Biochemical infertility among females attending University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

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Characterization of diploid and triploid Heterobranchus bidorsalis using morphometric, meristic and haematological parameters

The study investigates comparative changes in morphometric, meristic and haematological values of triploid and diploid strain of Heterobranchus bidorsalis with a view to establishing differences and comparative adaptability between the two strains. The experiment was carried out inside net hapas submerged inside 1 × 1 × 1.2 m2 concrete tank where diploid (2n) and triploid (3n) fish were reared. Each hapa net contain 45 post fingerlings of the same genetic makeup. 10 post fingerlings of diploid and triploid strains of H. bidorsalis with average total length between 11.2 and 12.8 cm and 12.2 and 14 cm respectively were collected for morphometric and meristic parameters. Blood samples were also collected and analyzed packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet, and mean cell volume (MCV) values of triploid and diploid fish were analyzed. This study shows the superiority of the triploid H. bidorsalis over the diploid strain. It also indicated that morphometric and meristic indices are the best parameters to characterize post juvenile diploid and triploid H. bidorsalis while haematological indices is not a better indices for characterization of juvenile diploid and triploid H. bidorsalis.Key words: Heterobranchus bidorsalis, diploid, triploid, morphometric, meristic, heamatology

Crown ratio models for tropical rainforests species in Oban division of the cross river national park, Nigeria

Crown ratio (CR) is a characteristic used to describe the crown size, which is an important element of forest growth and yield. It is often used as an important predictor variable for tree-level growth equations. It indicates tree vigour and is an important habitat variable. It is often estimated using allometry. Modified versions of Logistics, Richards, Weibull and Exponential functions were used to predict CR for tree species in the Oban Division of the Cross River National Park. Systematic sampling technique was adopted in the three study sites (Aking; Ekang and Old-Netim) for plot locations. Two transects of 2km long with a distance of 600m apart were cut in each of the study sites. Four sample plots of 50m×50m were then laid alternately along each transect at 500m intervals. This procedure was repeated in the close-canopy and secondary forests in the three study sites. Forty-eight sample plots were used for the study. Tree variables (Dbh; diameter at the middle and merchantable top; crown diameter; total height; merchantable height; stem quality and crown length were measured on all the trees with Dbh>10cm. The canopy layer to which each tree belongs was noted. All the measured trees were identified. The Weibull and Exponential functions gave consistent and accurate results in almost all the canopy layers in the two forest types with R2; SEE values of 0.72; 0.068 and 0.72; 0.067 respectively for the dominant canopy, 0.75; 0.075 and 0.75; 0.074 respectively for the co-dominant canopy. Exponential function produced the best fit models in the study except under intermediate canopy layer, where it was not found suitable for crown ratio predictions. However, the difference in results produced by the two functions is negligible. They are therefore recommended for crown ratio prediction studies in Oban Division of the Cross River National.Keywords: Tree-crown, predictions, functions, tree variables, canopy-layer

Evaluation of Transverse Lie at Term by Ultrasonography

Context: Transverse lie at term may have adverse consequences on both the mother and the foetus.Evaluating transverse lie at term by ultrasonography may reduce these adverse consequences andimprove both the maternal and fetal outcome.Objectives: To determine predisposing factors to persistent transverse lie at term using abdominalultrasonography and the outcome of such pregnancies.Study- Design, Setting and Subjects: This was a cross-sectional study of pregnant women at term withpersistent transverse lie referred to the Ultrasound Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Nigeria.Results: Out of a total of 1296 scanned during the evaluation period, 42 (3.2%) had transverse lie atterm. Five (11.9%) patients were primigravida and 37 (88.1%) multipara. No predisposing factors wereseen on ultrasound in 25 women (59.5%). Placenta praevia was diagnosed in 11 (26.2%), lower segmentfibroid in 5 (11.9%) and pelvic kidney in 1 (2.4%). Thirty nine patients (92.1%) were delivered bycaesarean section (CS). Three (7.1%) spontaneously converted to longitudinal lie [1 Breech and 2Cephalic]. All 3 were delivered per vaginam. There were no maternal deaths but there were 2 stillbirths.Conclusion: Majority of the patients had no predisposing factor seen on ultrasound and were largelymultiparous women. Placenta praevia was the commonest predisposing factor found atultrasonography. Caesarean section rate was very high, largely due to the fact that external cephalicversion (ECV), which has been advocated as an alternative mode of delivery of infants lying transverselyat term, is not currently practised in our centre.Key Words: Transverse Lie, Malpresentation, Ultrasound, Caesarean Sectio

