Briquetting characteristics of some agricultural residues using starch as a binder

Briquetting of some agricultural wastes was carried out with the construction of a simple briquetting apparatus and using a 3 x 5 factorial design the effect of mix ratios (40:60; 50:50 and 60:40) and pressures (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 MPa) on the durability of the briquettes formed was investigated using starch as a binder. The investigation involved the determination of some physical properties, such as moisture content, bulk density and size distribution. The construction and testing of briquette apparatus for making sample briquettes and tumbling formed was carried out so as to evaluate their mechanical performance. It was observed that the mix ratio has a significant influence on the briquettes formed and a highest durability of 89.97% was observed for saw dust at 25 MPa using a mix ratio of 40: 60 (Material: Binder) and least was 37.30% for sorghum residues, mix ratio 60: 40 at 10 MPa. Consequently, the relaxed and final compaction lengths of the briquette were observed to depend on the mix ratio, applied pressure and nature of the material. A SPSS 16.0 software package was used for briquette durability statistical analysis at 5% level of confidence. The results of the investigation clearly indicated the value of the applied pressure in producing briquette of the highest durability for each of the material tested. The variation in the mix ratio of the material to binder provided significant deduction to confirm that best condition of materials and binder mix ratio must be set out to ensure production of durable briquettes. These are parameters of interest to the briquette producers for highest productivity and burning efficiency of the briquette to be produced.Key Words: Briquettes, Agricultural Residues, Binders, Mix Rati

Knowledge, attitude and use of alternative medical therapy amongst urban residents of Osun state, southwestern Nigeria

Alternate medicine which has a long history has been relegated to the background by the evolution of modern medicine. In recent times, however, alternative medical therapy has been growing in popularity and getting increasing attention and interest. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and use by urban dwellers of alternative medical therapies. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study which used a semi-structured questionnaire to gather information from 812 randomly selected urban respondents. Majority 734 (90.4%) of the respondents were aware of an alternative way of getting treatment for their ailments apart from the orthodox medicine. The forms of alternative medical therapy (AMT) respondents were aware of include: concoction (herbal preparations) 683 (94.2%); herbalists/traditionalists 616 (85.0%); traditional bone setters therapy 434 (59.9%); among others. The main source of information was through radio 439 (70.9%). About half 403 (54.9%) of the respondents were aware of side effects from AMT and these include diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting which accounts for 69.7%; 42.2% and 40.2% respectively. About 347 (47.3%) think AMT could be injurious to health. About a third 262 (35.7%) of the respondents who were aware of AMT prefers it to orthodox medicine. Reasons given for the preference were that: AMT is cheap 56 (21.4%); accessible 43 (16.4%) and acceptable 35 (13.4%) to them. About half 367 (50.0%) also believed AMT alone could cure their illness without resort to orthodox medical therapy (OMT). Over half 401 (54.6%) of the 734 respondents that were aware of AMT had patronized or taken one form of alternative medical therapy or the other in the last 12 months prior to the study. Of these number, 323 (80.5%) had taken concoction (herbal preparations). However, there was no relationship between respondents’ age, sex, educational level or religion and the patronage of AMT as all test of associations were not statistically significant p>0.05. This study has revealed that the use of alternative medical therapies is quite popular among the studied population and a high proportion of the respondents use AMT notwithstanding that they live in the urban communities where they have better access to orthodox medical care and medical practitioners. Regulations should be made concerning the advertisement of alternative medicine and practices as orthodox medicine and practices are usually not advertised.Key words: Knowledge, attitude, use, alternative medical therapies, urban dwellers

Effects of Thermal and Non-Thermal Pre-Processing Methods on Physical Parameters of Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) Seed

