Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Motorized Maize Shelling Machine

The design and fabrication of a power operated  maize shelling machine was carried out in the engineering workshop of both Allamit Nigeria Limited ,odo-ona, Ibadan and Federal College of Agriculture Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo – State, Nigeria. The length, width and height of the machine are respectively 830mm, 605mm and 950mm.the machine can easily be carried with vehicle to a farm for operation.The performance evaluation was carried out using the NIS standard. This involved using three pulleys to vary the shaft shelling speed from 623rpm to 823rpm to 886rmp at moisture content of a maize cob viz: 13%, 15% and 17% respectively.Result showed that shelling efficiency, cleaning efficiency, grain recovery efficiency and output capacity were 87.08%, 95.89% and 623.99kg/hr respectively which were at highest values at 13% moisture contents of maize and at 886rpm shelling speed. Thus, shelling of maize at 13% moisture content dry basis using 886rpm shelling speed resulted into the highest efficiencies and capacity of the machine when compared with other moisture contents and shelling speeds. Result showed that shelling efficiency, cleaning efficiency grain recovery efficiency  and output capacity were 87.08%, 95.89%, 95.48% and 623.99kg/hr respectively which were the highest values at 13% moisture contents of maize and at 886rpm shelling speed. Keywords: Performance evaluation, maize Sheller, fabricatio

Effects of supplemental Vitamins E and C on growth performance and physiological responses of broiler chicken under environmental heat stress

Growth and physiological responses of broiler chicken fed supplemental Vitamins E and C in feeds under heat stress was evaluated. One hundred and twenty Arbor acre broiler chickens were used for the experiment. At day-old, the birds were acclimatized for 7 days, after which the birds were randomly allotted into 4 treatment groups which was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. Four experimental diets were formulated in which the first treatment (T1) served as the control without vitamin, second treatment (T2) had 100mg of vitamin C per kg of feed, third treatment (T3) had 200mg of vitamin E per kg of feed, and fourth treatment (T4) had combination of 100mg vitamins C and 200mg Vitamin E per kg of feed. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, environmental temperature, relative humidity, rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rates of the chicken. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and Analysis of Variance using SAS (9.13). There were no significant effects on growth performance parameters monitored. Physiological indices showed mean values of 40.08 ± 5.85 0C, 67.41 ± 7.22 beats/min and 60.34 ± 5.84 breathes/min for rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate of the broiler chicken, respectively. There were low and positive correlations between rectal temperature and pulse rate of the chickens (r = 0.23); rectal temperature and respiratory rate (r = 0.15); pulse rate and respiratory rate (r = 0.32). There were significant (p<0.05) effects of Vitamins C and E on rectal temperature, respiratory rate and pulse rate of the chickens. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that Vitamin C supplement was most effective than Vitamin E and their combination in suppressing thermo-physiological responses of the broiler chicken. Keywords: Humidity, response, temperature, physiology, supplemen

Assessment of Residential Real Estate Investment Performance in Lafia Metropolis, Nigeria

