The tracheophytes (Angiosperms and Pteridopytes) of Augustine University Campus, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the avalanche of species existing in an undisturbed vegetation in Lagos State, Nigeria, prior to developmental activities. One hundred and eighty-eight (188) plant species (Angiosperms and Pteridopytes) across 68 families were recorded, following standard taxonomic protocols. The trees and shrubs were dominant and cut across 25 and 24 families, respectively. The family Rubiaceae had the highest number of species represented, with 18, followed by Euphorbiaceae with 17, then Papilionaceae and Apocynaceae with 10 each. This preliminary survey showed that the study area is a rich biodiversity hotspot especially as it accommodated some unique species of South-Western Nigeria. Even though urbanization and the development of the study site is inevitable, the conservation of the Eredo-Sugbo area of the site should be encouraged as much as possible

The tracheophytes (Angiosperms and Pteridopytes) of Augustine University Campus, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the avalanche of species existing in an undisturbed vegetation in Lagos State, Nigeria, prior to developmental activities. One hundred and eighty-eight (188) plant species (Angiosperms and Pteridopytes) across 68 families were recorded, following standard taxonomic protocols. The trees and shrubs were dominant and cut across 25 and 24 families, respectively. The family Rubiaceae had the highest number of species represented, with 18, followed by Euphorbiaceae with 17, then Papilionaceae and Apocynaceae with 10 each. This preliminary survey showed that the study area is a rich biodiversity hotspot especially as it accommodated some unique species of South-Western Nigeria. Even though urbanization and the development of the study site is inevitable, the conservation of the Eredo-Sugbo area of the site should be encouraged as much as possible

From ‘Vagabonds’ to Ethnobotanical Relevance: Weeds of the Campus Sites of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria

A survey of the weed flora of the campus sites of the Olabisi Onabanjo University was undertaken. Several visits were made to the disturbed and undisturbed vegetation of the sites for collection of weeds after which the weeds were prepared in accordance with conventional herbarium practice. A total of seventy-three (73) weed species belonging to twenty-seven (27) families were identified and found to be present within the area of study. The family Poaceae seems to have the highest number of weed species (twelve) available within the area followed by Asteraceae with ten (10) species. Amaranthaceae, Cyperaceae and Euphorbiaceae are also in abundance. These weeds have been discovered to be useful, against the mindset of the uninformed that they are useless or ‘vagabond’ plants. Medicinal uses as well as percentage occurrence of each family are presented. From this study it is obvious that the University sites are not only rich in plant biodiversity but that the plants are also very rich in socio-economic values. It is therefore advisable that these plants should be protected from going into extinction so that all would not be lost due to developmental activities

Prediction of Shelf Life of Dakuwa (Nigerian cereal/groundnut snack) Using pH as Index of Acceptability

This study was undertaken to establish the effect of pH on the acceptability of dakuwa. Dakuwa was prepared by malting and milling maize grains and groundnut. Maize flour and groundnut paste were mixed together in equal ratios with the addition of sugar and red pepper. pH of fresh dakuwa was varied using citric acid and subjected to sensory evaluation in order to establish the relationship between pH and acceptability of dakuwa. Accelerated storage test was also carried out in order to determine the kinetics of pH change and kinetics of pH change was tested using zero and first order reaction relationships. Linear regression was used to determine Arrhenius equation parameters and the relationship between pH and acceptability. Decreasing pH reduced dakuwa acceptability. Order of pH change was adequately described by both zero and first orders of reaction. From the data generated, using first order reaction kinetics, a relationship was derived which can be used to estimate the shelf life of dakuwa on the basis of pH. Keywords: Dakuwa, pH, acceptability, kinetics, sensory evaluation, accelerated storage, Arrhenius equation, regression, temperature, shelf-lif

Bioassay-guided optimization of lipid-based erythromycin microparticles

Purpose: To optimize erythromycin microparticles by in vitro bioassay methods based on its antibacterial activity. Methods: The microparticles were produced by high shear homogenization. The effects of different lipid-to-surfactant ratios were studied. The hydrodynamic size of the different batches was evaluated using dynamic light scattering while bioactive drug load per batch was assessed in agar using bioassay methods. The antimicrobial activities of selected batches were tested ex vivo by determination of reduction in bacteraemia following administration of the microparticles to infected animals. Results: All batches had particles with hydrodynamic sizes < 8.5 microns. Batch 7 with a 2: 5: 2.5 (drug: surfactant: stearic acid) ratio, represents the optimized batch with a hydrodynamic size of 2281 nm, a bioactive drug loading capacity (BLC) of 4.67 ± 0.70 % and bioactive drug entrapment  efficiency (BEE) of 10.51 %. The “microparticle MIC” against Staphylococcus aureus was 1.74 x 10-3 μg/ml. Despite containing lower amounts of erythromycin than the pure sample, the microparticles achieved comparable reduction in bacteraemia, with the optimized batch exhibiting lower variation in bacteraemia than the pure drug. Conclusion: Erythromycin microparticles have been successfully optimized with the aid of bioassay methods which has the advantage that only the bioactive drug concentration is factored in. This method eliminates problems posed by inadequate or non-discriminating chemical assay methods. Keywords: Microparticles, Erythromycin, Gastrointestinal, Bioavailability Antimicrobial, Bioactivity, Encapsulatio