Replacement Value of Soybean Meal with Luffa cylindrical in Diet of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings

The study investigated the effects of replacing soybean meal with Luffa cylindrical seed meal on the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Five isonitrogenous diets containing soybean meal which was replaced by Luffa cylindrica at a rate of 15, 30, 45 and 60% levels were formulated. The diets without Luffa cylindrical seed meal served as the control. Experimental diets were assigned randomly to the fish in tanks and each group of fish was fed at 5% of body weight in equal proportions twice daily. There were significant (P,0.05) decreases in growth and nutrient utilization parameters of fish fed different dietary treatments containing 30 to 60 % levels of Luffa cylindrical seed meal. However, there were no significant (P>0.05) variations in growth and nutrient utilization parameters of fish fed the control diet and those fed diet containing 15% Luffah cylindrica

Adsorption of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solution using Maize cob activated carbon: Kinetics and Thermodynamics Studies

The adsorption of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated using batch adsorption experiment at room temperature. The effect of pH, contact time, metal ion concentration and temperature were evaluated. The residual concentrations of the metal ions were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that maximum removal of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions occurred at pH 9. Some physico-chemical and spectroscopic characterization of the adsorbents were done such as moisture content, ash content, bulk density, volatile matter, iodine number, point of zero charge (PZC), XRF, and FTIR. The moisture and ash content of MCAC adsorbent were found to be 9.85±0.06 and 5.5±0.1% respectively. The bulk density was found to be 0.37±0.01g/m3, iodine number of 367.66±30 mg/g and PZC of 6.8. The SEM micrograph shows particle grains and jelly like rough surfaces, FTIR analysis results show different functional group in the MCAB adsorbent such as O-H, C=O, and C=C stretching. Kinetic study shows that the pseudo-second order kinetic model best described the adsorption of metal ions. The equilibrium data fitted Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms, in each case, the Langmuir model appears to have better regression coefficients than the Freundlich and Temkin. Thermodynamics investigation showed that Gibb’s free energy change (ΔG) was negative indicating that the adsorption of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions by maize cob activated carbon were feasible and spontaneous. The positive value of enthalpy change (ΔH) implies that the reaction was endothermic while positive value of entropy change (ΔS) implies an irregular increase in the randomness at the solid/solution interface of the adsorbent during the adsorption process.Keywords: Adsorption, Heavy metals, Kinetics, Thermodynamic

Sizing of wind powered axial flux permanent magnet alternator using analytical approach

The demand for a more sustainable energy supply worldwide is constantly growing hence, leading to the exploration of various renewable energy sources in energy generation systems especially in the demand for power in homes, industrial sectors and other utilities. Hydro power, wave power, solar energy, biomass and wind power are only a few that are being harnessed in various capacities. With new advances in wind energy technologies and energy conversion systems, a perfect fit is found in the utilization of wind in developing direct drive energy conversion systems. In this work, a wind-powered, single-phase, permanent magnet alternator utilizing an axial flux distribution system is developed. Using analytical calculations, the design parameters of the alternator’s main dimensions were obtained in a similar procedure for conventional electrical machines. To prove the feasibility of the concept, a prototype was built and tested. The alternator was built using Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), a permanent magnet, with high concentration of flux around its periphery. The stator is slot-less and carries a concentrated air-cored type of winding. The procedures leading to either the selections and/or calculations for the machine parameters were carried out from first principle and fundamental assumptions in electrical machines design were made accordingly. Tests were conducted to determine its voltage output and were found optimal giving the abound limitations as stated. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i4.2

