Comparative analysis of the efficiencies of two low cost adsorbents in the removal of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution

Heavy metals present in waste waters which are released into the environment by various industries have become a serious problem. This research is focused on the comparison of two agricultural wastes in the removal of Ni(II) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution and the effect of HCl modification. The effects of adsorbent dose, initial concentration, contact time, pH and temperature on adsorption were investigated. Generally, the result showed an increase in adsorption by Cr(VI) with increase in mass of adsorbent with the exception of coconut husk which consistently had an adsorption of 96 ± 3% irrespective of the adsorbent loading. The coconut husk adsorbents(unmodified coconut husk 83 ± 3 and 81.4 ± 4.7%, HCl modified coconut husk 96 ± 4 and 24.1 ± 4% were found to be more efficient for Cr(VI) and Ni(II) respectively than teak tree bark adsorbents(unmodified teak tree 61.5 ± 3 and 80.9 ± 2.2%, HCl modified teak tree 81.9 ± 2.5 and 29.9 ± 2.6%). HCl modified adsorbents were found to better adsorbents for Cr(VI) ion while the unmodified adsorbents were better adsorbent for Ni(II) ion for all the parameters studied. The data for the adsorption of Cr (VI) and Ni(II) was tested with Freundlich adsorption isotherm model and it was found to be suitable for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) for both coconut husk and teak tree bark. The kinetic study of the adsorption process showed that adsorption of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) or both coconut husk and teak tree bark was found to follow the second-order

Microbial studies of table scrapings from meat stalls in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on meat hygiene

Tables used to display meat for sale in nine different markets in Ibadan Metropolis were microbiologically examined for their implication on meat hygiene. Twenty seven strains of bacteria and eight strains of fungi were isolated and identified. They were identified on the basis of metabolic andphysiological features while simple crystal violet staining was used for observing cell size and shape. The samples were placed on trypticase-soya –agar (TSA), for trophic bacteria and Sabouraud-glucoseagar (SGA) supplemented with chloramphenicol for fungi. Petri dishes were incubated at 37ºC for 48 - 72 h while the cultures were observed daily under a stereoscopic microscope for presence of bacterial colonies and or fungal mycelium. The mean value of bacterial count was 2.78 × 105 CFU/ml while that of the fungal count was 0.72 × 105 CFU/ml with a significant difference (p < 0.05). There was also a strong positive correlation between the sizes of the markets and the microbial load encountered in thesamples. This was attributed to poor hygiene level resulting from inadequate facilities. The findings of this study indicate that meat hygiene is being compromised in the city, a situation that calls for publichealth concern

Fibre Characterization of Cassava Peel Leaf Meal and Its Utilization by Broilers

One hundred and twenty ( n = 120) day old broiler chicks with an average weight (100.00\ub17.00g) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments, with cassava peel leaf meal (CPLM) as replacement for maize at (starter and finisher phases).The trial was in three phases of adaptation (1-2week),starter (3-5week) and finisher (6-9week).Thirty broilers chicks were assigned to each of the four treatments, while was replicated three times at 10 chicks each. Performance of the chicks such weight gain, feed intake and carcass yield was evaluated and the proximate and fiber quality of the diets and CPLM were also determined. Data obtained for performance evaluated was analyzed using ANOVA, while significant means were separated by SAS of the same package. The outcome revealed that CPLM had (89.93%) dry matter, (18.93%) crude protein and (43.28%) NDF, with anon-significant (p< 0.05) variation in weight gain, enhanced (p< 0.05) feed intake and depressed (p< 0.05) feed to gain ratio as CPLM inclusion increased. Dressing percentage values (69.00-73.00%) were obtained on the treatments. CPLM inclusion (0, 15, 30 and 45%) as replacement for maize in the diets of broilers produced a favourable performance

Evidence of superficial knowledge regarding antibiotics and their use: Results of two cross-sectional surveys in an urban informal settlement in Kenya

<div><p>We assessed knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use in Kibera, an urban informal settlement in Kenya. Surveys was employed at the beginning (entry) and again at the end (exit) of a 5-month longitudinal study of AMR. Two-hundred households were interviewed at entry, of which 149 were also interviewed at exit. The majority (>65%) of respondents in both surveys could name at least one antibiotic, with amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole jointly accounting for 85% and 77% of antibiotics mentioned during entry and exit, respectively. More than 80% of respondents felt antibiotics should not be shared or discontinued following the alleviation of symptoms. Nevertheless, 66% and 74% of respondents considered antibiotics effective for treating colds and flu in the entry and exit surveys, respectively. There was a high (87%, entry; 70% exit) level of reported antibiotic use (past 12 months) mainly for colds/flu, coughs and fever, with >80% of respondents obtaining antibiotics from health facilities and pharmacies. Less than half of respondents remembered getting information on the correct use of antibiotics, although 100% of those who did reported improved attitudes towards antibiotic use. Clinicians and community pharmacists were highly trusted information sources. Paired household responses (n = 149) generally showed improved knowledge and attitudes by the exit survey although practices were largely unchanged. Weak agreement (κ = -0.003 to 0.22) between survey responses suggest both that unintended learning had not occurred, and that participant responses were not based on established knowledge or behaviors. Targeted public education regarding antibiotics is needed to address this gap.</p></div

