CHARACTERIZATION OF COCOA (THEOBROMA COCOA) POD

Cocoa pod is a waste product of cocoa seeds and have been found very useful industrially for making black soaps which are highly medicinal for treating various ailment. The oil of the pod was investigated to reveal the various compounds present in the oil, Essential fatty acids and other organic compounds were revealed by the use of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotomete

Pasting characteristics of plantain (Balbisiana Hybrids) and banana (Musa acuminata) starches

The starch powdered samples were analyzed for their pasting characteristics using Rapid visco analyser (RVA). From the graph of viscosity versus time, the final viscosity of plantain starch (298.67Rvu) was higher than that of Banana starch (165.67Rvu). The higher viscosity recorded in plantain starch showed that there was re-association between the starch molecules which led to formation of gel and caused by not only simple kinetic effect of cooling but re-association of amylose. The hold period of plantain starch (141.75minutes) was higher than that of Banana starch (112.33minutes). The hold period is accomplished by a breakdown in viscosity. The breakdown of banana starch (29.42Rvu)was higher than that of protein (24.25Rvu). The high breakdown in viscosity of Banana starch will be of great usefulness industrially. The peak viscosity of plantain (116.00Rvu) was higher than that of Banana starch (141.75Rvu). The high peak viscosity in plantain showed that the starch formed a paste on cooling at pasting temperature of 94.50C

Identification of ascorbic acid and phytochemical profiles of Scotch Bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet Detector (HPLC-UV)

Researchers have discovered that red and green scotch peppers are extremely rich in phytochemicals and that these secondary metabolites are connected to several biological processes in the human body. This study aimed to determine the numerous phytochemicals present in scotch pepper seeds, flesh, and red and green varieties. The samples were pulverized after being air-dried. The phytochemicals and ascorbic acid contents were examined using a High-performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet  detector (HPLC-UV). Twelve phytochemicals and ascorbic acid were identified in the flesh and seed of red scotch pepper, with lycopene having the highest content (83.10 mg/kg), the ascorbic acid content of 8.80 mg/kg; moreover, the seed of red scotch pepper revealed twelve phytochemicals and lycopene being the highest content (75.60 mg/kg) and ascorbic acid content of 6.80 mg/kg, furthermore, fourteen phytochemicals were identified in the flesh of red scotch bonnet pepper with lycopene the highest quantity (86.00 mg/kg) and ascorbic content of 10.60 mg/kg. Twelve phytochemicals were identified in the flesh and seed of green scotch bonnet pepper, lycopene (68.70 mg/kg) being the highest content, ascorbic acid content (6.50 mg/kg), twelve phytochemicals were revealed in the flesh of green pepper and lycopene had highest quantity (76.30 mg/kg), in the seed of green pepper, the lycopene content was 68.70 mg/kg. However, it has been shown that capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and lutein concentrations varied, with red scotch pepper flesh having the highest concentration of capsaicin (7.50 mg/kg). The lycopene and ascorbic acid contents of flesh were the highest (86.00 mg/kg) and (10.60 mg/kg). The study's findings showed that red pepper flesh was better than other components that were looked at.

Effect of Material Resource Management on Project Completion Time in Nigeria

Effective material resource management is crucial for the timely completion of construction projects in Nigeria and worldwide. This thesis investigated the prevailing material budgeting methods in Nigeria and recommended the most effective approaches for material reconciliation. It explored the factors causing variations in material prices and examined the strategies employed by construction companies in Nigeria to manage material acquisition. Additionally, it established a relationship between material management methods and project completion time in Nigeria. The objectives of this study focused on understanding the significance of material resource management in addressing the challenges of timely project completion time in Nigeria. The research scope, limitations, and hypotheses are outlined in the introductory chapter. A systematic review of relevant literature on material resource management in the Nigerian context is conducted, along with an examination of various prior research. Employing a quantitative research approach, both secondary and primary data were collected. Secondary data were obtained through an extensive literature review, while primary data were gathered using a well-designed questionnaire. Out of the 314 questionnaires administered, 97 responses were received, and 85 responses were deemed suitable for analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed for analysis. The formulated hypotheses are rigorously tested using the statistical z-test for proportions. The findings indicated that the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is the most effective material budgeting method in Nigeria. It is observed that professionals involved in construction projects give adequate priority to material resourcing during project planning. Furthermore, a significant association is established between the material resource management methods employed and timely project completion. Based on the findings, this thesis provided insightful recommendations to improve material resourcing practices to actualize completion time in Nigeria

Morphological Changes and Hypoglycemic Effects of Annona Muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) Leaf Aqueous Extract on Pancreatic Β-Cells of Streptozotocin-Treated Diabetic Rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the leaf aqueous extract effects of Annona muricata Linn. on the morphology of pancreatic β-cells and oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the diabetic animal groups B and C by intraperitoneal injections of STZ (75 mg/kg body weight), while the control group received equal volume of citrate buffer (pH 6.3) solution intraperitoneally. The rats in group C were given A. muricata leaf aqueous extract (AME, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) as from day 5 post STZ injections, and stopped on the 30th day of the study period. The pancreases of the rats were excised and randomly processed for histological staining and biochemical assays for antioxidant enzymes [such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum nitric oxide (NO)]. In diabetic state, pancreatic β-cells of STZ-treated group B rats histologically demonstrated marked alterations in the micro-anatomy and cellular integrities. The morphology of A. muricata-treated rats’ pancreases showed viable cellularity with distinct β-cell mass. STZ treatment significantly decreased GSH-Px, SOD, GSH, CAT and pancreatic/serum insulin levels (p<0.05). However, STZ treatment increased blood glucose concentrations, MDA, and NO. A. muricata-treated rats showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in elevated blood glucose, MDA and NO. Furthermore, A. muricata treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) antioxidant enzymes’ activities, as well as pancreatic/serum insulin contents. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicate that A. muricata treatment has beneficial effects on pancreatic tissues subjected to STZ-induced oxidative stress by directly quenching lipid peroxides and indirectly enhancing production of endogenous antioxidants. Annona muricata protected and preserved pancreatic β-cell integrity