Effects of dietary lead exposure and graded levels of ascorbic acid supplementation on performance and haematology of broiler chickens

The effects of dietary lead acetate (LA) exposure on growth performance and haematological characteristics of broiler chickens and possible  ameliorative effect of ascorb ic acid (AA) were investigated. One hundred and twenty day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six treatment groups of 20 birds with two replicates. Six isonitrogenous and isocalories experimental diets were compounded and fed to birds for seven weeks: T1 (control) received diet I (0mg of LA and AA/kg feed), T2 received diet II (200mg LA/kg feed), T3 received diet III (200mg LA and 50mg AA/kg  feed), T4 received diet IV (200mg LA and 100mg AA/kg feed), T5 received diet V (200mg LA and 150mg AA/kg feed) and T6 received diet VI (200mg LA and 200mg AA/kg feed). Finally, two birds per replicate were randomly selected, weighed and slaughtered. For haematology, blood samples were collected into labelled EDTA - bottles. PCV, RBC, WBC and Hb concentration were determined using Auto Haem analyzer. T2 showed significantly (P<0.05) decreased body weight and dressed weight than the control. Although depressive effects of LA on body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significant. Birds in other treatments compared favourably with the control. Dietary lead significantly (P<0.05) reduced  WBC in T2, while it significantly (P<0.05) and nonsignificant (P>0.05) lowered haemoglobin and RBC in T2 and T6 respectively. The PCV was numerically lowered in T2 and T6. However, haematology of AA treated groups, especially those of T3and T4 compares favourably with thecontrol. In conclusion, dietary lead exposure negatively affects growth performance and haematology of broilers, which was ameliorated by as low as 50mg AA/kg diet supplementation

The Influence of replacing Maize with Chrysophyllum Albidum Seed Meal on Growth Response and Nutrient Utilization in Clarias Gariepinus

The study investigated the effect of replacing maize with Chrysophylum albidum seed meal on the growth performance and nutrient utilization in Clarias gariepinus. Five isonitrogenous diets containing maize which was replaced by Chrysophylum albidum at a rate of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% were formulated. Experimental diets were randomly assigned to the fish in tanks and each group of fish was fed 5% body weight in equal proportion per day. Significant variation (P<0.05) existed in weight gain, specific growth rate; feed conversion, and survival rate among the fish fed various dietary treatments. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in all the aforementioned parameters between fish fed diet 75% and 100 Chrysophylum albidum. A decrease in growth and nutrient utilization parameters of fish fed various dietary treatments was observed as the level of Chrysophyllum albidum seed meal increased. Replacement of maize by Chrysophyllum albidum in the diets of Clarias gariepinus significantly reduce the growth and nutrient utilization by Clarias gariepinusKeywords: Chrysophyllum albidum, Clarias gariepinus,maize, fish feed ingredients and energy source

Some haematological and biochemical profile of blood of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on diets containing watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seedmeal

The haematological and biochemical profile of blood of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on diets  containing watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seedmeal were evaluated using packed cell volume (PCV);  haemoglobin content (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular  haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), blood glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and globulin as indices. 150 tilapia fingerlings of average  weight 6.12±0.05g were acclimatized for a week, weighed and allotted into five dietary treatments; DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 and DT5 containing 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% Citrullus lanatus replacement levels with soybean meal, respectively. The diets were isonitrogenous and isolipidic. Each treatment was replicated three times with ten fish per replicate. Fish were fed 5% body weight on two equal proportion per day. The results from the study indicated that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the haematological and biochemical parameters of the blood of fish fed on the various dietary treatments.Keywords: Blood biochemistry, Citrullus lanatus, haematology, tilapia, watermelo