Effect of Drying Methods on the Nutritional Composition of Some Selected Yam Varieties Cultivated in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Yams are widely grown and consumed in various forms; these tropical food crops are abundant at a particular period. Since these food crops are highly perishable after harvest, drying is a common practice for preserving them. White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) and water yam (Dioscorea alata) were collected from (National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike) yam barn. The study investigated the effect of sun-drying and oven-drying methods on the nutritional composition of water yam and white yam varieties. Oven-drying was done at 60°C for 72 hrs, while sun drying was for 3 days, until a constant weight was obtained.  The functional properties, proximate composition, mineral contents and pH were determined to investigate the effect of dry methods on the nutritional value of the yam flour. It was observed that all parameter examined were affected by the dry methods as they varied in composition with two different processed samples (sun and oven dried). The result showed that the proximate composition for samples sun dried were 5.01%, 3.45%, 1.93%, 0.65% and 85.63%, while samples oven dried were 6.46%, 1.23%, 2.26%, 1.60%, 0.77% and 87.35% respectively. Bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling power and gelation temperate for samples sun dried were 0.66%, 3.54%, 2.73%, 4.22% and 70.58b% respectively. The results of the experiment shows that sun dried yam flour retained the highest value in protein, ash, fiber, CHO and bulk density, and also in minerals (Ca, Mg and P), compared to oven dried method except moisture content which had a higher value than samples sun dried. Therefore, sun dried yam flour had the highest value, thereby retaining the best nutritional composition of the samples

Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of a Small Scale Biofuel Distiller

A biofuel distiller of 20 L feed capacity was designed fabricated and used to distill bioethanol from a biomass broth. The distiller consists of a 40 L volume boiler unit integrated to the combustion chamber as a cylindrical column; and a counter current cylindrical condenser of length, tube and shell internal diameter of 88 cm, 0.0191/0.15 m, inclined at 450.  The reactor is a Top Lit Updraft (T-LUD) type fired with charcoal of moderate lump. Its performance evaluation was conducted using 20 L palm bunch broth as the distiller feed. The palm bunch collected from Siat Nigeria Ltd, Ubima, Rivers State, Nigeria, was physically pretreated by grinding to powder, hydrolyzed with 1.2 % dilute H2SO4, at 160°C for 30 min and fermented for 72 h with S.cerevisiae separated from palm wine. The broth was then separated from the slurry by filtering before distillation. The result of the machine evaluation showed that 817 ml bioethanol was obtained per batch at 20 min from the bubble point which took 95 min. Actual combustion efficiency was found to be 55 % with reactor power rating of 12.2 kW. The machine vaporized bioethanol fuel from the boiler feed fed at 27°C, and released the distillate at 28.3°C. Distillation efficiency was found to be greater than 90 % while the maximum productivity occurred at 10 min from the bubble point. The machine is economical, reliable, convenient to use and can stand diverse environmental conditions. It can be integrated as a waste management step in the downstream end of palm mill operations

COVID-19: Impacts and implications on waste management, the Nigeria economy and the way forward

The coronavirus disease, popularly known as COVID-19, is a new infectious disease and Nigeria is one of the 213 countries and territories affected by its pandemic. The pandemic has practically affected every sector of the economy with substantial impacts and implications. The current waste management practice at all health care and isolation centres during this period also calls for concern. This paper focuses on the effects of COVID-19 on Waste Management Practices, the Nigeria Economy, and the Way Forward. Responses at the three tiers of government are identified; the involvement of private and public sectors with the role of international organizations, donors, public participation, and the impact of religion on COVID-19 response in Nigeria are also considered. The implications on Sustainable Development Goals, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Trade, Mining and Quarrying, and Education Sectors are discussed. SWOT analysis of waste management processes in Nigeria during the pandemic is presented. Based on the study, it is recommended that concerted effort on the part of the government be focused on maximizing welfare policy programs that would erase the sufferings of the people as regards access to primary health care and other social infrastructure that could enhance peoples' living standard. Effective responses and recovery plans in the short-, medium and long-term should also be prioritized and consider the pandemic's different dimensions, as a measure to grow truly necessary extraordinary change toward a sustainable society

