Socio-economic implications of utilization of indigenous spices in Orumba North, Anambra State, Nigeria

The study examines socio-economic implications of utilization of indigenous spices in Orumba North, Anambra state, Nigeria. A well designed questionnaire was used in collecting cross sectional data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. Results showed that 50% of the women studied were business women and none of the women had zero education but 13% had higher education. Spices used for food preparation includes; Gongronema latifolium (Utazi), Xylopia dethopica (Uda), Piperguinessnse (Uziza), Penta dethramacropylla (Ukpaka), and Monodora myristica (Ehuru). Others were Ricinus communis (Ogiri isi), Ogiri-okpei, Byrosocurpus dinklayer (Efu), Ocimum gratissimus (Nchanwu), and pepper. These spices are used in preparing soups like bitter leaf soup, Nsala (broth soup), Egwusi (Melon soup), yam portage, African salad and Ncha (sauce) as revealed by 91, 86, 71 and 83% respectively of the women. Results further showed that smoking, drying, salting and fermentation were preservation methods while the local storage devices used to store processed spices includes air tight container and basket called Ngiga, made from raffia palm or barb wire sheet. Results further showed that some spices have medicinal effect in treating some sicknesses as revealed by 1 and 17% of the women. A mixture of Uziza and uda, Utazi and Ehuru are used in treating internal wounds, diabetics, cough and catarrh while 6% of the women used Ogiri-isi spice for suppressing the alcohol taken by over drunken person

Using trees as urban heat island reduction tool in Enugu city Nigeria based on their air pollution tolerance index

The Study examined the air pollution tolerance indices (APTI) of five plant species around Enugu urban area. Four physiological and biological parameters including leaf relative water content (RWC), ascorbic acid (AA) content, total leaf chlorophyll (TCh), and leaf extract pH were used to develop an APTI. The vegetation monitoring in terms of its APTI acts as a ‘Bioindicator’ of air pollution and can be incorporated into assessment studies for selecting trees for urban heat island (UHI) mitigation strategy.The result of the APTI showed order of tolerance as Anacarduim occidentale (22.20), Pinus spp (22.35), Catalpa burgei (22.57), Mangifera indica (23.37), and Psiduim guajava (24.15). A comparative analysiswas also done between the shedding ability of these trees and their APTI. The result showed that the best tree that provides both shed and high air pollution tolerance appeared in that order: Psiduim guajava, Magifera indica, Catalpa burgei, Pinus spp and Anacarduim occidentale. The results of such studies are therefore handy for future planning, and as well provide tolerant species for landscape and urban heat island mitigation

Effect of Fluazifopbutyl and Atrazine/Metolachlor (Tank Mixed) for Weed Control in Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas ) in South Eastern, Nigeria

Field studies were conducted at the research farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, south-eastern Nigeria in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons, to determine the effect of herbicides and the economic implications of chemical weed control in sweetpotato using herbicides. The experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates. Sweetpotato TIS 87/0087 was planted at a spacing of 0.3m x 1m on the crest of well prepared ridges. The treatment includes, Fluazifopbutyl at rates of 1.0kg ai/ha, 1.5kg ai/ha and 2.0kg ai/ha (recommended rate). Atrazine/Metolachlor 1.5kg ai/ha(tank mixed), mixture of Atrazine/Metolachlor + Fluazifopbutyl at rate 1.0kg ai/ha + 1.75kg ai/ha, Atrazine/Metolachlor 2.5 kg ai/ha, Atrazine/Metolachlor 3.5 kg ai/ha, Manual weeding and unweeded plots. Data on weed types and weed density were collected using two 1m x 1m quadrat. Yields were collected by 50kg weighing balance. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS and significant differences among means were tested using FLSD at 5% level of probability. The result obtained over the two years showed that application of Atrazine/Metolachlor at rate 1.5kg ai/ha controlled broad leave weeds, sedges and grasses effectively and had lowest weed density when compared with the other herbicides application and hand weeding. It also gave the highest yield and monetary gain when compares with manual weeding. This technique will be of utmost benefit to the farmers as it gave excellent weed control.Keywords: Sweetpotatoes, Weed, Herbicides Treatments, EconomicsJournal of Agriculture and Social Research (JASR) Vol. 11, No. 1, 201

Profitability of Minituber Seed Yam Production Technique in South East Agro-Ecological Zone: Evidence from Abia State, Nigeria

An experiment was conducted at Umudike to evaluate the profitability of minituber production technique using selected improved white yam varieties developed in 2003 as a back up to the minisett technique. The three white yam varieties selected were TDr89/02677, TDr89/02665 and TDr89/02565 known for their high potential yield. Setts of 8-10 grams were planted directly in the field for two years with spacing of 10cm x 100cm between ridges 10cm x 20cm between rows on a ridge (double row) and 10cm x 10cm intra row. The data were collected using cost route approach were analysed using descriptive statistical and Net return analysis. The result on establishment count on average of 4 weeks after planting (WAP) + 8 weeks after planting (WAP) showed that TDr89/02677, TDr89/02665 and TDr89/02565) gave 52.2, 46.1 and 43.5% sprout count while percentage stand count were 63.0, 53.9 and 52.2% respectively. The result of the profitability of the study showed that the three improved yam varieties (TDr89/02677, TDr89/02665 and TDr89/02565) were profitable as incomes generated were N141, 100.00, N49, 900.00 and N46, 300.00 respectively and on average gave an income of N79, 100.00

