Determinants of Non Alcoholic Beverages (NAB) Consumption in North-Western Nigeria: A study of Sokoto Metropolis

Non alcoholic beverages (NAB) consumption in Nigeria has been steadily increasing over the years to the point where nearly half of the populace are consumers of these products. This study seeks to determine the role played by socioeconomic characteristics in driving consumption of some selected NABs particularly juice and carbonated soda in Sokoto metropolis of Nigeria. To adequately capture the variables of interest, specifically, location and ethnicity variables, the metropolis was grouped into four clusters, namely Peri-urban, Sokoto main, G R As, and Resident community. In each of the clusters one hundred households were randomly selected to arrive at a sample size of four hundred households. Descriptive, OLSMR and probit analytical tools were used to analyse the data collected. The results shows that about 59% and 71% of the respondents consumed juice and soda respectively while the per capita consumption of juice was slightly higher than that of soda which were 7.57 and 7.32 litres respectively. Household sizes, education and economic status of the household heads play a significant role in determining the consumption level of both juice and soda. While gender and location significantly affected the respective consumption of juice and soda in the metropolis. In both cases gender and household sizes where negative while the rest where positive. The probit analysis showed that age and household sizes negatively affected the probability of both juice and soda consumption, while education and economic status of the household heads positively determined the probability of consumption of the two beverages in the metropolis. Finally, while gender has a negative effect on the probability of juice consumption, ethnicity of the household heads played a positive role in the consumption probability of soda beverages. The study concluded that an improvement in the consumption of NABs in the metropolis requires policies aimed at encouraging the citizenry to have a smaller family size, sound education and raising their real incomes. While the manufacturers should be encouraged to fortify their carbonated drinks with nutrients.Keywords: Juice, Soda, Sokoto metropolis, Probit, OLSMR, Consumptio

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Massularia acuminata Stem on Sexual Behaviour of Male Wistar Rats

Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Massularia acuminata in which the stem has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. Documented experiments or clinical data are, however, lacking. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the acclaimed aphrodisiac activity of M. acuminata stem. Sixty male rats were completely randomized into 4 groups (A–D) of 15 each. Rats in group A (control) were administered with 1 mL of distilled water (the vehicle) while those in groups B, C, and D were given same volume containing 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively. Sexual behaviour parameters were monitored in the male rats for day 1 (after a single dose), day 3 (after three doses, once daily), and day 5 (after five doses, once daily) by pairing with a receptive female (1 : 1). The male serum testosterone concentration was also determined. Cage side observation on the animals revealed proceptive behaviour (ear wiggling, darting, hopping, and lordosis) by the receptive female rats and precopulatory behaviour (chasing, anogenital sniffing and mounting) by the extract-treated male rats. The extract at 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight significantly (P < .05) increased the frequencies of mount and intromission. In addition, the ejaculation latency was significantly prolonged (P < .05). The latencies of mount and intromission were reduced significantly whereas ejaculation frequency increased. The extract also reduced the postejaculatory interval of the animals. Computed percentages of index of libido, mounted, intromitted, ejaculated and copulatory efficiency were higher in the extract treated animals compared to the distilled water-administered control whereas the intercopulatory interval decreased significantly. The extract also significantly (P < .05) increased the serum testosterone content of the animals except in those administered with 250 mg/kg body weight on days 1 and 3. Data from this study identified that the aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The improved sexual appetitive behaviour in male rats at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Massularia acuminata stem may be attributed, at least in part, to the alkaloids, saponins, and/or flavonoids since these phytochemicals has engorgement, androgen enhancing, and antioxidant properties

Modelling functional and structural impact of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms of the DQA1 gene of three Nigerian goat breeds

The DQA1 gene is a member of the highly polymorphic MHC class II locus that is responsible for the differences among individuals in immune response to infectious agents. In this study, the authors performed a comprehensive computational analysis of the functional and structural impact of non-synonymous or amino acid-changing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (nsSNPs) that are deleterious to the DQA1 protein in Nigerian goats. A 310-bp fragment of exon 2 of the DQA1 gene was amplified and sequenced in 27 unrelated animals that are representative of three major Nigerian goat breeds (nine each of West African Dwarf, Red Sokoto, and Sahel of both sexes) using genomic DNA. Forty-two nsSNPs were identified from the alignment of the deduced amino acid sequences. Based on the PANTHER, PROVEAN and PolyPhen-2 algorithms, there was consensus in identifying the mutants I26D, E114V and V115F as being deleterious. Further, differences between the native and the mutant proteins in the subsequent molecular trajectory analysis (stabilizing and flexible residue composition, total grid energy, solvation energy, coulombic energy, solvent accessibility, and protein-protein interaction properties) revealed E114V and V115F to be highly deleterious. Combined mutational analysis comparing the amutant (I26D, E114V and V115F mutations collectively) with the native protein also showed changes that could affect protein function and structure. Further wet-lab confirmatory analysis in a pathological association study involving a larger population of goats is required at the DQA1 locus. This would lay a sound foundation for breeding disease-resistant individuals in the future. Keywords: Goats, in silico, mutants, protein, tropic

