A Comparative Assessment of the Fatty Acid and Phospholipid Composition of Irvingia Gabonensis (African Wild Mango) and Citrullus Lanatus (Water Melon) Seed Oils

The fatty acid composition of Irvingia gabonensis (African wild mango) and Citrullus lanatus (water melon) seed oils were determined using gas chromatographic technique with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The results indicated eight fatty acids in Citrullus lanatus and eleven in Irvingia gabonensis seed oils. Comparatively, fatty acids common to both seed oils are linoleic acid (61.07%, 22.98%), oleic acid (13.48%, 21.87%), palmitic acid (15.40%, 16.69%), palmitoleic acid (0.53%, 6.32%), linolenic acid   (0.52% , 17.55%) and erucic acid (0.54%,0.88%). Lauric acid, arachidic acid, myristic acid and behenic acid though found in Irvingia gabonensis were not traceable in citrullus lanatus while arachidonic acid was present in citrullus lanatus but not in irvingia gabonensis. Margaric acid and lignoceric acid were not found in both seed oils. Irvingia gabonensis seed oil presented potential for making hard soaps. The seed oils generally presented potential for industrial use. Phospholipid levels in Citrullus Lanatus and Irvingia gabonensis seed oils on the other hand was also determined using gas chromatographic technique with pulse flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD). The result showed six phospholipids in each seed oil namely phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, lysophosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid. The total phospholipid levels in Citrullus lanatus seed oil is higher (935.65 mg/100g) than that in Irvingia gabonensis (239.89 mg/100g) seed oils. Phosphatidylcholine was the most abundant in both seed oils while phosphatidylserine was the least concentrated. Citrullus lanatus seed oils present a higher potential for health benefits based on their phospholipid levels than Irvingia gabonensis. The study indicates that Irvingia gabonensis and citrullus lanatus would be useful in soap making industries and for improved health benefits respectively. Keywords: African wild mango, Citrullus lanatus, Chromatography, fatty acids, Irvingia gabonensis, industrial potential, Phospholipids, Phosphatidic acid, seed oil

Optimisation of Cooking Time for Two Varieties of Foodstuffs using Single- and Double-Cavity Cooking Pots

The increase in the shortage of firewood due to deforestation, skyrocketing of electricity tariffs and fuel pump prices in recent times have propelled scientists to search for alternative measures of cooking that can reduce electric energy and fuel consumption. Double-cavity cooking pots have emerged in recent times to reduce the prolonged duration arising from the sequential cooking of different foodstuffs/ dishes using a single-cavity pot. However, experimental reports are rarely available to sensitise users about the advantages of using the double-cavity pot. The present work describes a simple and informative experimental report that compares the cooking time for two varieties of foodstuffs (rice and beans) using single- and double-cavity pots. It was found that the average time rate of cooking in the double-cavity pot was 1.33 ◦ C/min less than in the single-cavity pot. The total time taken to concurrently cook equal masses of rice and beans in separate cavities of the double-cavity pot was found to be 9.98 min less than that of the single-cavity pot. The double-cavity pot proved to be economically viable by reducing the cooking time, electric energy, and fuel consumption that arise from the successional cooking of a variety of foodstuffs using the single-cavity pot

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is a process where health teams systematically collect and regularly reflect on local data to inform decisions and modify local practices and so improve delivery of services. We implemented a cluster randomized trial to examine the effects of CQI interventions on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services. Here, we report our experiences and challenges establishing CQI in 2 high HIV prevalence states in northern Nigeria. Facility-based teams were trained to implement CQI activities, including structured assessments, developing change packages, and participation in periodic collaborative learning sessions. Locally evolved solutions (change ideas) were tested and measured using process data and intermediate process indicators were agreed including overall time spent accessing services, client satisfaction, and quality of data. Health workers actively participated in clinic activities and in the collaborative learning sessions. During the study, the mean difference in time spent accessing services during clinic visits increased by 40 minutes (SD = 93.4) in the control arm and decreased by 44 minutes (SD = 73.7) in the intervention arm. No significant difference was recorded in the mean client satisfaction assessment score by study arm. The quality of data was assessed using a standardized tool scored out of 100; compared with baseline data, quality at the end of study had improved at intervention sites by 6 points (95% CI: 2.0 to 10.1). Health workers were receptive to CQI process. A compendium of "change ideas" compiled into a single change package can be used to improve health care delivery