Value congruence, the success of group farming in Agricultural Extension

Group farms are schemes involving multiple individuals not related by kin or employment relationships, who share resources for the purpose of farming. Successive group farming endeavours dictates group functioning with converging individual goals. Group farming in South Africa is common but not always successful and there is evidence that social factors are a key, but research investigating the relationship between social factors and the functioning of group farms in South Africa is lacking. This study examines value congruence as a social attribute that affect group work. Values are that which is regarded as important and pursued as goals, with values ranked in order of priority making up a value system. Value systems are both attributes of group and of the individuals making up the group. Of importance is the degree of congruency between the individual member’s value and that of the group.Evidence from organisational sociology indicates that in high performing groups the gap between group and individual value is narrow. The objective of the study is to determine the degree of value congruence between group and individual value, in group farm schemes and to link this to the functioning of the group farm

Response of Pratylenchus spp Infected Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) to Organic Compounds from Mangifera indica

The need to reduce the negative impact of synthetic nematicides on the environment necessitated the search for bio-pesticides. This study was conducted to evaluate the nematicidal potential of chromatographic fractions from Mangifera indica on tomato in the screenhouse and field. M. indica bark was extracted with ethanol (EtOH) and dichloromethane (DCM). The crude extracts were chromatographed and fractionated on silica-gel (100-120mesh) column.  Fractions were tested at 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8mg in the screenhouse and 12, 18 and 24mg on the field. Vegetative growth was significantly (p<0.05) higher in plants treated with the highest concentration of fractions. There was a significant increase in number of fruits per plant and fruit weight per plant. Nematode population in soil and root also reduced significantly. The fractions were partially characterised and were found to contain fatty acid esters, hydrocarbons, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, acids, esters, aldehydes and ketones. Observed reduction in nematode population is a clear indication that M. indica bark extract is an effective agent against nematode infestation.Key Words: Lycopersicon esculentum; Mangifera indica; Pratylenchus spp; ethanol; dichloromethan

Nematicidal and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the chromatographic fractions from the leaf and stem of Allamanda cathartica (L)

The environmental pollution of synthetic nematicides is enormous, due to their residual effects and nondegradability. This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of a green alternative that will eventually replace the pollution problems of synthetic nematicides. The activity of plant  secondary metabolites against plant parasitic nematodes was tested in-vitro using chromatographic isolates from the stem and leaves of  Allamanda cathartica. Isolates from the extracted plant materials were tested at various concentrations (0 mg/mL, 0.06 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL and 0.2mg/mL) against Meloidogyne incognita juveniles and eggs. The effect was determined through testing the inhibition of egg hatch and larval mortality. The result showed that egg hatching was totally inhibited among all the isolates at different concentrations except in the control which had 48.39% on day 5. The isolates showed strong nematicidal effect, with percentage mortality of 16.87% at the first hour of exposure which  compared well with the commercial nematicide (oxamyl). However the leaves of A. cathartica proved more effective than the stem. Preliminaryphytochemical screening revealed that the quantities of secondary  metabolites are more in the leaves of A. carthatica than in the stems. Infra-red spectroscopic data of three of the isolates revealed the presence of alkanes (2930; 2923 and 1460 cm-1) aldehydes (2855; 2851 and 1733cm-1) and phenols at (3650; 1115cm-1). Aliphatic amines (3200; 1460 and 1600 cm-1) and non-cyclic ethers (1310; 1300; 1240  and 1000cm-1) are present in isolate four. This study showed that the leaves of A. cathartica could serve as a bio-pesticide to reduce environmental  pollutionKey words: Extraction, n-hexane, Isolation, Oxamyl, Nematodes, Chromatography

Relationship between the standing vegetation, soil properties and soil seed bank of an industrially degraded vegetation of Iron Smelting Factory

This study assessed the floristic composition, soil properties and the soil seedbank of the vegetation around the Iron smelting factory. This was with a view to determining the functional role played by soil chemical composition and the seed bank in the modifications of vegetation patterns. Five 100 m × 5 m plots were selected from the study site; vegetation, soil seed bank and some soil chemical parameters were assessed. One-way Analysis of Variance and Duncan multiple  range tests were employed for data analysis. The results showed that the soil samples collected were slightly basic (or neutral) with the total Nitrogen in all the five plots ranged from 0.22 to 0.33%. There was a little contribution by woody species to the floristic composition of both the standing vegetation and soil seed  bank. There was very low similarity (10.6% - 28.57%) between the standing vegetation and the soil seed bank species composition in the study site. The results of seedling emergence showed that herbaceous species dominated the soil seed bank compared to other life forms. Our result revealed a shift between seed-bank and vegetation composition which could be a consequence of the soil chemical properties and also as a result of different level of disturbance occurring due to the citing of industry in the area.Keywords: Emergence, nutrient cycling, regeneration, soil properties, soil seed bank, standing vegetation

