Sorption kinetics and intraparticulate diffusivities of Cd, Pb and Zn ions on maize cob

The kinetics of sorption and intraparticulate diffusivities of Zn, Cd and Pb using maize cob was studied. The amount of the metal ions adsorbed increased with time. The highest sorption rates of the three metal ions were 71% for Z2+, 32% for Cd2+, and 30% for Pb2+. The fractional attainment of equilibrium showed that Zn2+ reached equilibrium before Pb2+ ion and then Cd2+ ion. This study showed that the sorption of Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions on maize cob is particle diffusion controlled. The rate coefficients for particle diffusion were 0.07 min-1 for Zn2+, 0.053min-1 for Pb2+ and 0.081min-1 for Cd2+.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (6), pp. 509-512, 200

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity Screening of Chloroform Leaves Extract of Man-To-Man (Peperomia pellucida) Harvested from Umunomo Ihitteafoukwu in Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria

Peperomia pellucida commonly called man-to-man or pepper elder is a plant of immense medicinal value and used in the treatment of different ailments such as abdominal pain, abscess, acne, boils colic rhematic joint pain and also consumed as vegetable. This study was conducted to investigate the preliminary and quantitative phytochemical properties of Peperomia pellucida. The results obtained revealed the presence of alkaloids (2.49±0.02), phenols (0.05±0.01), flavonoids (0.59±0.01), saponins (0.64 ± 0.02), tannins (0.08± 0.01) with alkaloid registering the highest presence. Peperomia pellucida leaves extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity at minimum and maximum concentrations of 2.0 and 12.0mg/ml respectively (compared to the ascorbic acid used as the free scavenger). The antibacterial result also showed that P. pellucida extract inhibited the growth of the test organisms, with the highest growth inhibition against Escherichia Coli and the lowest growth inhibition against Bacillus Cereus. The antimicrobial properties indicate the potential usefulness of this plant in the treatment of various pathogenic diseases which in future can be developed as a potential antimicrobial agent used in the treatment of infectious diseases

Ni(II) Complex of a Novel Schiff Base Derived from Benzaldehyde and Sulphathiazole: Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Studies

Communication in Physical Sciences 2020, 5(2): 145-155 Authors: Ifeanyi. E. Otuokere, J.C. Anyanwu and K.K. IgweReceived 09April 2020/Accepted 01May 2020 New Schiff base and its Ni(II) complex, were synthesized using benzaldehyde and sulphathiazole. They were characterized usingelemental analyser, UV-visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. IR spectral data suggested that the ligand coordinated to nickel ions through two azomethine nitrogen, and one amine nitrogen. Electronic spectral measurement indicated the occurrence of ligand to metal charge transfer. Based on the continuous variation method, metal: ligand ratio of 1:1 was proposed. Elemental analysis and spectroscopic studies suggested that the Schiff base behaved as a tridentate ligand towards nickel ion. Antibacterial sensitivity of the ligand and its Ni (II) complex were assayed in vitro against Staphylococcusaureus, Echerichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. It was observed that the Ni(II) complex was more potent than the Schiff base against the bacterial strains used. Therefore, the Schiff base and its Ni(II) complex may inhibit bacterial infections caused by E.coli, P.aeruginosa,S. typhi and S.aureus. The Ni(II) complex showed enhanced antibacterial activity when compared with the pure the Schiff base.&nbsp

Distribution Behaviour of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydroarbons in Roadside Soil at Traffic Intercepts within Onitsha Metropolis, South-East Nigeria

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in roadside soil was conducted in a developing city environment of South-Eastern Nigeria during raining season to ascertain the contamination levels and their distribution behavior in soil. The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was determined at nine locations of Onitsha city, 3m distances from roadside in soil covering all the major traffic intercepts within the city. The samples were extracted in acetone and dichloromethane (1:1) using soxhlet extraction. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs ranged from 14,260 to 14,289 µg/kg, with a mean of 14,276 µg/kg which were than the limit <10000 µg/kg set for PAHs in the soil and the seven possible carcinogenic PAHs accounted for 17.2 % of 16PAHs detected. Chrysene was the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in highest concentration at all the intercepts ranging between 4050 to 4053 µg/kg with the mean of 4052 µg/kg. Among different functional areas, the higher level of PAHs was found in Obosi junction (right) followed by Main market road junction (right). The composition of PAHs was characterized by the high molecular weight PAHs, among which fluoranthene, Indeno(1,2,3,-cd)Pyrene, Acenaphthene chrysene were most dominant components. A principal component analysis and PAHs isomeric ratios indicate that PAHs in Onitsha road soil mainly originated from combustion. The toxic assessment suggested that soil PAHs exposure is medium carcinogenic at present level. Keywords: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Gas chromatography, season, traffic density, pollutants, principal component analysis, samples, concentration, carcinogenic