Integrated water resources management in Nigeria: Implications for sustainable national development

This research is aimed at reviewing the current position and implication of sustainable national development of Nigeria as it concerns holistic water resources management. A new model of integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been developed by researchers and theorists and supported by international organisations that emphasize the multifunctional nature of water. However, there has been much debate on the feasibility of IWRM especially in the African context. The approach adopted in this paper is the review of literature centred on the implementation of IWRM in developing countries and with particular reference to Africa and makes recommendations that would ensure continued progress in the management of water resources in Nigeria. Among the conclusions reached in this paper is the fact that although the process of implementing IWRM in Nigeria may be difficult, a progressive approach that prioritises capacity development, policy and institutional reforms, and transparency will go a long way towards ensuring that Nigeria’s vast water resources are managed and developed in a way that maximises benefit while maintaining the health of the natural environment

Integrated water resources management in Nigeria: Implications for sustainable national development

This research is aimed at reviewing the current position and implication of sustainable national development of Nigeria as it concerns holistic water resources management. A new model of integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been developed by researchers and theorists and supported by international organisations that emphasize the multifunctional nature of water. However, there has been much debate on the feasibility of IWRM especially in the African context. The approach adopted in this paper is the review of literature centred on the implementation of IWRM in developing countries and with particular reference to Africa and makes recommendations that would ensure continued progress in the management of water resources in Nigeria. Among the conclusions reached in this paper is the fact that although the process of implementing IWRM in Nigeria may be difficult, a progressive approach that prioritises capacity development, policy and institutional reforms, and transparency will go a long way towards ensuring that Nigeria’s vast water resources are managed and developed in a way that maximises benefit while maintaining the health of the natural environment

Assessment of water resources development and exploitation in Nigeria: A review of integrated water resources management approach

This research aims to review the current state and limitations of water resources management in Nigeria and explore how adopting an integrated approach to water management can strengthen socio-economic development. As the support for integrated water resources management (IWRM) grows, it is necessary to explore how feasible it is in the Nigerian context especially with many Nigerian states facing water stress even with the country's substantial resources. This paper reviews literature related to the implementation of IWRM around the world with particular reference to developing countries in Africa and draws parallels between their experience and the possibilities that exist for IWRM in Nigeria. Progress on adopting IWRM in Nigeria is discussed and the pitfalls to implementing IWRM in practice are identified. Among the hindrances to effective water resources management in the country is the lack of good water governance, which has affected the quality of water legislation and institutions.This paper concludes that the slow progress of IWRM implementation in Nigeria is the result of an unclear framework for implementing IWRM in the country. This paper recommends an iterative approach to implementing IWRM that allows for adaptation and is tailored to solve specific water problems in Nigeria

Correlation between serum uric acid levels and outcomes of pre-eclampsia in Abakaliki, South-east, Nigeria

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of fetomaternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The role of serum uric acid (SUA) in determining the complications of preeclampsia has been controversial. This study compared mean SUA levels between severe pre-eclamptics and normotensive women at term and ascertained its correlation with outcomes of preeclampsia; as well as determined if there is a threshold value of SUA level beyond which fetomaternal complications occur.Methods: A case-controlled study where 80 severe pre-eclamptics at term and 80 normotensive women matched for gestational age were recruited. Blood samples were collected from them for assay of SUA levels and they were followed till delivery. The fetomaternal outcomes and the corresponding SUA levels at diagnosis were documented and variables statistically analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the cut-off value of SUA beyond which adverse fetomateral complications are likely to occur in pre-eclampsia.Results: The mean SUA level in severe pre-eclamptics (0.283±0.09 mmol/l) was not significantly higher than that of normotensive women (0.263±0.09 mmol/l, p=0.13). There was a weak positive correlation between the SUA levels and fetomaternal outcomes [maternal (r=0.102, p=0.236) and fetal (r=0.096, p=0.226)]. The study was unable to identify the threshold SUA level at which adverse fetomaternal outcomes occur as the values of SUA were closely related.Conclusions: SUA levels of pre-eclamptics and normotensive women did not show significant difference and correlated weakly with fetomaternal outcomes and are therefore poor predictor of fetomaternal outcomes in pre-eclampsia