Effectiveness of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) Seed Oil in Controlling Wood Termite

The protection of wood against biodeteriorating agents like termite during processing or in service has call for serious possible approach using new safer, environmental friendly preservatives hence this study therefore evaluated Azadirachta indica seed oil against termite attack on Gmelina arborea and Triplochiton scleroxylon wood. The seed oil was obtained using a soxhlet apparatus and N-hexane as the solvent. The wood was dimensioned into 20x20x20 mm and the seed oil was applied by brushing, dipping and soaking and exposed to termitarium while the absorption rate and weight loss to termite attack were determined. Data collected was analyzed using simple statistics and analysis of variance at \u3b10.05. The antimicrobial properties of the need seed oil are due to the availability of phytochemicals which promote antimicrobial activity. The maximum wood protection against termite of all the methods of application was obtained from soaking. The absorption and weight loss ranged from 11.20 - 43.88 % and 56.50 -61.58 % for G. arborea and T. scleroxylon respectively. However, all the application methods used for the wood treatment proved to be effective over the untreated wood

Hysterosalpingogram findings among women with infertility in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Infertility is a relatively common health challenge in the society with social and psychological consequences. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is traditionally used to ascertain some of the causes of infertility. The use of ionizing radiation and contrast media injection with the possibility of complications, make new imaging modalities preferable, especially when in-vitro fertilization is being considered as a management option. Objective: To describe the pattern of the cervical, uterine, tubal and adnexial abnormalities causing infertility as detected by HSG in a tertiary health care institution, and demonstrate the prospects of retaining Hysterosalpingography in the investigation of female infertility. Methods: The HSG and reports of 124 patients referred to the Radiology Department of a tertiary health facility between January, 2013 and June, 2014, at a tertiary healthcare institution, were reviewed for abnormalities in the cervix, uterus, the fallopian tubes and adnexial structures. Results: Secondary infertility was the commonest indication for the procedure among in 66 of the 124 HSG reviewed. Pathologies in the cervix were found in 66 (51.6%) cases, of which the most frequent abnormality was cervical fibrosis in 59.4% (36/66) cases. Uterine abnormalities were found in 71.7% (89/124) cases, with uterine fibroid occurring in 82% (73/89) of these cases. Pathologies in the Fallopian tube occurred in 68 (54.8%) cases, with bilaterally blocked tubes occurring most frequently in 32.4% (22/68). Twenty-seven of the 68 cases (39.7%) with tubal abnormalities were aged 20-29 years. Conclusion: Secondary infertility was the commonest indication for HSG in the study, while uterine fibroid, cervical fibrosis and bilaterally blocked tubes were the most prominent findings in descending order of frequency. Therefore, caution should be exercised in managing pelvic infections, inflammations, diagnostic dilation and curettage and post-abortal and post-surgical periods in order to reduce the risk of fibrosis

Microanatomy and histomorphometry analysis of the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on lead-induced kidney damage in adult wistar rats

This study evaluated the effects of lead exposure on the histoarchitecture of kidney, assessed the effects of lead on the levels of creatinine, urea and albumin in the plasma and determined the effects of M. oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) on the histoarchitecture of kidney in Wistar rats after lead-induced kidney damage. This was with a view to providing information on the ameliorative effects of M. oleifera leaf extract on lead-induced kidney damage. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing 120 - 180 g were used for this study. Kidney damage was experimentally induced by daily administration of lead acetate (50 mg/kg/day) for a period of 14 days. The test groups were treated with the M. oleifera leaf extract (100 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. At the end of treatment period, the rats were sacrificed and their kidneys were excised for histological and histomorphometric studies. Markers of renal function were biochemically determined in the plasma using enzyme calorimetric assay kit. Histomorphological examinations of the stained kidney sections revealed that 100 mg/kg of MOLE had no adverse effects on the kidney of group C rats as the morphology of kidney of the rats in this group were normal and comparable with that of groups A and B. However, deleterious effects such as distortion of Bowman’s capsule with diminished glomerular space, structural alteration of proximal and distal convoluted tubules were observed in the kidney of group D rats following lead-induced damage. Treatment with MOLE protected the kidneys of groups E and F rats from lead-induced damage as the renal morphology appeared normal. The results of biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in the plasma level of urea (F=203.9, p = 0.0001), and creatinine (F= 7.42, p = 0.0002), in group D rats (56.79 ± 0.06 g/l, 2.91 ± 0.07 mg/dl), respectively compared with groups A (14.02±1.53 g/l, 2.33 ± 0.06 mg/dl), B (50.44±1.75 g/l, 2.54 ± 0.06 mg/dl), C (58.91±2.95 g/ l, 2.42 ± 0.11 mg/dl), E (12.18±1.45 g/l, 2.45 ± 0.08 mg/dl) and F (7.48±1.00 g/l, 2.39 ± 0.08 mg/dl) respectively. This is an indication of impaired renal function. Also, the results of the histomorphometry analysis showed a significant decrease in the number of glomeruli present in each photomicrograph and the diameter of the urinary space in group D respectively compared with groups A, B, C, E and F. This study showed that treatment with Moringa oleifera prevented the toxicity brought about by lead exposure and this is evidenced by an enhancement in the glomerular morphology and clearly seen renal tubules. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Moringa oleifera leaf extract had ameliorative and protective properties on lead-induced kidney injury.Keywords: Nephrotoxicity, lead acetate, renal, prophylactic

