In-Depth Assessment of Proximate, Vitamin, and Mineral Composition Analysis of Locally Cultivated Rice Varieties in South-Eastern Nigeria

In this research, the aim was to assess the proximate analysis, as well as the vitamin and mineral composition analysis of locally cultivated rice varieties in rice south-eastern Nigeria with a focus on the location-based effect and grain-length-based effect on proximate analysis, mineral, and vitamin contents of FARO 44 rice species farmed in Southeast Nigeria. The study area includes several locations in southeast Nigeria: Omasi (Latitude: 6° 42' 14" N, Longitude: 6°58' 46" E), Omar (Latitude: 6° 30' 37" N, Longitude: 6° 57' 32" E), Ikwo (Latitude: 6.0659° N, longitude: 8.0953° E), Izzi (Latitude: 6.5792° N, Longitude: 8.0475° E), Adani (Latitude: 6.7340° N, longitude: 7.0095° E), and Eha-Amufu (Latitude: 6.6590° N, Longitude: 7.7607°E). Standard methods were followed during sampling and laboratory analysis. The study found that the main effect of locations on the proximate analysis of FARO 44 rice species was not significant, except for protein, moisture, and carbohydrate (CHO) content. The highest protein content was observed in the Ikwo location, while moisture content was similar among several locations except for Eha-Amufu, which had the lowest moisture content. Regarding vitamin content, the location had a significant influence, with variations observed in different locations for vitamin E, B1, B2, vitamin C, and B-Carotene. Furthermore, both location and grain length had a significant effect on mineral content, particularly copper, zinc, and potassium, with variations observed among different locations and grain lengths. Keywords: mineral composition, proximate analysis, vitamin, rice, south-east Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-14-02 Publication date:August 31st 202

Evaluation of Short-Term Haematological and Nephro-Toxic Effects of Chloroquine, and Artemether-Lumefantrine in Albino Rats

The present study was designed to evaluate of short-term haematological and nephrotoxic effects of chloroquine, and artemether-lumefantrine in albino rats. Sixty adult male albino rats, 12–13 weeks of age, weighing 156 – 179 g were procured and used for this study. The rats were assigned into five groups of twelve rats per group replicated 3 times (4 rats per replicate). The groups were: 1. control group (CONTL GRP), 2. high dose artemether Lumefantrine (HD ARTEM LUMF. 4/24 mg/ml), 3. low dose artemether-lumefantrine (LD ARTEM LUMF. 2/12 mg/ml), 4. high dose chloroquine (HD CHLQN. 20 mg/ml) and 5. low dose chloroquine (LD CHLQN. 10 mg/ml)). Rats in the Control group were administered an equivalent volume of placebo (distilled water) according to body weight. Treatment was done daily and lasted for 3 days. The administration was orally using plastic syringes attached to a metal oropharyngeal cannula. Both doses of chloroquine (20 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml) did not have a significant effect on various blood parameters (WBC, Neu, Lym, Mon, Eos, Bas, RBC, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, PLT, MPV and PDW) in rats, except for HCT and PCT, where both doses caused a significant increase. Similarly, high and low doses of artemether-lumefantrine (4/24 mg/ml and 2/12 mg/ml) and chloroquine did not significantly affect urea and creatinine levels in rats compared to the control. The administration of chloroquine and artemether-lumefantrine did not have a significant impact on blood parameters and renal function in rats, except for a notable increase in HCT and PCT. Keywords: Artemether-Lumefantrine, Chloroquine, Haematology, Nephrotoxicity, Effects, Rats DOI: 10.7176/ALST/99-02 Publication date:August 31st 202

