Effect of processing methods on nutrient retention and contribution of cassava (manihot spp) to nutrient intake of Nigerian consumers

There is a global drive for promotion of indigenous foods and feedstuffs as a means of dietary diversification in meeting dietary needs of the people living the traditional lifestyle. Cassava diets constitute a staple source of energy for most Nigerians. However, there is little or no documentation on the nutrient composition, effect of processing methods on nutrient retention and contribution of these diets to nutrientintake of consumers. Nutrition information on contribution of a particular food or diet to nutrient intake of consumers is of paramount importance in food labeling and consumer acceptability. This study, therefore, aimed at providing information on nutrient composition and effect of processing methods on nutrient retention and contribution of some diets prepared from cassava. Fresh cassava roots were obtained from a farm in Alegongo area, Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Proximate and mineral composition of prepared samples was determined alongside the market samples using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. The crude protein, lipid, fibre and ash contents of fresh cassava roots were low (0.9, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.4g/100g, respectively). Its mineral profile was: potassium 166.6, sodium 222.1, calcium 25.0, magnesium12.5, phosphorus 57.3, iron 1.7, and zinc 2.1 mg/100g sample. Processing cassava roots into various products improved availability of nutrients such as protein (1.3g in gari to 2.6g in fufu and amala), ash (0.5g in abacha to 2.6g in eba), potassium (234.5mg in three days fermented garri to 473.2mg in two days fermented lafun), calcium (22.7mg in eba to 67.3mg in two days fermented lafun), iron (1.0 – 4.3mg), zinc (2.5 – 6.7mg), as well as their calories (

Comparative Morphology and Taxonomic Study of Chlorophytum sabiense And Two Other Species in the Genus Chlorophytum Ker-Gawl

Chlorophytum sabiense Omok. (a newly identified species in the family Asparagaceae) is unique, having multiple styles emerging from fused ovaries. This specialized character may be overlooked in conjuring up archetype for the genus Chlorophytum, since the genus is characterized by single and simple style. Comparative morphology and taxonomic study of Chlorophytum sabiense and two other species in the genus (Chlorophytum macrophyllum and C. stenopetalum) was carried out to appraise level of relatedness of Chlorophytum. sabiense and these existing members. Distribution of the three species is sympatric in the North Central part of Nigeria. Chlorophytum sabiense may be confused with either of the two species because of the attributes they have in common. Samples collected were raised in a garden and closely observed for duration of three years. Data collected from morphological studies were analyzed statistically. The three species show similarity in most of the vegetative characters studied, however Chlorophytum sabiense is distinguished from the two others having; multiple styles, smaller fruit size and shorter length of pistil relative to the stamen. Exceptional characteristics exhibited by Chlorophytum sabiense makes it stand out among species in the genus, while its close resemblance with its allies accounts for reason why it had escaped recognition for a long time

Microbial Contaminants in Fresh and Extended Turkey Semen and their Sensitivity to Antibiotics

Microorganisms that inhabit the avian cloaca usually contaminate poultry semen which could easily spread throughout an entire flock. This study was conducted to determine the presence of microbial contaminants in turkey semen and evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity. Semen was collected from each tom, pooled and then divided into two aliquots A and B. Aliquot A was immediately  evaluated for microbial contaminants and antibiotic sensitivity while aliquot B, was extended and preserved for 24 hours at 40 C and thereafter microbial culture, identification and antibiotic sensitivity were conducted. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacteria species and a fungal organism Candida albican were isolated and identified in both aliquots. All the identified organisms were sensitive to pefloxacin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, while Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and Corynebacteria species were resistant to Ampicillin-cloxacillin, cefuroxime, amoxicillin and ceftriaxone. Escherichia coli was only resistant to co-trimoxazole, ofloxacin and nalidixic acid. The study concludes that, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus foecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacteria species and Candida albican were found to be turkey semen contaminants and were resistant to penicillin and streptomycin combination in turkey semen extender but sensitive to pefloxacin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. Key words: Microbial contaminants, turkey semen, extender, antibiotic sensitivit

Sensitivity of Earthworm (Eisenia fetida) in Mining Soil from Ijero-Ekiti, Nigeria