Effects of Phosphorous Application on Growth Performance, Yield and Nutritional Value of Cockscomb ( Celosia argentea L)

Effects of phosphorous (P) level on performance, yield and nutritional value of Celosia argentea L. were evaluated with the aim of determining the P level that supports the best growth, yield and nutritional qualities of the crop. The levels of P were: normal (1.348 mg\ub7kg-1 of P/pot, NP), medium (6.743 mg\ub7kg-1 of P/pot, MP), high (13.48 mg\ub7kg-1 of P/pot, HP) and no P application (control, CP). The crop growth rate (CGR) increased with increase in phosphorus gradients (NP = 0.05 g/m2\ub7d-1, MP = 0.09 g/m2\ub7d-1 and HP = 0.12 g/m2\ub7d-1). High and medium P rates increased the relative growth rate (RGR), HP had the highest RGR (0.05 g\ub7g-1/day) followed by MP (0.04 g\ub7g-1/day). Addition of P increased leaf area (LA) of C. argentea. Crude protein of the control was higher (5.56%) compared to the other P treatments (NP = 5.14, MP = 5.11 and HP = 5.03%). Phosphorus applications were beneficial for growth and enhancement of nutritional quality of C. argentea. NP and MP are recommended for growing this vegetable crop

A Cross-sectional Survey of the Willingness of Tertiary Hospital Staff to Donate Blood in Sagamu, Nigeria

Background: Available donor blood rarely meets the demand in sub-Saharan Africa due to obstacles to blood donation. Willingness to donate blood is adjudged an important step to the actual practice of donating blood. Objective: To assess the willingness of the members of staff of the hospital to donate blood and determine factors affecting their willingness or otherwise. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A proportional allocation of participants was carried out at the various departments in the hospital using self-administered questionnaire. Results: Overall, 183 (73%) of the 246 respondents expressed willingness to donate blood, 111(45%) of whom have been asked to donate blood in the past. Only 91(37%) had donated blood in the past. Significantly higher proportion of health staff showed the willingness to donate blood generally and voluntarily compared to non-health staff. Significantly higher proportion of respondents with tertiary education showed the willingness to donate blood. Two hundred and eighteen (88.8%) were willing to donate blood to help the patient in need while fear of exposure to HIV infection, needle prick and dizziness constituted the major factors discouraging blood donation (19.9%, 18.7% and 18.3% respectively). Conclusion: Willingness to donate blood was mostly based on the primordial motivation of helping the patient in need which does not translate to blood donation. There is a need to improve awareness and advocacy on blood donation among hospital staff and the general population

Propuesta guía para una planeación y ejecución en proyectos de vivienda unifamiliar con enfoque Lean Construction

Trabajo de investigaciónEste trabajo contempla el desarrollo de una matriz enfocada en la metodología Lean Construction para la planeación y ejecución en proyectos de vivienda unifamiliar. Así mismo se evidencia un análisis de manera cuantitativa y cualitativamente en la adopción de la filosofía Lean Construction en procesos de la gestión de la planeación y ejecución de proyectos, que permite establecer un orden de actividades y sub actividades que componen las fases de un proyecto de vivienda unifamiliar en la relación del alcance exitoso en productividad y rendimiento.INTRODUCCIÓN 1. GENERALIDADES 2. METODOLOGÍAS EN EL MARCO DE LA PLANEACIÓN Y EJECUCIÓN DE PROYECTOS 3. LEAN CONSTRUCTION EN ACTIVIDADES DE CONSTRUCCIÓN 4. IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE LA MATRIZ EN CASO DE ESTUDIO 5. CONCLUSIONES 6. RECOMENDACIONES BIBLIOGRAFÍA ANEXOSPregradoIngeniero Civi