Pulp Extracts of Picralima nitida: a Larvicidal Agent in Malaria Vector Control

The methanolic and aqueous pulp extracts of Picralima nitida as an eco-friendly alternative in malaria vector control were investigated. The sample yielded a 3.93% extract with methanol and 0.89% with aqueous. The phytochemicals constitutes of crude methanolic and aqueous extracts of P. nitida pulp include the alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes and steroids. Laboratory reared larvae of Anopheles gambiae 4th instar were exposed to varying concentrations of the P. nitida pulp extracts ranging from 0.5 to 5.0mg/ml, according to WHO Bioassay Methods for susceptibility. Probit analysis using statistical package for social sciences version 16.0, at (P<0.05) gave time dependent LC50 and LC95 values of 4.979 mg/ml and 18.541mg/ml, 4.299 mg/ml and 16.008 mg/ml and 2.792 mg/ml and 10.397 mg/ml for aqueous pulp extracts at 24, 48 and 72 hours while methanolic extract values were 12.285 and 96.993 mg/ml, 9.700 and 76.584 mg/ml and 6.490 and 51.236 mg/ml at 24h, 48h and 72 h respectively. The Relative Potency estimate revealed that methanolic extract has 1.525, 1.554 and 1.880 times the potency of aqueous extract at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h respectively. Keywords: Picralima nitida, Eco-friendly, Insecticides, Resistance, Larvicidal

Evaluation of Gender Difference Influence: Effects of Games on Acquisition of Science Process Skills in Junior Secondary School South East Nigeria

The relevance of instructional games has made it an important instructional approach for the teaching and learning of science especially at junior secondary level. The present study was focused on gender difference influence: effects of games on acquisition of science process skills in junior secondary school south east Nigeria. The quasi-experimental design was used for this study. The population of this study consisted of the entire Junior Secondary School, Basic Science students one (JSS 1) of the thirty-five (35) public secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone. The sample for the study was one hundred and sixty (160) Basic Science students and four Basic Science teachers from co-education secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone of Enugu state. Stratified random sampling was employed to obtain the schools used for the study. The instruments used for the study was the Test of Science Process Skills Acquisition Test (TOSPSAT). The instruments were given to four (4) experts in science education, two (2) science educators (measurement and evaluators) and two (2) experienced integrated teachers for face and content validation.  The reliability of TOSPSAT was done using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (K-R 20). The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for testing hypotheses at P<0.05 level of significance.  The students taught using game teaching approach had higher mean science process skills acquisition scores in all the skills studied than those taught using conventional method. There was a significant difference in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of subjects exposed to games than those exposed to conventional method. Male and female students exposed to games scored higher in all the science process skills studied. There was no significant difference found in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of male and female students exposed to games. The interaction effect of instructional methods and gender on mean science process skills acquisition scores was not significant. The findings of this implies that students, teachers and curriculum planners should adopt the use of games in teaching and learning processes. Keywords: games, science process skills, gender difference DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-15-06 Publication date:May 31st 202

Ascorbic Acid Supplementation: Effects on the Growth and Packed Cell Volume of Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted to observe the effect of natural and artificial ascorbic acid supplementation on the growth and packed cell volume using broiler chicks. The chicks were divided into groups A, B, C and D. They were fed with the same quantity of feed but different type of ascorbic acid in a litre of water were also administered to groups B to D. Group A which served as the control group received no ascorbic acid and groups B was given 150 g of natural and 150 g of artificial ascorbic acid per litre of water, C received 300 g of natural and 300 g artificial ascorbic acid while D was given 300 g of artificial ascorbic acid per litre of water. The result of the supplement effects on the birds showed that birds feed with natural ascorbic acid recorded the highest weight gain 1.22 kg followed by those feed with mixture of natural and artificial ascorbic acid 1.09kg. Birds that were feed artificial ascorbic acid recorded a weight gain of 0.89 kg while the control group produced the least weight gain of 0.79 kg. The mixture of natural and artificial ascorbic acid proved to be most effective on PCV 21.23, followed by that of artificial ascorbic acid 18.1. Whereas control group recorded a PCV level of 12.84 natural ascorbic acid recorded the least PCV level of 9.93. The result of the experiment indicated that natural ascorbic acid elevated body weight while mixture of natural and artificial ascorbic acid boosted PCV in broiler when given in the right proportion. Keywords: ascorbic acid; packed cell volume; supplementation; natural; artifici