Effects of thermal and non-thermal pre-processing methods on the physical parameters of jackbean seed were investigated. The bean was subjected to three pre-processing methods roasting and autoclaving which are thermal and sprouting a non-thermal pre-processing method. The physical parameters evaluated include length, width and thickness which were done by the use of digital venier caliper, sphericity index by the use of formula and aspect ratio which is the ratio between length and width. The results of physical characterization revealed that all the pre-processing methods used had effects on the seed. With roasting, there was decrease in all these parameters except sphericity index: length 19.00– 15.00 mm, width 13.00–11.00 mm, thickness 10.75–10.55 mm and sphericity index 72.88–80.20 %. The aspect ratio decreased with pre-processing time for all the treatments used from 1.46- 1.33. Kernel density (g/cm3), bulk density (g/cm3) and density ratio for the untreated seed were 1.24, 0.73 and 0.59 respectively. However, with autoclaving and sprouting, there was increase in length from 19.00–24.00 mm, width 13.00–18.00 mm, thickness 10.75-11.10 mm but a decrease in sphericity index (72.88- 67.46 %) as the pre-processing time increased. These results are very useful in designing of processing equipment for the jackbean seeds thus, encouraging the industrial utilization of the seed.Keywords: Jackbean, roasting, autoclaving, sproutin

Toxicological studies and antimicrobial properties of some Iron(III) complexes of Ciprofloxacin

Two iron(III) complexes of Ciprofloxacin were synthesized by reaction of the ligand with iron(III) chloride hexahydrate in different solutions. The nature of bonding of the ligands and the structure of the isolated metal complexes were elucidated on the basis of their physical and spectroscopic studies. The infrared spectra suggest that two classes of compounds were obtained: molecular complex in which the ligands were bidentately bonded to the metal through the ring carbonyl oxygen and one of the oxygen of the carboxylate group and the ionic complex consisting of a tetrachlorometalate ion which is electrostatically attached to the ligand. The antibacterial activities of the products against various microorganisms were tested and it was established that their activities were comparable with those of their parent drug. Toxicological studies were carried out in which therapeutic doses of the Ciprofloxacin drug and the metal complexes were administered to albino rats and the results showed that the metal complexes are not toxic

Hygiene Practices among Workers in Local Eateries of Orolu Community in South Western Nigeria

Background: Activities of local food premises and monitoring of food handlers are usually not regulated.Aim: The objective of this study was to determine food hygiene (FH) practices among food handlers in rural communities in South Western Nigeria.Subjects and Methods: Descriptive cross‑sectional study was carried out among 235 food handlers; data collection was by interviewer administered questionnaires. Using the SPSS software, multivariate analysis in two separate models was done to explore the predictors of correct knowledge and good hygiene practices. The model fit was assessed as good using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test.Results: Mean age of respondents was 31.8 (10.8) years. Of the respondents (134) that had training, 17.2% (23/134) had formal training, and 82.8% (111/134) had apprenticeship; about 31.5% (74/235) of respondents maintained a good level of hygiene in their practices. Significant predictors of correct knowledge were found to be being trained (significant 0.01, odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.8) and receiving the training as an apprentice (significant 0.01, OR – referent group); or in a formal setting (significant 0.01, OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6–7.0) and having no formal education (significant 0.04, OR – reference group).Conclusion: Good knowledge and attitude but low level of good practices toward FH characterized food handlers under study.Keywords: Attitude and practice, Food handlers, Food hygiene, Knowledge, Local eaterie

Teachers’ Assessment Patterns and their Effect on Senior Secondary Students’ Achievement and Retention in English Grammar

This study investigated teachers’ assessment patterns and their effect on senior secondary II students’ achievement and retention in English grammar. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A quasi experimental design was used. The instruments used for data collection were English Grammar Achievement Test (EGAT) and Teachers’ Assessment Patterns Questionnaire (TAPQ). The sample size was 78 SS2 students of both sexes drawn from two secondary schools within Makurdi Metropolis. Data collected were analyzed using means and t-test statistics. The results showed that students benefitted from assessment patterns that included assessment for learning and assessment as learning more than those assessed solely by assessment of learning. The results also indicated that both male and female students benefitted equally from assessment patterns that included assessment for and as learning. It was recommended that teachers should employ assessment approaches that involve assessment as and for learning and should not use assessment of learning only. It was further suggested that Educational administrators/implementers, publishers and policy makers, should endeavour to incorporate assessment for learning and assessment as learning into the nation’s education policy and ensure their implementation.Key words: assessment patterns, grammar, achievement, retentio