Comparative study of proximate, minerals and fatty acid (as oleic) content of cooked and uncooked cow tripe consumed in Ghana.

Background: Meat and meat products such as the cow tripe are commonly eaten in Ghana, but their nutrient composition is not known and this affects evidenced based nutrition counseling and interventions. Objectives:The study was to compared the minerals, proximate and free fatty acid (FFA) (as oleic) composition of uncooked and cooked samples of cow tripe. Methods: Samples of cow tripewere obtained from the markets by purposive sampling which was later processed and analysed. The samples were chemically analysed to determine the nutrient content by using standard methods. Results were presented as means and standard deviations. The data from the uncooked and cooked tripe were compared using the Independent sample t-test. Results: The moisture content was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the raw cow tripe than the cooked cow tripe. Energy, ash, fat and protein content were all significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in cooked cow tripe than raw cow tripe. The carbohydrate content of raw cow tripe is not significantly higher (p &gt; 0.05) than cooked cow tripe with a 100% change after cooking. No significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) was found in the FFA (as oleic) content of the raw and cooked sample. Zinc content of cow tripe reduced after cooking by 99%. Phosphorus content was significantly higher when cooked(p &lt; 0.05). After cooking also, there was a significant increase of copper in tripe (p &lt; 0.05). Raw tripe recorded a very high iron content (app. 13.0 mg/100g), and did not decrease significantly after cooking. Conclusion: The study gave ample information on the proximate, oleic and mineralscomposition of raw and cooked cow tripe consumed in Ghana.The findings revealed that, cow tripe have considerable nutritional value,which can make significant impact in the nutrients intakes of individuals

Impact of ultrasound and sociodemographic variables on maternal foetal attachment in Taraba State, Nigeria

Background: Maternal foetal attachment is manifested in behaviors that demonstrate care and commitment to the foetus. Ultrasound decreases maternal anxiety and confers psychological benefit following a reassuring sonogram.Maternal-foetal attachment is affected by many socio-demographic factors which include maternal age, occupation, educational level, race, marriage duration, ethnicity, Religion, income status, pregnancy planning, and identification of the foetal gender.Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the effect of ultrasound and sociodemographic factors on maternal foetal attachment during pregnancy.Method: A prospective study was conducted from November, 2019 to March, 2020. A convenient sampling method was employed and included 404 pregnant women aged 18-45 years old in their 2nd and 3rd trimester. The data were collected using a maternal foetal attachment scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out at p value &lt; 0.05.Result: The score of maternal foetal attachment scale was greater with post ultrasound than the pre ultrasound. There was statistically significant difference between the pre and post ultrasound maternal foetal attachment scale (p=0.000). A statistically significant difference was observed in the maternalfoetal attachment across the different ethnic groups (p=0.000), planned and unplanned pregnancy (p=0.000).Conclusion: This study revealed that ultrasound scan has influence on maternal foetal attachment, planned pregnancy. Hausa, Bandawa and Jenjo were found to be more attached to their foetuses

Means of transportation affects the physical qualities of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb]) fruit within the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana

The high perishable nature of fruits and vegetables in the agricultural sector is a major concern to scientists and the various stakeholders along the value chain. Postharvest handling practices and transportation systems are some of the factors responsible for some postharvest losses. This study therefore sought to identify the various means of transport used by traders and also to assess the kinds of mechanical damage that confront watermelon fruits during transportation within the Metropolis. Field survey collected information on handling practices and the means of transportation. It revealed that the means of transport used by watermelon traders included Kia mini truck (0.80 t), Motor King (Tricycle) (0.45 t) Kia mini truck (1.5 t) and Mini Pickup truck (1.00 t). It was also observed that majority (35%) of watermelon traders used Kia mini truck while Mini Pickup truck was the least used (15%). It further revealed that Motor King (0.45 t) recorded the highest percentage of cracks (0.08%) while Kia mini truck (1.5 t) had the least (0.03%).  Additionally, Kia mini truck (0.80 t) had the highest percentage of bruises (0.14%) while Kia mini truck (1.5 t) had the least (0.53%). Keywords: mechanical injury, hinterlands, transport, cracks and bruise