Investors are expected to be guided through investment performance measurement and analysis in order to safeguard against potential loss of investment returns or the capital invested. Whereas residential real estate (RRE) constitutes a significant part of the portfolios of individual and institutional investors across the globe, the assessment of risk-return performance of RRE investment in Nigeria generally has not been well researched. Investors in real estate (RE) in the Lafia city of Nasarawa State, like other cities in Nigeria, still rely on mere intuition, sales comparison and the rule of thumb in real estate investment decisions-making. Consequently, these ill-informed investors often venture into poorly conceived and subsequently financially disastrous real estate investment projects thereby failing to achieve their desired investment objectives. Hence, this research was conducted to evaluate the performances of RRE investment in Lafia metropolis of north-central Nigeria with a view to guiding existing and potential real estate investors and practitioners in the region in making informed property investment decision. A survey research design was adopted to collect transacted residential property value data from estate surveying and valuation firms as well as reputable estate agent offices in the study area. Mean scores, property value index and holding period return model were used to analyse the rental/capital value indices and total return performance respectively. The modified value-at-risk model was used to assess risk while the modified Sharpe ratio was used to evaluate the risk-return performance of RRE investment performance in the study area. The research findings revealed, among others, a progressive increase in rental and capital values of RRE within the study period. RRE investment showed an average rental growth of 6.8% per annum and capital value growth of 9.4% per annum. On the basis of investment returns, it was found that Angwan Doka outperformed other selected neighbourhoods in the study area with an average mean total return and risk-adjusted return of 13.76% and 0.80% per annum respectively while Shabu underperformed other locations with average mean total return and risk-adjusted return of 12.17% and 0.55% per annum. The study recommended, among others, that potential real estate investors should consider investing in residential real estate in Angwan Doka since this location gives higher total and risk-adjusted returns on residential property investment relative to other locations in the city

Challenges in the logistics management of vaccine cold chain system in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Background: The success of national immunization programmes depends largely on effective logistics management of the vaccine cold chain system. This study assessed cold chain equipment functionality, healthcare workers’ knowledge and practice of the logistics management of vaccine cold chain system in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in immunization clinics of 35 health facilities in Ife East and Central Local Government Areas (LGA) in Ile-Ife. There were 100 immunization service providers in the (LGAs) and they were all recruited into the study. Information was obtained with the aid of an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. Cold chain equipment functionality was assessed using a checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Eleven (31.4%) of the facilities had functional refrigerators for storing vaccines, 16 (45.7%) had cold boxes while 13 (37.1%) had thermometers for vaccine temperature monitoring. Fifty-four (54.0%) of the healthcare workers were aware of the “shake test” and 19 (19.0%) could correctly interpret colour changes on a vaccine vial monitor. Consumption record was considered by 69 (69.0%) of healthcare workers when making vaccine requisitions while the required lead time was considered by 24 (24.0%) of them. Only 29 (29.0%) of healthcare workers kept records of vaccines stock-on-hand.Conclusion: Adequate training and supportive supervision is essential to improve healthcare workers’ knowledge and cold chain practices. Relevant cold chain equipment should be provided to boost storage capacity across health facilities.Keywords: Vaccine cold chain; Logistics management; Nigeri

Factors influencing contraceptives use among grandmultipara in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Objective: To determine modifiable factors that influence contraceptive usage among grandmutiparas in a South-Western Nigerian setting.Methodology: A prospective survey was done among antenatal attendees in OAUTHC from January toDecember 2006. Using interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire data were collected from all  grandmultiparous attendees on sociodemographic characteristics, contraceptive awareness and usage, contraceptive intentions and the role of men on contraceptives usage. Data were analysed with SPSS 11.0 and result presented in descriptive statistics.Results: The prevalence of grandmultiparity was 9.04% in the studied population, and their mean age was 36.73 + 4.7years: Eighty-one percent attended secondary school, and 65% were monogamous. Despite high level of awareness (51.6-100%) contraceptive usage was low (5.9 to 40.8%). About 90% agreed that family planning improve quality of family life. While 80% had no intention for further childbearing only 36% intended to use BTL. Sex preference was the only motivation for further childbearing in all (100%) of them.Conclusion: High literacy rate in this group did not impart positively in reducing the unmet need. Increased awareness on permanent  contraception and the role of men need to be promoted. Health education that will break the negative strongholds of cultural factors has to be introduced gradually at the primary school levels.Keywords: Contraceptive usage, Grandmultiparity, Cultural factors

