantly (p<0.05) both in groups 3 and 4 compared to the control groups. Hypolipidemic status was found to improved significantly (p<0.05) by decreasing the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs) and low density hypoprotein (LDL) in both the treated groups compared to the control groups. These reductions were dose dependant and compared well with the values obtained in the standard drug control group. Thus, results of the study indicate that Morinda lucida methanolic leaf extract can be potentially used for diabetics to control glucose and lipid levels.Keywords: Morinda lucida, Diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemic effect, hypolipidemic effect, chlorpropamide, alloxan monohydrat

An appraisal of farmers internet use for sourcing agricultural information in North-Western Nigeria

This paper examined the level of farmers awareness and experiences in use of the Internet for sourcing agricultural information by farmers in the north-western Nigeria who are also privileged to have Internet services and cafes’ available in their communities.The study adopted survey method using questionnaire as an instrument for data collection.The population sampled for the survey was farmers who as well leave in both semi-urban and rural areas of Kaduna and Kano State of the North West agro-ecological Zone, of Nigeria.A total of one hundred (100) farmers were randomly selected using purposive sampling technics to form the sample size.Findings revealed that farmers lack awareness for using the Internet as an alternative means of getting Agricultural Information easily even with the shortage of extension agents.The study further identifies the farmer’s constraints in using the internet for information to low awareness, low access and lack skills.The study thus, recommended that agricultural agencies and other stakeholders in Nigeria should embark on advocacy and awareness campaign to farmer’s cooperative societies/groups on the uses of Internet for sourcing agricultural information

Prevalence of HIV-infection among under-5 children with protein energy malnutrition presenting at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: HIV infection is a major health problem worldwide. It is  associated with Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) among under-5 childrenwith attendant high morbidity and mortality.Objective: To determine the prevalence of HIV-infection among children presenting withvarious subtypes of PEM.Methodology: Children suffering from PEM aged below 5 years admitted into the Paediatric units of UDUTH, Sokoto between October 1st, 2010 and April 30th, 2011 were tested for HIV infection using ELISA tests and HIVDNAPCR. Nutritional status was determined using the modified Wellcome Classification and socioeconomic classification was by the scheme developed by Oyedeji,s. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 statistical package. P-value . 0.05 was considered significant.Results: One-hundred under-5 children (64 males, 36 females) with PEM were studied. The mean (±SD) age was 19.8&#177 9.2 months and the majority were aged 12.0-23.9 months. Twentyseven of the 100 children withPEM had HIV-infection giving a prevalence rate of 27%: 59.3% in males and 40.7% in females. Among the HIV-infected children, the 24.0 . 35.9 months age group was the most affected (53.8%). Infected and non-infected children were comparable in terms of age (χ2=7.35, p=0.12) , gender (χ2=0.36, p=0.55) and socioeconomic (χ2=3.01, p=0.25). Themode of transmission was maternal to child transmission in all cases. The highest prevalence of HIV infection was found among marasmus subgroup (65%). Twenty-two (81.5%) of the 27 cases were discharged home, whilefive patients died giving a case fatality rate of 18.5%.Conclusion: HIV infection is common among under-5 children with PEM with no age, gender or socioeconomic predilection. The clinical type of PEM most often affected is marasmus.Key words: Protein-energy malnutrition, HIV-infection, Under-

Speciation of Potentially Toxic Metals from the Mine Impacted soils: A Case Study of Riruwai Mining Area, Kano State, Northern Nigeria

Mining and smelting sectors contribute significantly to global growth on a regional and local scale. However, the operations are causing significant environmental damage, particularly pollution of the soil with potentially toxic metals (PTMs).  In this study, the speciation of PTMs (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc) from the mine impacted soils of Riruwai mining area was investigated using a modified Tessier sequential extraction method. The findings of the study revealed that all the PTMs examined are considerably associated with non-residual fractions in all the sampling locations. This indicates that all the PTMs investigated in the study area may be highly mobile in the soils and hence potentially toxic. The concentrations of PTMs in the soil’s geochemical fractions were found to vary with the sampling locations, with active mining sites significantly (p ≤ 0.05) recording the highest value, followed by farmland, while the lowest value was reported at the control site. Therefore, to protect the environment and the health of the local populace, PTMs in the soils of the study area should be regularly monitored and a treatment program should be put in place

Liveability Considerations: Towards Designing Sustainable Public Housing in Niger State, Nigeria

This study investigates liveability in the context of sustainable public housing in Niger State, Nigeria, where existing housing efforts have fallen short of residents' satisfaction. Recognizing the critical link between liveability indicators and environmental sustainability, this research aims to identify key liveability variables that could be integrated into the design and construction of sustainable public housing. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study involved cluster sampling for selecting housing estates and units, followed by the administration of 910 questionnaires containing 102 questions on liveability variables. Analytical techniques, including Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, Factor Analysis, and Multiple Regression Analysis, were used to group, refine, and validate the liveability variables. The results revealed 21 significant variables that collectively could achieve a 92.9% satisfaction rate among residents if incorporated into public housing design. These findings underline the potential of addressing liveability in the pursuit of sustainable housing solutions, offering insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers. By focusing on the residents' perspectives, the study contributes to a more user-centred approach in public housing development, promoting long-term satisfaction and reducing the need for post-occupancy alterations

Accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography: In estimating the gestational age of Jamnapari goats

The precise identification of early pregnancy in farm animals especially small ruminants, plays a significant role in the effective reproductive management of the herd. Early pregnancy diagnosis and foetal measurements of Jamnapari does were carried out using a transrectal probe of B-mode real-time ultrasonography, on a weekly basis starting from day 28 to 100 of gestation age. All the scanning results were recorded. The sensitivity (Se) was 60-95% and specificity (Sp) 50-75% at day 56 respectively. However, the relationship between the ultrasonic foetal parameters and gestational age were highly (P<0.01) correlated, although biparietal diameter BPD (0.980) was strongly correlated to gestation age than crown-rump length (CRL) (0.969). In conclusion, the ultrasound early pregnancy diagnosis can be considered a reliable and convenient means for early pregnancy detection. The measurements of CRL and BPD were proven to be an efficient parameters for predicting gestational age in Jamnapari goats

Impacts of Biochar Treatments on Some Soil Properties and Micronutrient Availability

The application of biochar as a soil amendment has been recognized as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient strategy for restoring the fertility of the soil and increasing agricultural productivity. In this study, the impacts of Senna tora biochar treatments on soil properties and micronutrient availability in the farmlands of Misau, Bauchi State, Nigeria, were investigated. A complete randomized design replicated three times, which included control soil (no biochar/0 day), 30 days, and 60 days of biochar treatments, was adapted based on the fact that incubation time affects biochar application in soil. After treatments, the biochar was removed and the soil samples from each treatment were analyzed for pH, soil bulk density (BD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC) and micronutrient levels using various analytical methods. The results of the analysis show pH, OC and CEC values increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 6.66 to 7.89, 3.40 to 3.90 g/kg and 5.16 to 7.29 cmol/kg respectively, while BD decreased significantly from 1.56 to 1.48 g/cm3 after 60 days of biochar treatment. The levels of Mn, Cu and Zn increased from 188.25 to 286.12 mg/kg, 14.38 to 41.88 mg/kg and 68.63 to 140.19 mg/kg respectively, while levels of Fe decreased from 9460.00 to 4782.73 mg/kg after 60 days of biochar treatments. Application of Senna tora biochar has generally led to a significant improvement in the fertility of the soil. It is therefore recommended that Senna tora biochar be used in the field to demonstrate its practical application

Impediments to the Implementation of Property Rating in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Property Rating Practice (PRP) is globally recognized as potential and lucrative source of revenue to local governments; PRP is doing pretty well in Europe, America and Asia, its performance in most African countries is not satisfactory. This paper identified the factors that impedes the implementation of property rating in Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria. The methodology used includes literature and questionnaire survey; the questionnaire were administered by simple random sampling to respondents across twelve neighbourhoods in the metropolis, other respondents came from the Ministries of Lands and Housing, Environment and Sanitation as well as professionals in the field of real estate valuation and management. The descriptive and inferential statistics like frequency table and Structural Equation Modelling were used in the analysis to determine whether identified factors really impedes the implementation of property rating; and whether the factors have any relationship with provision of neighbourhood facilities and services in Bauchi metropolis of Nigeria. The results of the findings indicated that ‘Over-reliance on Crude Oil Revenue’ and ‘Poor Taxation System’ are the leading factors that hinders the implementation of PRP in Bauchi metropolis of Nigeria. Keywords: Property Rating Practice, Neighbourhood facilities and Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Impact of Entrepreneurship, Vocational and Technical Education on NCE Graduating Students to be Self-employed in Some Selected COE in the North East, Nigeria

Entrepreneur education was introduced into higher institutions curriculum to expose students to various trades that students will be willing to engage after graduation to reduce unemployment to a bearable rate in the country. It’s on this premise that this research is set to assess the Impact of Entrepreneurship and Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) on NCE Graduating students to be self-employed in three selected Colleges of Education in the North East, consisting of Aminu  Saleh College of Education Azare Bauchi state, Federal College of Education (technical) Potiskum, Yobe State and Federal College of Education (technical) Gombe, Gombe State. The objectives of the study being to; assess whether entrepreneurship and VTE education has equipped graduating students with needed business skills that would make them self-employed and Whether the personality traits of graduating students have impact on their willing to become self-employed. Based on this, research questions and hypotheses were formulated. The population of the study comprises NCE graduating students of the three teacher training institutions in the north eastern part of the Nigeria. The methodology employed is survey design where copies of self – administered questionnaires with five points Likard scale was administered to the graduating students through combine simple and stratified random technique. Descriptive statistics: simple percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions raised, while chi-square statistics was used to test the two hypotheses formulated. The findings of the study shows that, NCE graduating students believes that entrepreneurship education and VTE courses equipped the graduated students of School of VTE with needed business skills that would make them self-employed and, Students’ personality traits have a clear association on the present employment status of graduating students. It was recommended among others that Government at State and Federal level should come up with programs that would provide practical training to graduating students to argument the theory leant in the class and provide them with resources (financial and/or otherwise) to enhance their skills in planning, starting and managing a small business under a close supervision. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, education Vocational, Self-employed, Graduating DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-30-06 Publication date:October 31st 201