An Investigation of the Lethality of Picralima Nitida, Family Apocynaceae in Malaria Vector Control

Insecticides resistance and the corresponding health and environmental challenges that arises as a result of the use of synthetic chemical based insecticides prompts the search for better alternative control measures which are more effective, specific in action and less toxic. The 4th instar larvae of Anopheles spp, the vector of the deadly plasmodium were evaluated in this research against aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of the plant Picralima nitida. Results revealed that aqueous leaf extract of the test plant had a mean mortality of 11 at 24hrs exposure and concentration of 5.0mg/ml. 95% mortality was also recorded at 5.0mg/ml after 48hrs exposure. Methanolic leaf extract had a mean mortality of 7.7 at 48hrs exposure time and same concentration of 5.0mg/ml. however, at 72hrs exposure, (concentration 5.0mg/ml), the mean mortality increased to 19.3 (97% mortality). The Median Lethal Time evaluated using probit analysis at 95% Confidence Limit showed the average lethal time of the test organism Anopheles larvae to the methanolic extract to be 55hrs and 29hrs for the aqueous leaf extract. This result hence supports the fact that leaf extracts of P. nitida can be used as a source of eco-friendly alternatives in the control of mosquito vectors, if developed. Keywords: Resistance, Insecticides, Anopheles spp, Eco-friendly, Larvicidin

Influence of Location: Application of Games as a Teaching Method for Science Process Skills Acquisition in Junior Secondary School South East Nigeria

The present study was designed to evaluate the influenced of location on using game-based teaching method in acquisition of science process skills in junior secondary school south east Nigeria. The quasi-experimental design was used for this study. The population of this study consisted of the entire Junior Secondary School, Basic Science students one (JSS 1) of the thirty-five (35) public secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone. The sample for the study was one hundred and sixty (160) Basic Science students and four Basic Science teachers from co-education secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone of Enugu state. Stratified random sampling was employed to obtain the schools used for the study. The instruments used for the study was the Test of Science Process Skills Acquisition Test (TOSPSAT). The instruments were given to four (4) experts in science education, two (2) science educators (measurement and evaluators) and two (2) experienced integrated teachers for face and content validation.  The reliability of TOSPSAT was done using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (K-R 20). The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for testing hypotheses at P<0.05 level of significance.  The students taught using game teaching approach had higher mean science process skills acquisition scores in all the skills studied than those taught using conventional method. There was a significant difference in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of subjects exposed to games than those exposed to conventional method. Location of school had no significant effect on the mean science process skills acquisition scores of students exposed to treatment and conventional method. The interaction effect of instructional methods and location on mean science process skills acquisition scores was not significance. The findings of this implies that students, teachers and curriculum planners should adopt the use of games in teaching and learning processes. Keywords: games, science process skills, location influence DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-18-13 Publication date:June 30th 202

Evaluation of Short-Term Effects of Anti-Malaria Drugs on Haematology and Serum Electrolytes in Rats