Health workforce and governance: the crisis in Nigeria

Background In Nigeria, several challenges have been reported within the health sector, especially in training, funding, employment, and deployment of the health workforce. We aimed to review recent health workforce crises in the Nigerian health sector to identify key underlying causes and provide recommendations toward preventing and/or managing potential future crises in Nigeria. Methods We conducted a scoping literature search of PubMed to identify studies on health workforce and health governance in Nigeria. A critical analysis, with extended commentary, on recent health workforce crises (2010–2016) and the health system in Nigeria was conducted. Results The Nigerian health system is relatively weak, and there is yet a coordinated response across the country. A number of health workforce crises have been reported in recent times due to several months’ salaries owed, poor welfare, lack of appropriate health facilities and emerging factions among health workers. Poor administration and response across different levels of government have played contributory roles to further internal crises among health workers, with different factions engaged in protracted supremacy challenge. These crises have consequently prevented optimal healthcare delivery to the Nigerian population. Conclusions An encompassing stakeholders’ forum in the Nigerian health sector remain essential. The national health system needs a solid administrative policy foundation that allows coordination of priorities and partnerships in the health workforce and among various stakeholders. It is hoped that this paper may prompt relevant reforms in health workforce and governance in Nigeria toward better health service delivery in the country

Marketing research: Pathway to optimal market oriented products

The development of new products is vital to the growth and success of any manufacturing firm. The decision concerning product design, development and management of new products is highly crucial when one considers the rate of failure of many new products introduced locally and globally. This paper examines the role of marketing research as pathway to developing optimal market oriented products. The objectives of this paper among  others are to (i) Establish whether the use of marketing research has effect on new product adoption process by consumers (ii) Find out if there is any relationship between the use of marketing research and the development of consumer oriented products and (iii) proffer policy recommendations  which company executives will find useful if faithfully implemented. The  paper adopts survey research with two hypotheses stated in null form. Data obtained from the questionnaires distributed were analyzed and these were tested with the aid of Regression and correlation test statistics based on  the nature of the set hypotheses. Findings show that marketing research  has significant effect on new products been easily adopted by consumers.  Findings also revealed that there is a significant relationship between the  use of marketing research and the development of consumers oriented  products by the organisation. The study makes useful policy   recommendations which companies will find beneficial if faithfully  implemented.Keywords: Marketing, research, development, optimal, consumer oriented, product

Dicephalus and diprosopus foetuses: Gross and radiological observations in White Fulani cattle in Nigeria

No Abstract

Prevalence and economic loss of bovine tuberculosis in a municipal abattoir, Abeokuta Southwestern Nigeria

A 12 month cross-sectional study was carried out at Lafenwa Abattoir Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria from July, 2011 to June, 2012. This was to determine the prevalence and economic loss of bovine tuberculosis in this abattoir. A total of 928 cases of bovine tuberculosis out of 52,273 cattle slaughtered during this period were condemned, representing a total prevalence of 1.78% (95% CI: 1.31- 2.14%). Typical tuberculous lesions were found in the Lung, Liver and Spleen, higher rate of organ condemnation was observed in the lung followed by liver and spleen. There was statistically significant difference in rate of organ condemnation (P&lt;0.05). The monthly prevalence and sequence plot revealed an epidemic tendency for bovine tuberculosis during this period and there was statistically significant difference between prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and seasonal occurrence. An estimated total loss of N1.2 million (US$7,367) due to bovine tuberculosis was observed in this abattoir for the year. It was concluded that bovine tuberculosis is prevalent with epidemic tendency in cattle destined for human consumption, also with attending serious public health implications and huge loss to both the butchers and national economy.Keywords: Bovine tuberculosis, Prevalence, Economic loss, Lafenwa abattoi

A survey of ethnoveterinary botanical remedies in Ogun State and their public health implications

Twenty four villages were visited during a cross sectional survey of ethno veterinary botanical remedies used for the management of animal diseases in four local government areas randomly selected cutting across the four geopolitical zones in Ogun State. A total of 323 households were purposively selected and administered with a semi structured questionnaire. A total of 319 questionnaires out of 323 were used for the analysis in the study.The farmers were assisted by the enumerators to fill the questionnaires in their homes: information on household demography, common animal diseases in the area, botanical remedies used for treatment, part of plant used, and source of prescription, methods of preparation and administration of these remedies were gathered.Most of the respondents were farmers, majority keeping goats. Out of the 319 respondents 110 (34.4%) admitted using plants in treatment of livestock diseases. Thirty two plant species were identified in the study area for treating livestock ailments. Leaves were the plant part mostly used. Adenopus breviflorus(Pseudocolocynth) is the most commonly used plant for treatment of many animal diseases in both ruminants and poultry. Most common livestock diseases condition is mange followed by Peste des petits ruminants; however in poultry the most important diseases are Newcastle disease and diarrhoea. Losses to livestock owners were mostly due to infection.There is need for government and non-government intervention in curbing the menace of diseases in livestock production. Reasons for utilization of botanical remedies were identified and public health implications of usage of these herbs were discussed. In conclusion,there is an urgent need for more of this documentationcum scientific and clinical validation of the claims;if not ethno-veterinary botanical knowledge faces the risk of going into extinction due to increasing modern veterinary medical intervention.Keywords: Ethnoveterinary, Botanical remedies, Public Health

Geochemical and petrogenetic trends of syenite and charnockitic rock of Ike Iho and Osuntedo areas, soutweastern Nigeria

No Abstract.Journal of Mining and Geology Vol. 44 (1) 2008: pp. 21-3