Morphological changes and hypoglycemic effects of Annona muricata linn. (annonaceae) leaf aqueous extract on pancreatic β-cells of streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the leaf aqueous extract effects of Annona muricata Linn. on the morphology of pancreatic β-cells and oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the diabetic animal groups B and C by intraperitoneal injections of STZ (75 mg/kg body weight), while the control group received equal volume of citrate buffer (pH 6.3) solution intraperitoneally. The rats in group C were given A. muricata leaf aqueous extract (AME, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) as from day 5 post STZ injections, and stopped on the 30th day of the study period. The pancreases of the rats were excised and randomly processed for histological staining and biochemical assays for antioxidant enzymes [such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum nitric oxide (NO)]. In diabetic state, pancreatic β-cells of STZ-treated group B rats histologically demonstrated marked alterations in the micro-anatomy and cellular integrities. The morphology of A. muricata-treated rats’ pancreases showed viable cellularity with distinct β-cell mass. STZ treatment significantly decreased GSH-Px, SOD, GSH, CAT and pancreatic/serum insulin levels (p<0.05). However, STZ treatment increased blood glucose concentrations, MDA, and NO. A. muricata-treated rats showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in elevated blood glucose, MDA and NO. Furthermore, A. muricata treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) antioxidant enzymes’ activities, as well as pancreatic/serum insulin contents. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicate that A. muricata treatment has beneficial effects on pancreatic tissues subjected to STZ-induced oxidative stress by directly quenching lipid peroxides and indirectly enhancing production of endogenous antioxidants. Annona muricata protected and preserved pancreatic β-cell integrity

Protective Effect of Quercetin on the Morphology of Pancreatic β-Cells of Streptozotocin-Treated Diabetic Rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effects of quercetin (QCT) on the morphology of pancreatic β-cells against diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress experimentally-induced by streptozotocin (STZ) treatment in Wistar rats. Fifty male and female Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly divided into three experimental groups (i. e., control, STZ-treated, and STZ + Quercetin-treated groups). Diabetes was induced in the diabetic groups (B and C) of animals, by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (75 mg/kg), while each of the rats in the ‘control’ group received equal volume of citrate buffer (pH 6.3) solution intraperitoneally. In group C rats, quercetin (QCT, 25 mg/kg/day i. p.) was injected daily for 3 days prior to STZ treatment, and QCT administration continued until the end of the study period (30 days). Diabetes mellitus was confirmed by using Bayer's Glucometer Elite® and compatible blood glucose test strips. The rats were sacrificed serially until the end of the study period (after 30 days). The pancreases of the sacrificed rats were excised and randomly processed for histological staining and biochemical assays for antioxidant enzymes [such as glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum nitric oxide (NO)]. In the diabetic state, pancreatic β-cells of STZ-treated group B rats histologically demonstrated an early chromatin aggregation, cytoplasmic vesiculation in the central β-cells, nuclear shrinkage, and lysis of β-cells with distortion of granules. The morphology of QCT-treated rats' pancreases showed viable cellularity with distinct β-cell mass. STZ treatment significantly decreased (p<0.05) GSHPx, SOD, CAT and pancreatic insulin content. However, STZ treatment increased blood glucose concentrations, MDA and serum NO. The QCT-treated group of animals showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in elevated blood glucose, MDA and NO. Furthermore, QCT treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) antioxidant enzymes' activities, as well as pancreatic insulin contents. Quercetin (QCT) treatment protected and preserved pancreatic β-cell architecture and integrity. In conclusion, the findings of the present experimental animal study indicate that QCT treatment has beneficial effects on pancreatic tissues subjected to STZ-induced oxidative stress by directly quenching lipid peroxides and indirectly enhancing production of endogenous antioxidants

Assessment of nutritional and medicinal properties of nutmeg

The study was aimed at assessing the nutritional and medicinal properties of nutmeg, a seed of Myristica fragrans Houtt. Locally sourced nutmeg in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, were analysed for their proximate, minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and bioactive molecules contents. GC–MS analysis of the essential oil was carried out and drug properties of the identified bioactive molecules were screened computationally, using online Osiris server. The methanolic and ethanolic extracts of nutmeg were screened for their antibacterial activities. Results: The nutmeg samples were found to have high contents of fat (26.7%), protein (18.7%), carbohydrate (28.9%), energy (3938.3 Kcal/Kg) and fibre (9.4%); rich in Ca²⁺, K+, Po₄3⁻, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺ and ascorbic acid; with low levels of Zn2+, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin. The phytochemical analysis indicated high levels of alkaloids, phytates, tannins, oxalates, flavonoids, terpernoids, antioxidant, with low protease inhibitor, and no detectable cyanogenic glycosides. The GC–MS analysis of the essential oil gave a chromatogram with 33 peaks, and the identified molecules including gamma-Terpinene, Isoborneol, Safrole, Geraniol, (+)-4-Carene, Myristicin and Guaiol among others, and some of these molecules are having excellent drug properties. The multi-drug resistant clinical bacterial isolates and the reference bacteria used in this study were all susceptible to both methanolic and ethanolic extracts of nutmeg, with the methanolic extract showing more significant antibacterial profiles. The present study demonstrated nutmeg as having high nutritional and antibacterial values, with rich content of bioactive molecules that could serve as sources of new therapeutics against drug resistant bacterial infections