New paradigm old thinking: the case for emergency obstetric care in the prevention of maternal mortality in Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The continuing burden of maternal mortality, especially in developing countries has prompted a shift in paradigm from the traditional risk assessment approach to the provision of access to emergency obstetric care services for all women who are pregnant. This study assessed the knowledge of maternity unit operatives at the primary and secondary levels of care about the concept of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) and investigated the contents of antenatal care (ANC) counseling services they delivered to clients. It also described the operatives' preferred strategies and practices for promoting safe motherhood and averting maternal mortality in South-west Nigeria.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study population included all the 152 health workers (doctors, midwives, nurses and community health extension workers) employed in the maternity units of all the public health facilities (n = 22) offering maternity care in five cities of 2 states. Data were collected with the aid of a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire and non-participant observation checklist. Results were presented using descriptive statistics.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Ninety one percent of the maternity unit staff had poor knowledge concerning the concept of EmOC, with no difference in knowledge of respondents across age groups. While consistently more than 60% of staff reported the inclusion of specific client-centered messages such as birth preparedness and warning/danger signs of pregnancy and delivery in the (ANC) delivered to clients, structured observations revealed that less than a quarter of staff actually did this. Furthermore, only 40% of staff reported counseling clients on complication readiness, but structured observations revealed that no staff did. Only 9% of staff had ever been trained in lifesaving skills (LSS). Concerning strategies for averting maternal deaths, 70% of respondents still preferred the strengthening of routine ANC services in the health facilities to the provision of access to EmOC services for all pregnant women who need it.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We concluded that maternity unit operatives at the primary and secondary care levels in South-west Nigeria were poorly knowledgeable about the concept of emergency obstetric care services and they still prioritized the strengthening of routine antenatal care services based on the risk approach over other interventions for promoting safe motherhood despite a global current shift in paradigm. There is an urgent need to reorientate/retrain the staff in line with global best practices.</p

Assessing the Challenges of Schooling among Adolescents in Skipped Generation Households in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Background: Skipped generation households (SGH) where grandparents are increasingly filling the parenting gaps are on the increase in the country. This study explored grandparental involvement in the family structure and schooling of adolescents in Ile-Ife town, South-West, Nigeria.Methodology: This cross-sectional study involves 408 secondary school adolescents (10-19 years) using facilitated self-administered questionnaires to gather information about students' socio-demographics, type of family structure, and schools' academic performance.Results: More than half of adolescents lived with biological parents at the time of survey while almost one-third (32.3%) lived in SGH. Almost all adolescents in SGH reported that their grandparents contribute financially to their care. Grandparental involvement significantly influenced the type of school attended by adolescents in SGH (p=0.025) and academic performance (p=0.038). Majority of adolescents living in SGH are enrolled in public schools and have poor academic grades in the year preceding the survey compared to those living with biological parents.Conclusion: Grandparental involvement influenced the type of school and was associated with poor academic performance of adolescents living in SGH. The study advocates a social support system for adolescents in skipped generation households while the grandparents who are mostly overburdened can also be supported through community nested cash transfer program

Parents' Acceptability and Health Workers' Perspectives of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination for Under-Fives in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: Pneumococcus, apart from being the commonest bacterial cause of Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) also causes a wide array of morbidities which can all be prevented with the administration of potent Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Despite its effectiveness and availability, Pneumococcal vaccines are not part of routine immunization in Nigeria. This study assessed parents' acceptability and health worker's perspectives of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination for under-fives.Methods:  The cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ife Central Local Government Area, Osun state. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 400 parents of under-fives selected via multi-stage random sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted for the heads of immunization units in four selected facilities in the local government area. Data were analysed using SPSS version-16.Result: More respondents were females, married and had tertiary education. About three-fifth (59.2%) of parents had good knowledge about RTIs though majority (79.00%) were unaware of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). most parents (93.5%) were willing to accept PCV for their children but only 43.5% of them could afford to pay for the cost of the vaccine at the prevailing market price. Most health workers (three out of four) interviewed were not aware of PCV. Most parents (96.25%) and all health workers interviewed wanted PCV incorporated into the National Program on Immunization (NPI). Parents with good knowledge about respiratory tract infections (RTIs) were significantly willing to accept PCV for their underfives (p= 0.005). Younger parents less than 35years, parents with lower educational attainments and low income groups significantly could not afford to pay for the cost of vaccines. (p=0.014, 0.001 and &lt;0.001 respectively).Conclusion: Though almost three fifth of parents surveyed had good knowledge about RTIs, awareness about PCV was poor and most of them were unable to afford PCV. There is an overwhelming need to incorporate PCV in to the NPI, as both parents and health workers agreed. Aside from overcoming a major financial barrier to vaccine access, this will also make PCV widely available to parents who are already willing to accept the vaccine for their children.Keywords: Parents' Acceptability, Pneumococcal conjugate Vaccinatio