Modified Alvarado Scoring System as a diagnostic tool for Acute Appendicitis at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Decision-making in patients with acute appendicitis poses a diagnostic challenge worldwide, despite much advancement in abdominal surgery. The Modified Alvarado Scoring System (MASS) has been reported to be a cheap and quick diagnostic tool in patients with acute appendicitis. However, differences in diagnostic accuracy have been observed if the scores were applied to various populations and clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Modified Alvarado Scoring System in patients with acute appendicitis in our setting.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study involving all patients suspected to have acute appendicitis at Bugando Medical Centre over a six-month period between November 2008 and April 2009 was conducted. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled in the study. They were evaluated on admission using the MASS to determine whether they had acute appendicitis or not. All patients underwent appendicectomy according to the hospital protocol. The decision to operate was the prerogative of the surgeon or surgical resident based on overall clinical judgment and not the MASS. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. Data was collected using a pre-tested coded questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical computer software.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total number of 127 patients were studied. Their ages ranged from eight to 76 years (mean 29.64 ± 12.97). There were 37 (29.1%) males and 90 (70.9%) females (M: F = 1:2.4). All patients in this study underwent appendicectomy. The perforation rate was 9.4%. Histopathological examination confirmed appendicitis in 85 patients (66.9%) and the remaining 42 patients had normal appendix giving a negative appendicectomy rate of 33.1% (26.8% for males and 38.3% for females). The sensitivity and specificity of MASS in this study were 94.1% (males 95.8% and females 88.3%) and 90.4% (males 92.9% and females 89.7%) respectively. The Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive Value were 95.2% (males 95.5% and females 90.6%) and 88.4% (males 89.3% and females 80.1%) respectively. The accuracy of MASS was 92.9% (males 91.5% and females 87.6%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The study shows that use of MASS in patients suspected to have acute appendicitis provides a high degree of diagnostic accuracy and can be employed at Bugando Medical Centre to improve the diagnostic accuracy of acute appendicitis and subsequently reduces negative appendicectomy and complication rates. However, additional investigations may be required to confirm the diagnosis in case of atypical presentation.</p

Economics of soil conservation farming techniques in Abia State, Nigeria

Soil conservation is an important economic activity, which requires considerable investment in Nigeria. This study was conducted to evaluate the economics of soil conservation farming techniques in Abia State, Nigeria. Out of the three Agricultural zones in the state, Ohafia and Umuahia zones were purposively selected for a detailed study. From a list of eight Blocks, four from Ohafia and four from Umuahia zones, six ADP Extension Blocks were randomly selected from the two agricultural zones. From the blocks, a random sample of 120 farmers, 20 farmers per block, were selected and interviewed with semi-structured questionnaire. The study concentrated on factors relating to physical soil conservation techniques used, relevant economic characteristics, cost of conservation crops and associated costs and returns from these crops. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics and profitability model. Results showed that about half of the farmers used mound technique while the next highest techniques used were ridge/mound and flat/minimum tillage techniques. The profitability results on the predominant soil conservation techniques used, showed mound technique being profitable than ridge/mound and flat planting/minimum tillage techniques. It was therefore, suggested that the use of mound technique should be encourage in the study areas. International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 7(2) 2006: 62-6

Intestinal Worms And Nutritional Status Of Under–Fives In Jos, Nigeria: Any Relationship?

Objective: This study was carried out in Naraguta village a periurban settlement in November, 1999 to determine the relationship between nutritional status and intestinal helminthiasis. Method; A total of 256 children aged 12- 56 months were studied. The subjects were selected through a house – to house visit. Their weight, and stool samples were collected and analyzed. Relevant information were provided by their by their mothers Results: Out of the 256 children recruited 85 (33.2%) had intestinal parasites with Ascaris lumbricoides occurring most frequently (10.2%) This was followed by a mixed infection of Ascarriasis and hookworm (5.5%). out of the 85 infested children 49 (57.6%) were underweight, 56 (65.9%) stunted and 72 (84.7%) wasted. There was statistically significant association between intestinal worm infection and weight – for – height measurements. Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal of intestinal worms in the studied community was considered high. Mass de – worming of under fives in this community was suggested as one of the measures that will enhance their nutritional status. Key Words: Nutritional status, household, under fives, helminthiasis. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.7(2) 2004: 79-8

Economics of high quality cassava flour production: Implication for research development and promotion of cassava-based industries in Nigeria

No Abstract.Nigeria Agricultural Journal Vol. 39 (1&2) 2008: pp. 22-2