The study investigated the short-term effects of artemether-lumefantrine and chloroquine on haematology and serum electrolytes profile in albino rats. Sixty adult male albino rats, 12–13 weeks of age, weighing 156 – 179 g were procured and used for this study. The rats were assigned into five groups of twelve rats per group replicated 3 times (4 rats per replicate). The groups were: 1. control group (CONTL GRP), 2. high dose artemether Lumefantrine (HD ARTEM LUMF. 4/24 mg/ml), 3. low dose artemether-lumefantrine (LD ARTEM LUMF. 2/12 mg/ml), 4. high dose chloroquine (HD CHLQN. 20 mg/ml) and 5. low dose chloroquine (LD CHLQN. 10 mg/ml)). Rats in the Control group were administered an equivalent volume of placebo (distilled water) according to body weight. Treatment was done daily and lasted for 3 days. The administration was orally using plastic syringes attached to a metal oropharyngeal cannula. Both 4/24 mg/ml and 2/12 mg/ml doses of artemether-lumefantrine showed a non-significant effect (p > 0.05) in WBC, Neu, Lym, Mon, Eos, Bas, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, PLT, MPV, and PDW except in PCT where low (2/12 mg/ml) dose caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) compared with the control. Artemether-lumefantrine and chloroquine had similar effects on K, Na, Cl, iCa, TiCa, TCa, pH, TCO2, and AG. Both high (4/24 mg/ml) and low (2/12 mg/ml) doses of artemether-lumefantrine showed no significant effect (p > 0.05) on K, Na, Cl, iCa, TiCa, TCa, pH, TCO2, and AG but Cl showed a significant increase (p<0.05) compared with the control. Chloroquine doses (20 mg/ml & 10 mg/ml) had similar effects except on Cl where the high dose (20 mg/ml) caused a significant increase (p<0.05) as compared with the control. However, the significant increase in Cl could depict dehydration. Keywords: Artemether-Lumefantrine, Chloroquine, Effects, Haematology, Electrolytes, Rats DOI: 10.7176/ALST/99-01 Publication date:August 31st 202

Assessment of the Prevalence of Body Mass Index in Some Rural Agro-Settlements, South-East Nigeria

This study was focused on the assessment of the prevalence of body mass index in some rural agro-settlements, in south-east Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A sample size of 400 was randomly selected. Slovin’s formula n=N/ (1 + N*e2) was used to estimate the sample size from the population of 148,415 for Isi-Uzo local government area. The sample size of 385 was rounded up to 400 to ensure inclusiveness and representation of the towns involved. The research examined the prevalence of body mass index (BMI) among residents in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, focusing on gender, communities, educational status, and monthly income level. The findings revealed no significant gender-based differences in BMI among the participants, although overweight was more prevalent in males, while underweight, normal weight, and obesity were more prevalent in females. Significant differences in BMI were observed across different communities, with higher rates of underweight and normal weight in Umualor, overweight in Neke, and obesity in Mbu. Regarding educational status, normal BMI was predominant across all levels. Monthly income level also showed significant differences in BMI, with underweight more common among those with no income, normal BMI prevalent among those with a monthly income of ≤ N10,000, overweight higher in the N75,001 to N100,000 income range, and obesity more common in the N100,001 to N150,000 income range. Keywords: Assessment, prevalence, BMI, rural agro-settlements, Isi-Uzo local government area DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-14-01 Publication date:August 31st 202

Phytochemical composition and antitrypanosomal activities Of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus Linn. (Loranthaceae) in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei Brucei

Phytochemical composition and antitrypanosomal activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei was investigated for 28 days using 72 adult male albino rats weighing between 150 – 250 g. The rats were divided into six groups (A – F), replicated thrice with each replicate having four rats. Group A, B and C were given 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg of the extracts respectively, according to their body weights, while group D, E and F served as the negative, positive and normal control groups, respectively. LD50, phytochemical screening, parasitaemia and body weight were determined using standard methods. It was observed that tannins and flavonoids were highly present, alkaloids, resins, steroids and saponins were moderately present in the plant extract, while terpenes and glycosides were present in trace amounts. LD50 of the crude leaf extract of L. micranthus showed no mortality at dose levels of up to 5,000 mg/kg after 24 hours. The level of parasitaemia in all the tested groups and negative control were significantly high (p<0.05) when compared with the positive and normal control groups throughout the duration of the experiment. Similarly, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the mean values of body weights of the infected and treated animals throughout the duration of the experiment. The results showed that all the tested rats and negative control groups died from the overwhelming parasitaemia unlike the case of those administered the standard drug. The aqueous leaf extract of L. micranthus may not be used as an antitrypanosomal agent.Keywords: Phytochemical composition, Parasitaemia, Trypanosomiasis, Albino rats, Loranthus micranthus, Non antitrypanosomal agen