Breaking Seed Dormancy: Effect of Heat and Vimpel® on Oil Palm Seed Germination (EIaeis guineensis Jacq)

Oil palm (E. guineensis) is native to Africa and among highest oilseeds crop in the world, having a dormant seeds which require pre-treatments to quicken the germination process. The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the effects of Vimpel growth regulator on germination of Oil palm seedlings. The viable seeds of oil palm were treated with vimpel solution at different stages of the germination process tagged as A (+ Vimpel before heat), B (+Vimpel after heat), C (+Vimpel without heat) D (0 vimpel) E (+ Vimpel prior and after heat) and F (Water prior and after heating/Control) and then subjected to six different temperature regime i.e. 2,4,6,8, 10 and 12 weeks in the germination chamber. The result indicates that group A had the highest germination percentage at 10 weeks of heat treatment followed by B at 8 weeks of temperature while group F (control) had the lowest percentage. Conclusively, the vimpel growth regulator has significant effects in facilitating the germination process by 40 days against 80 days of heat treatment currently use in the oil palm seed germination

INSECTICIDAL EFFECTS OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PSEUDOCEDRELA KOTSCHYI AGAINST DERMESTES MACULATUS (COLEOPTERA: DERMESTIDAE) ON TREATED DRIED CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

This research work was carried out to assess the insecticidal properties of the ethanol extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi in the control of Dermestes maculatus infesting dried fish (Clarias gariepinus) in storage. Ethanol extract of P.kotschyi was administered in different concentrations to dried fish infested with larvae and adult stages of D.maculatus. 96 gram of dried fish sample was divided into 12 groups of 8 g each and each group was subdivided into three (3) replicates of 2.7g of dried fish in each treatment. For the bioassay test, groups 1-6 were infested with 10 larvae of D. maculatus each and treated with 0.1, 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0g of plant extract respectively. Groups 7 and 8 were infested with 10 adult D.maculatus and treated with 3.0 and 9.0g of plant extract respectively. Groups 9 and 10 were infested with 10 larvae and adult D.maculatus respectively and treated with 9.0g of standard insecticide each. Groups 11 and 12 were infested with 10 larvae and adult D. maculatus respectively but not treated with either the plant extract or pestox (standard insecticide) but as controls. The set-up was monitored daily for seven days. In the groups treated with the plant extract, the highest mortality rate was observed in smoked fish treated with 0.1g (2.23%) plant extract while the mortality rate of 1.1 % each was recorded in smoked fish treated with 1.5g and 9.0g plant extracts, compared 4.44 % recorded in the untreated (control). The extract had no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect on the mortality of the insects. The groups treated with 9 g pestox (standard insecticide)recorded the highest mortality 25 (27. 78 %) compared to the groups treated with the plant extract. The ethanol stem bark extract of P.kotschyi reduced the activities of D.maculatus larvae and adults

Blockchain-based DDoS attack mitigation protocol for device-to-device interaction in smart homes

Smart home devices are vulnerable to a variety of attacks. The matter gets more complicated when a number of devices collaborate to launch a colluding attack (e.g. Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS)) in a network (e.g., Smart home). To handle these attacks, most studies have hitherto proposed authentication protocols that cannot necessarily be implemented in devices, especially during Device-to-Device (D2D) interactions. Tapping into the potential of Ethereum blockchain and smart contracts, this work proposes a lightweight authentication mechanism that enables safe D2D interactions in a smart home. The Ethereum blockchain enables the implementation of a decentralized prototype as well as a peer-to-peer distributed ledger system. The work also uses a single server queuing system model and the authentication mechanism to curtail DDoS attacks by controlling the number of service requests in the system. The simulation was conducted twenty times, each with varying number of devices chosen at random (ranging from 1 to 30). Each requester device sends an arbitrary request with a unique resource requirement at a time. This is done to measure the system’s consistency across a variety of device capabilities. The experimental results show that the proposed protocol not only prevents colluding attacks, but also outperforms the benchmark protocols in terms of computational cost, message processing, and response time