Excavation and processing of mineral deposits are valuable revenue sources yet they contribute serious environmental problems worldwide. Mining activities are widespread and contribute to heavy metal contamination in rural communities in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Available research failed to establish how mining soil may impact on resident terrestrial organisms. This study assessed the health of soil from active mining site by testing it on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) for 10 weeks. Survival, mobility, morphology and behaviour of worms were assessed while soil was analyzed for selected heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrometry. Worm survival was evident as the proportion of reference soil increased in exposure mixture and improved until 92% in the control. Worms curled up at the bottom of test vessels with varying proportions of mining site soil and appeared discolored and dehydrated when taken out of test soil, with characteristic sluggishness, particularly as the proportion of mining soil increased in exposure mixtures. Though metal levels were within permissible limits, morphology of exposed worms were visibly impacted, which corresponds in severity with increasing proportion of mining soil. On the contrary, worms tested in 100% reference soil appeared healthy and active in upper part of exposure vessels. These results suggest that the tested mining soil had adverse impacts on mobility, morphology, behavior and survival of exposed organisms when compared with the control population. Therefore, food products grown downstream of the mining site may be at risk of heavy metal contamination with consequences on food quality, water quality and food chain

Assessment of the impact of new media and political news channels in West Africa: the case of Ghana and Nigeria

Rapid technological changes that take place in recent years affect all aspects of life. The emergence and popularization of the Internet is one of the examples of how people get access to political information and news. Previous research were focused on examination of the impact of media upon the audience, or people’s distrust to new media. The online quantitative study that involved 199 respondents from Ghana and Nigeria revealed that many people read political news online, or sometimes listen to the radio in these two regions. Print media received the lowest rating, as people’s interest in it declines. The conclusion is made that the population of Ghana and Nigeria tend to read new media for political news compared to mainstream media. Therefore, mainstream media should invest adequate resources to improve their online presence and the quality of their news content. It is indicated that new media is currently the number one tool worldwide of enticing people to protest against government policies that they believe would have negative consequences for their lives. It is shocking that the majority of respondents claimed that they watch political news on TV, compared to minority who listen to radio. The authors’ special contribution lies in determination of the most frequently used means of political communication among the residents of West African countries.В последнее время быстрые изменения в технологиях продолжают влиять на все аспекты жизни. Появление и распространение Интернета - один из примеров, который также нашел свое отражение в том, как люди получают доступ к политической информации и новостям. Предыдущие исследования были сосредоточены на изучении влияния СМИ на аудиторию, в то время как другие исследовали недоверие к новым СМИ. Благодаря использованию метода количественного исследования с общим числом 199 респондентов из Ганы и Нигерии в онлайн-опросе это исследование обнаружило, что большое количество людей читают политические новости через онлайн-СМИ, в то время как другие иногда слушают радио в этих двух регионах. . Печатные СМИ получили самый низкий рейтинг, поскольку интерес людей к чтению печатных копий снизился. В документе делается вывод о том, что люди в Гане и Нигерии склонны к использованию новых СМИ для политических новостей по сравнению с основными СМИ. Таким образом, основные СМИ должны инвестировать адекватные ресурсы в улучшение своего присутствия в Интернете и качества своего новостного контента. Вывод заключается в том, что новые СМИ сейчас являются наиболее массовым инструментом для привлечения людей к протесту против политики правительства, которая, по их мнению, будет иметь негативные последствия для их средств к существованию. Шокирует тот факт, что большинство респондентов заявили, что они получают доступ к политическим новостям через телевидение, по сравнению с небольшим количеством людей, которые получают доступ к политическим новостям через радио. Особый вклад авторов - выявление наиболее часто используемых средств политической коммуникации жителей западноафриканских стран. Он открывает глаза для политической коммуникации и исследователей, что требует дальнейшего изучения