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness of Pregnant Women Attending the Three Levels of Health Facilities in Ife Central Local Government, Nigeria

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) is a safe motherhood strategy which addresses delays that could increase the risk of dying in pregnancy, child birth and the immediate postpartum period. The strategy has not been effectively implemented in Nigeria hence maternal mortality remains unacceptably high. This study assessed the level of BP/CR and the determinants among antenatal clinic attendees in Ife Central Local Government Area of Nigeria. Subjects and Method: Antenatal women selected proportional to client caseloads from health facilities were studied using a semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS version 16 was used for data entry. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Four hundred and one antenatal women were recruited. One hundred and fifty eight (39.3%) respondents knew no danger sign in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Only 24 (6.0%) had adequate knowledge of obstetric danger signs without prompting. Three hundred and forty (84.8%) and 312 (78.3%) women respectively had identified a birth place and begun saving money for delivery. As many as 304 (79.4%) made no arrangement for a blood donor. Majority of pregnant women (60-82%) took five other steps towards emergency readiness. By the study criteria, 140 (34.9%) and 265 (66.1%) were birth and complication prepared respectively. Conclusion: Majority of pregnant women had poor knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Women who booked late were moreJournal of Community Medicine & Primary Health vol 23 (1-2) 201

In-vitro development of Nauclea diderrichii (de Willd. & Th. Dur) Merrin liquid-M Smedia supplemented with Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA)

The growth of plantlets in Temporary Immersion Bioreactor system (TIBs) relies on initial successful liquid phase transition process. The response of N. diderrichii explants was assessed in liquid-M Smedia with a view to mass produce its seedlings using TIBs. Seven treatments consisting (A) 0.0/0.0, (B) 0.0/0.1, (C) 0.1/0.0, (D) 0.2/0.1, (E) 0.3/0.2, (F) 0.4/0.3 and (G) 0.5/0.4mg/lBAP/NAA combinations were studied. Each group consist of seven replicates and group A without Growth Regulators (GR) serves as control. The results at 4 Weeks after Inoculation (WAI) showed that effects of the growth regulators were significant on shoot length and number of adventitious shoots while number of roots and leaves were closely related. Treatment E produced highest number of adventitious shoots (3.6) which was higher than 0.9 shoots from treatment G and closely related to others. Maximum number of leaves (16.6) was produced by treatment F followed by E (15.7) while the least (12) was obtained in treatment A. The highest number of roots (4.9) was obtained from treatments B, followed by E (4.3) with the lowest being recorded in C (2.43). Liquid MS medium supplemented with 0.3/0.2mg/lBAP/NAA shows some promise for plantlets generation for the purpose of multiple shoot production of N. diderrichii in TIBs

Influence of Sprouting on Proximate and Anti-nutritional Factors of Jacbean ( Canavalia ensiformis ) Flour

The influence of sprouting on proximate and anti-nutritional factors of Jackbean flour was investigated. Jackbean was procured from the Genetic Resources Unit of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. The seeds were carefully sorted and sprouted for 10 days. The sprouted and unprocessed (control) bean were then milled into flour and thereafter assessed for proximate and antinutritional factors. The data generated were subjected to statistical analyses using SAS 2.0 and SPSS 20.0 packages. The results of influence of sprouting on proximate constituents and anti-nutritional factors revealed that sprouting for nine days (S5) resulted in flour sample with highest protein content and significant reduction in anti-nutritional factors most especially trypsin inhibitor from 32.08 \ub1 0.13; 29.18 \ub1 0.46 in control to 39.50 \ub1 0.06; 18.33 \ub1 0.03 in the sprouted samples respectively. Sprouting thus had positive effect on proximate and anti-nutritional factors of Jackbean flour

Trichobezoar as Cause of Anorexia in A West African Dwarf Goat

Nigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:32 (4) 362-36