Efficacy of antimicrobial effect of Venonia amygdalina and Tridax procumbens in in vitro control of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) post harvest fruit rot

Abstract: The antimicrobial effects of extract of Venonia amygdalina and Tridax procumbens were determined on rot causing fungi. In the present study, the pathogenic fungi isolated from the infected tomato fruit parts and identified based on morphological and cultural characters were: Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum, Geotrichum candidium. Two different extractive solvents (water and ethanol) were used; aqueous concentrations of 80 and 60% as well as ethanol concentration of 30 and 20% were used in this study. All the plant extracts, both aqueous and ethanol showed significant reduction of mycelia growth of isolated pathogens. In aqueous extract, 80% of both Venonia amygdalena and Tridax procumbens had high inhibitory effect of 49.20% against Geotrichum candidium and 53.30% against Aspergillus niger respectively than 60% aqueous concentration of the test plant extracts, while in ethanolic extract, 30% ethanol extract of Venonia amygdalena and Tridax procumbens inhibited up to 65.20 and72.20% against Fusarium oxysporum respectively more than 20% ethanolic extracts. Higher concentration of both aqueous and ethanol favoured higher mycelia growth reduction. Plant extracts are accessible for controlling phyto diseases, non hazardous, eco-friendly, low cost and non-pollutant

Intimate partner violence against adolescents and young women in sub-Saharan Africa: who is most vulnerable?

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health and human rights issue that affects millions of women and girls. While disaggregated national statistics are crucial to assess inequalities, little evidence exists on inequalities in exposure to violence against adolescents and young women (AYW). The aim of this study was to deter- mine inequalities in physical or sexual IPV against AYW and beliefs about gender based violence (GBV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: We used data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 27 countries in SSA. Only data from surveys conducted after 2010 were included. Our analysis focused on married or cohabiting AYW aged 15–24 years and compared inequalities in physical or sexual IPV by place of residence, education and wealth. We also examined IPV variations by AYW’s beliefs about GBV and the association of country characteristics such as gender inequality with IPV prevalence. Results: The proportion of AYW reporting IPV in the year before the survey ranged from 6.5% in Comoros to 43.3% in Gabon, with a median of 25.2%. Overall, reported IPV levels were higher in countries in the Central Africa region than other sub-regions. Although the prevalence of IPV varied by place of residence, education and wealth, there was no clear pattern of inequalities. In many countries with high prevalence of IPV, a higher proportion of AYW from rural areas, with lower education and from the poorest wealth quintile reported IPV. In almost all countries, a greater pro- portion of AYW who approved wife beating for any reason reported IPV compared to their counterparts who disap- proved wife beating. Reporting of IPV was weakly correlated with the Gender Inequality Index and other societal level variables but was moderately positively correlated with adult alcohol consumption (r = 0.48) and negative attitudes towards GBV (r = 0.38). Conclusion: IPV is pervasive among AYW, with substantial variation across and within countries reflecting the role of contextual and structural factors in shaping the vulnerability to IPV. The lack of consistent patterns of inequalities by the stratifiers within countries shows that IPV against women and girls cuts across socio-economic boundaries sug- gesting the need for comprehensive and multi-sectoral approaches to preventing and responding to IPV