The era of information pollution: new definition of news production in Nigeria

This article explores the possibility of redefining professional news production in order to suspend the disseminators of disinformation. For achieving this goal, the author examined the areas of the likely distortion of information: headlines and editors of online news. Headlines play the key role within information ecosystem, since they can deceive the audience. This is acquired by using arresting phrases to draw attention of the audience. It is determined that some editors of online news do not observe certain ethical standards, and thus, post articles without verifying the accuracy of the material. It is noted that politicians have infiltrated the online media space, which affects that the editors choose what to post. It is recommended that headlines should not only be attractive, but also written in a way not to deceive the audience, as well as the extent of influence of the political figures upon media agenda should be established. And ultimately, the people who have no experience in journalism, should be trained by an experienced journalist in order to minimize the information pollution common to the era of Internet and social networks.В этой статье было рассмотрено как можно переопределить профессиональное производство новостей, чтобы отстранить от него распространителей дезинформации. Чтобы достичь этого, через существующую литературу, мы изучили три области, в которых информация может быть искажена, а именно: заголовки и редакторы онлайн-новостей. Мы отмечаем, что заголовки играют ключевую роль в информационной экосистеме, поскольку они могут ввести аудиторию в заблуждение. Это достигается за счет использования запоминающихся фраз, чтобы привлечь внимание аудитории. Кроме того, в ходе увлекательного исследования мы выяснили, что некоторые редакторы сетевых новостей не придерживаются определенных этических стандартов и поэтому публикуют статьи, не проверяя их достоверность. Мы отметили, что политики проникли в сетевое медиа-пространство, что оказало серьезное негативное влияние на то, как редактор выбирает свои статьи. В документе рекомендуется, чтобы заголовки были не только написаны для приманки, но и должны быть написаны так, чтобы не вводить аудиторию в заблуждение, а также должен быть установлен предел того, как политические деятели могут влиять на повестку дня СМИ. Наконец, людей, не имеющих опыта работы в журналистике должен обучать опытный журналист, который поможет минимизировать информационное загрязнение, с которым мы сталкиваемся сегодня в эпоху Интернета и социальных сетей

Assessment of the impact of new media and political news channels in West Africa: on the example of Ghana and Nigeria

Rapid technological changes that take place in recent years affect all aspects of life. The emergence and popularization of the Internet is one of the examples of how people get access to political information and news. Previous research were focused on examination of the impact of media upon the audience, or people’s distrust to new media. The online quantitative study that involved 199 respondents from Ghana and Nigeria revealed that many people read political news online, or sometimes listen to the radio in these two regions. Print media received the lowest rating, as people’s interest in it declines. The conclusion is made that the population of Ghana and Nigeria tend to read new media for political news compared to mainstream media. Therefore, mainstream media should invest adequate resources to improve their online presence and the quality of their news content. It is indicated that new media is currently the number one tool worldwide of enticing people to protest against government policies that they believe would have negative consequences for their lives. It is shocking that the majority of respondents claimed that they watch political news on TV, compared to minority who listen to radio. The authors’ special contribution lies in determination of the most frequently used means of political communication among the residents of West African countries. It opens eyes for political communication and researchers, which requires further study.В последнее время быстрые изменения в технологиях продолжают влиять на все аспекты жизни. Появление и распространение Интернета - один из примеров, который также нашел свое отражение в том, как люди получают доступ к политической информации и новостям. Предыдущие исследования были сосредоточены на изучении влияния СМИ на аудиторию, в то время как другие исследовали недоверие к новым СМИ. Благодаря использованию метода количественного исследования с общим числом 199 респондентов из Ганы и Нигерии в онлайн-опросе это исследование обнаружило, что большое количество людей читают политические новости через онлайн-СМИ, в то время как другие иногда слушают радио в этих двух регионах. . Печатные СМИ получили самый низкий рейтинг, поскольку интерес людей к чтению печатных копий снизился. В документе делается вывод о том, что люди в Гане и Нигерии склонны к использованию новых СМИ для политических новостей по сравнению с основными СМИ. Таким образом, основные СМИ должны инвестировать адекватные ресурсы в улучшение своего присутствия в Интернете и качества своего новостного контента. Вывод заключается в том, что новые СМИ сейчас являются наиболее массовым инструментом для привлечения людей к протесту против политики правительства, которая, по их мнению, будет иметь негативные последствия для их средств к существованию. Шокирует тот факт, что большинство респондентов заявили, что они получают доступ к политическим новостям через телевидение, по сравнению с небольшим количеством людей, которые получают доступ к политическим новостям через радио. Особый вклад авторов - выявление наиболее часто используемых средств политической коммуникации жителей западноафриканских стран. Он открывает глаза для политической коммуникации и исследователей, что требует дальнейшего изучения

ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF NEW MEDIA AND THE CHANNELS FOR ACCESSING POLITICAL NEWS IN WEST AFRICA: A CASE OF GHANA AND NIGERIA

In recent times, the rapid change in technology keeps on affecting every aspect of life. The advent and proliferation of the internet is one example which has also found its way to how people access political information and news. Previous research has focused on looking at the influence of the media on the audience while others looked at the mistrust in the new media. Through the usage of a quantitative research method with a total number of 199 respondents from Ghana and Nigeria to an online survey, this study discovered that a large number of people read political news through online media while others sometimes listen to the radio in these two regions. The print media was the lowest rated as people's interest in reading the hardcopy has dwindled. The paper concludes that people in Ghana and Nigeria are prone to the usage of new media for political news as compared to the mainstream media. Therefore, mainstream media should invest adequate resources in improving their online presence and the quality of their news content in the online platforms

Safety evaluation and antimalarial effect of mechanochemically synthesized trimethoprim-copper in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Combating malaria especially in the sub-Saharan Africa was identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations in the Millennium Development Goals as an objective. Antimalarial medicines are central to any strategy for effective reduction of mortality related to malaria. Efficacy and safety of antimalarial medicines, as measured by their quality, are therefore essential in mitigating morbidity and reducing deaths. The mechanochemical synthesis and characterization of trimethoprim - copper complex and its antimalarial efficacy on Plasmodium berghei infected mice and toxicity evaluation were investigated by evaluating percentage parasitemia and chemosuppresive effect of the drugs on Plasmodium berghei infected mice, status of some serum enzymes and hematological indices.  Derivatization of trimethoprim with copper enhanced the activity of the drug by significantly (p<0.05) improving the suppression of parasitemia in established infection when compared with the controls. Trimethoprim-copper complex demonstrated to be more efficacious than pure trimethoprim while chloroquine was most efficacious in malaria parasite clearance. Administration of trimethoprim, trimethoprim-copper complex and chloroquine to mice for seven days caused significant increase (p<0.05) in the activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases in the liver, kidney and small intestine when compared with the control while a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and lactate dehyrogenase were observed in the liver, kidney and small intestine when compared with the control. Also there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the levels of PCV, Hb, RBC and lymphocytes and a significant increase (p<0.05) in WBC and neutrophil concentrations in all the treatment groups when compared with control. The result indicates that coordination of copper to trimethoprim by mechanical induction improved its antimalarial activity while the alterations in the investigated biochemical parameters suggest functional and structural toxicity. Thus, trimethoprim-copper complex may not be completely safe as antimalarial oral remedy.Keywords: Mechanochemical synthesis, antimalarial activity, mice, trimethoprim, safet

Pelvic and Testicular Biometry of Sahel Goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria

This study was carried out to document the pelvic and testicular biometric characteristics of Sahel goats. Record of body weight, body condition score, height at withers, scrotal length, scrotal circumference and external pelvic circumference were obtained from 400 male and 600 female Sahel goats. All the goats were approximately 1.5 years old and weighing 14 to 18 kg, with body condition score of 3 or 4 (scale of 1-5). The mean bodyweight of Sahel bucks was 15.12 ± 1.10 kg while that of Sahel does was 13.22 ± 1.12 kg, height at withers in bucks and does were 52.22 ± 1.20 cm, and 48.13 ± 1.23 cm respectively. The scrotal length and circumference in Sahel bucks were 11.39 ± 1.12 cm and 17.95 ± 1.21 cm respectively. The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was 55.13 ± 1.16 cm. There was significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation between the body weight and body condition score in bucks (r=0.52) and in does (r=0.42). It was observed that there was weak but positive correlation between the body weight and height at withers (r=0.34), in bucks and in does (r=0.25; P < 0.5). A low but significant positive correlation was found between the body weight and scrotal circumference r=0.28, (P < 0.05) in bucks. There was a high and significant positive correlation between the scrotal length and scrotal circumference r=0.66, (P < 0.05). The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was also significantly positively correlated with body weight r=0.40, (P < 0.05) and with the body condition score r= 0.33, (P < 0.05). The information obtained from this study can be used for breed -specific morphometric characterization of indigenous Sahel goats. Keywords: Biometry; Pelvic circumference; Sahel goat; Testicular parameter