Poverty and trade liberalization: empirical evidence from 21 African countries

The study investigated the possible nexus between trade liberalization and poverty in 21 African countries covering the period 2005–2014. The study deployed the following econometric tests: descriptive statistics; the correlation matrix and variance inflator; the panel unit root test; the pooled OLS technique; and the panel co-integration test (Johansen co-integration test). In order to confirm the robustness and validity of the regression model result, Ramsey RESET, cross dependence, autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity tests were conducted. The findings reveal that foreign direct investment and inflation rate had a positive relationship with the human development index while exchange rates and trade openness were negatively related to poverty level at the 5 percent level. The study recommended urgent policy measures aimed at revamping the poverty alleviation programmes. The study recommended that in a bid to diversify export market, developing countries should target other developing countries in the spirit of South–South cooperation. Such countries should also consider the joining or strengthening of regional economic integration. Incentives for production and human capacity building in the export-oriented sector should be emplaced. Social and economic policies are required to protect any country against the adverse effects of lowered trade barriers

Larvicidal, antimicrobial and brine shrimp activities of extracts from Cissampelos mucronata and Tephrosia villosa from coast region, Tanzania

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The leaves and roots of <it>Cissampelos mucronata </it>A. Rich (Menispermaceae) are widely used in the tropics and subtropics to manage various ailments such as gastro-intestinal complaints, menstrual problems, venereal diseases and malaria. In the Coast region, Tanzania, roots are used to treat wounds due to extraction of jigger. Leaves of <it>Tephrosia villosa </it>(L) Pers (Leguminosae) are reported to be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in India. In this study, extracts from the roots and aerial parts of <it>C. mucronata </it>and extracts from leaves, fruits, twigs and roots of <it>T. villosa </it>were evaluated for larvicidal activity, brine shrimps toxicity and antimicrobial activity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Powdered materials from <it>C. mucronata </it>were extracted sequentially by dichloromethane followed by ethanol while materials from <it>T.villosa </it>were extracted by ethanol only. The extracts obtained were evaluated for larvicidal activity using <it>Culex quinquefasciatus </it>Say larvae, cytotoxicity using brine shrimp larvae and antimicrobial activity using bacteria and fungi.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Extracts from aerial parts of <it>C. Mucronata </it>exhibited antibacterial activity against <it>Staphylococcus aureus</it>, <it>Escherichia coli</it>, <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</it>, <it>Salmonella typhi</it>, <it>Vibrio cholera</it>, <it>Bacillus anthracis</it>, <it>Streptococcus faecalis </it>and antifungal activity against <it>Candida albicans </it>and <it>Cryptococcus neoformans</it>. They exhibited very low toxicity to brine shrimps and had no larvicidal activity. The root extracts exhibited good larvicidal activity but weak antimicrobial activity. The root dichloromethane extracts from <it>C. mucronata </it>was found to be more toxic with an LC₅₀value of 59.608 μg/mL while ethanolic extracts from root were not toxic with LC₅₀>100 μg/mL). Ethanol extracts from fruits and roots of <it>T. villosa </it>were found to be very toxic with LC₅₀values of 9.690 μg/mL and 4.511 μg/mL, respectively, while, ethanol extracts from leaves and twigs of <it>T. villosa </it>were found to be non toxic (LC₅₀>100 μg/mL).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results support the use of <it>C. mucronata </it>in traditional medicine for treatment of wounds. Extracts of <it>C. mucronata </it>have potential to yield active antimicrobial and larvicidal compounds. The high brine shrimp toxicity of <it>T. villosa </it>corroborates with literature reports that the plant is toxic to both livestock and fish. The results further suggest that <it>T. villosa </it>extracts have potential to yield larvicidal and possibly cytotoxic compounds. Further studies to investigate the bioactive compounds responsible for the observed biological effects are suggested.</p