Development of Transdermal Patches for the Delivery of Chlorpheniramine in Infants using Hypromellose and Cassava Starch Composite Polymers

Background: Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that is used in the treatment of rhinitis and other allergies. Objectives: The objectives of this research was to develop and evaluate transdermal patches for improved delivery of chlorpheniramine in infants using hypromellose and cassava starch composite polymers. Methods: Chlorpheniramine transdermal patches were formulated by solvent casting method using varying amounts of hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), cassava starch and polyethylene glycol 4000. The formulated transdermal patches were characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FT-IR), folding endurance, elongation breaking test, percentage moisture uptake/loss and ex vivo permeation studies. Results: The spectra showed no chemical interaction between the ingredients. The transdermal patches showed elastic qualities and high folding endurance. Patches with consistently high moisture uptake (around 40%) were observed to contain high concentration of cassava starch while those with higher amounts of HPMC lost more water (around 35%). The ex vivo study showed efficient permeation and flux for the target purpose. Conclusion: Transdermal patches may be used to deliver low dose chlorpheniramine drug through the skin possibly soft and thin infant skin. Keywords: Transdermal; permeation; flux; allergy; chlorpheniramin

Positional Accuracy Assessment of Historical Google Earth Imagery

Google Earth is the most popular virtual globe in use today. Given its popularity and usefulness, most users do not pay close attention to the positional accuracy of the imagery, and there is limited information on the subject. This study evaluates the horizontal accuracy of historical GE imagery at four epochs between year 2000 and 2018, and the vertical accuracy of its elevation data within Lagos State in Nigeria, West Africa. The horizontal accuracies of the images were evaluated by comparison with a very high resolution (VHR) digital orthophoto while the vertical accuracy was assessed by comparison with a network of 558 ground control points. The GE elevations were also compared to elevation data from two readily available 30m digital elevation models (DEMs), the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) v3.0 and the Advanced Land Observing Satellite World 3D (AW3D) DEM v2.1. The most recent GE imagery (year 2018) was the most accurate while year 2000 was the least accurate. This shows a continuous enhancement in the accuracy and reliability of satellite imagery data sources which form the source of Google Earth data. In terms of the vertical accuracy, GE elevation data had the highest RMSE of 6.213m followed by AW3D with an RMSE of 4.388m and SRTM with an RMSE of 3.682m. Although the vertical accuracy of SRTM and AW3D are superior, Google Earth still presents clear advantages in terms of its ease of use and contextual awareness.Comment: 36 page

Multi-criteria decision analysis for the evaluation and screening of sustainable aviation fuel production pathways

The aviation sector, a significant greenhouse gas emitter, must lower its emissions to alleviate the climate change impact. Decarbonization can be achieved by converting low-carbon feedstock to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This study reviews SAF production pathways like hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), gasification and Fischer–Tropsch Process (GFT), Alcohol to Jet (ATJ), direct sugar to hydrocarbon (DSHC), and fast pyrolysis (FP). Each pathway's advantages, limitations, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact are detailed, with reaction pathways, feedstock, and catalyst requirements. A multi-criteria decision framework (MCDS) was used to rank the most promising SAF production pathways. The results show the performance ranking order as HEFA > DSHC > FP > ATJ > GFT, assuming equal weight for all criteria

Is the Public willing to help the Nigerian Police during the Boko Haram crisis? A look at moderating factors.

This paper sought the opinion of 200 Nigerians on their willingness to cooperate with the Police during the Boko Haram crisis. Public perceptions of Police effectiveness during the crisis, residence location, gender and religious affiliation were used as moderators. Data was analysed using an explanatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Results indicated a strong association between perceived effectiveness and willingness to report to the Police with respondents who question the effectiveness of the Police being less likely to be willing to report criminal activity about Boko Haram. Further to this, the impact of religion on willingness to report was at least partially mediated by perceived effectiveness of the Police with the results showing that Christian respondents perceived the Police as less effective. Females and those living in the North were significantly less willing to report criminal activity to the Police The findings are then discussed in relation to the BH crises and directions for future research are given

A year of genomic surveillance reveals how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic unfolded in Africa

[Figure: see text]