Microsoft Excel 2007 Programme for Effective Tertiary Institution Result Grading

Microsoft Excel 2007 Programme for effective Tertiary Institution result grading is an enhanced and interactive method of managing and processing key issues in Tertiary Institution, which are the problems of result grading. Grading of in course, exams and keeping track of grades in a grade book is one of the most laborious tasks a lecturer can undergo. Small errors can creep into your grade book when you add up scores, possibly resulting in your posting an incorrect student grade. Using Microsoft Excel 2007 to keep track of grades not only cuts down on the amount of work you have to do, but also cuts down or even eliminates mathematical errors. This study has addressed this key issue with a programme, from step one to step six. Keywords: Microsoft Excel 2007, Result, Grading Computation, Tertiary Institution

An exploratory cross-cultural study of community-based health literacy interventions to promote the mental well-being of disadvantaged and disabled young Africans: a multi-method approach

Background: This study explores the impact of community-based health literacy interventions on the health and mental well-being of disadvantaged young Africans in Zambia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and South Africa. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health problems amongst children and young people, underscoring the urgent need for equitable access to mental healthcare resources. Emphasizing the importance of equitable access to mental healthcare resources, the research addresses educational and income disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly amongst young Africans with disabilities or vulnerabilities. Methods: The study comprised 1,624 young Africans, of whom 1,592 were surveyed, while 191 later participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Additionally, 32 participants exclusively joined focus groups. Participants were recruited to complete the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS), WHO-5 Well-being Index, Pandemic Anxiety Scale (PAS), and Self-rating of Happiness, as well as semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Results: The findings highlight the significance of tailored health literacy interventions in addressing mental health challenges and promoting well-being in marginalized African communities. In the sample, 43.1% (686) reported to have at least a physical disability or serious health condition and 51.4% (818) had special educational needs (SENs). Mental health scores were significantly lower in participants with two or more physical disabilities and pre-existing mental health problems. Factors significantly associated with poor mental health included poor health literacy, physical disabilities, and pre-existing mental health problems. Four main themes were generated from the thematic analysis: early childhood trajectories and mental illness experiences; positionality, open communication, and mental illness experience; mental illness experience, emotional honesty, and social stratification; and spirituality, cultural beliefs, and mental illness experience. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for context-specific, culturally appropriate health literacy interventions to support the mental health and well-being of young Africans in LMICs. By focusing on the lived experiences of disadvantaged groups, the research contributes to a better understanding of effective strategies for promoting health literacy and addressing health inequalities in African communities during and after health emergencies

A Review of Landscape Design as a Means of Controlling Gully Erosion

Gully erosion is the most visible and devastating form of soil erosion known to be one of the leading causes of land degradation worldwide. Landscape design is one of the techniques used in combating this problem. The objective of this paper is to review the use of landscape design in controlling gully erosion. The method used is a review of academic articles, conference papers, internet materials, textbooks and publicly available materials on landscape design and gully erosion. The results of this study indicated that previous authors whose works were reviewed have a convergent view that the use of vegetative approach, an aspect to landscape design, must be practiced for effective control of gullies. On the other hand, however, previous authors have divergent views on the use of structural approach, another aspect to landscape design, for control of gully erosion. Recommendations of this study include: (1) planting of a combination of woody trees and grasses; (2) use of some locally accessible structures for example, sieve structures; and (3) practise of agroforestry

Synergistic Effect of Combining Animal Wastes for Bioremediation of Naphthalene, Chrysene and Pyrene in a Crude Oil Impacted Soil (An Ex-Situ Study)

Synergistic properties usually produce combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Hence, this paper assessed the synergistic effect of cow dung, goat droppings and poultry manure wastes for bioremediation of naphthalene, chrysene and pyrene in a crude oil-impacted soil at an experimental plot in a botanical garden, located at Abia State University, Nigeria, using appropriate standard methods.  The result of the study showed about 96%, 93% and 90% removal of naphthalene, pyrene and chrysene respectively. This is in contrast with about <25% removal for the three contaminants using the natural attenuation method. It could also be seen that the amendment agents when combined performed better than when used singly, this shows that the combination of the animal manures has a synergistic effect on the removal of PAHs in a crude oil-impacted soil. The use of various animal wastes as supplements promotes microbial growth, accelerates the breakdown of contaminants, and improves soil fertility. In addition, combining multiple animal wastes produces a synergistic effect, leading to improved removal efficiency. This result highlights the potential of using a combination of animal wastes as an effective and sustainable strategy to remediate oil-contaminated PAH-contaminated soils

Spatial Variability of VHF FM Radio Signals with Surface Refractivity Values in Niger State, Nigeria

Radio refractivity N exerts considerable influence on radio signals at Very High Frequency (VHF) and higher frequency bands. In particular, surface refractivity correlates positively with radio field strength, and knowledge of its temporal and/or spatial variability is important in predicting performance of terrestrial radio networks, especially at VHF frequencies. In this work, measurement of electric field strength of Frequency Modulated (FM) radio signals in Niger State, Nigeria was carried out at the onset and peak of the wet season; variation of surface radio refractivity was obtained in Minna, Niger State based on concurrent measurement of surface air temperature, pressure and relative humidity. Variation of electric field strength of FM radio signals in the wet season is found to agree in general with the observed variation of surface radio refractivity, Ns, in Niger State, Nigeria. Keywords: Electric field strength, surface radio refractivity, propagation