Promoting biomimetic materials for a sustainable construction industry

Abstract: This article reviews current knowledge of biomimicry and its potential in the sustainability of the South Africa construction industry through materials selection. Biomimicry is the applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of nature’s designs, processes, and systems. The article evaluates, promotes and encourages the use of biomimetic materials in the South Africa construction industry. An extant literature review was conducted on biomimetic materials, applications and their roles in the achievement of sustainability in the South African construction industry. The study shows that there is a misconception of bioprospected and biopirated materials as biomimetic materials, also, the study found that there are already existing materials that were designed based on biomimicry principles. The paper offers a new approach and strategy to achieving a sustainable construction industry in the South African construction industry through the use and incorporation of biomimetic materials into construction activities. Hence, it is envisaged that new ideas and innovations will be proffered which requires an interdisciplinary collaboration between biologists and other stakeholders in the industry. This study challenges all stakeholders in the South African construction industry on the adoption of biomimicry in their construction practices

EFFECTS OF ASCORBIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE INDICES OF STARTER PULLETS IN A HOT - HUMID ENVIRONMENT

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional effects of supplementary ascorbic acid (AA) at levels of 0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg in the diets of starter pullets reared at different seasons (harmattan season and rainy season) in a hot humid environment. Two hundred and forty day-old Harco pullet chicks were used in each trial, they were randomly assigned to each of the four dietary treatments in three replications of twenty chicks per replicate. Each trial lasted 8 weeks during which data were collected and a 2 X 4 factorial arrangement was employed in the analysis of data collected.  Results showed significant (p<0.05) effect of treatments on feed conversion ratio of birds fed dietary treatments. Season of presentation of ascorbic acid significantly affected (p<0.05) feed intake with higher value obtained in the rainy season compared to the dry season (41.89g vs. 39.59). &nbsp

Nutrient Intakes and Nutritional Status of Mothers and their Under-Five Children in a Rural Community of Oyo State, Nigeria

Malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa contributes to high rates of childhood morbidity and mortality which make it a public health concern in Africa. This study assessed the nutrient intakes and nutritional status of mothers and their under-five children in a rural community of Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 500 households with a mother and child pair were sampled using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Information on household socio-economic status, hygiene practices, breastfeeding practices and clinical observation for signs of malnutrition were collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires by trained interviewers. Weight for age (WAZ), weight for height (WHZ), and height for age (HAZ) for underweight, wasting and stunting, respectively were calculated and assessed by Epi Info software using the NCHS/WHO international reference values. BMI (weight/height2) of mothers were also constructed from the measurements of mothers’ weights and heights. The waist/hip ratio of mothers was also determined. An interactive 24 h recall repeated for three days was used to obtain data on food and nutrient intakes of the women. Information on foods consumed was converted into quantitative data of nutrients using Food Composition Table. The result showed a high proportion (81%) of mothers ate three times daily while 14% ate twice and 5% ate more than thrice daily. The mean daily intakes of calcium, vitamins A, B6, B12, niacin, and folate were found to be inadequate compared with the Recommended Intakes. The WHR of the mothers indicated that majority had low risk. Most of the mothers (69.2%) were normal, underweight 9.6%, overweight 15.8% and obese 5.4%. About 37% of the children were stunted, 18% were underweight and 14.3% were wasted. BMI correlated negatively with age (r = -0.41; p <0.05), and positively with education (r = 0.22; p<0.05) and income (r = 0.45; p <0.05). Clinical observation revealed PEM prevalence in 12% children while eyes pallor and palm pallor were present in 15% and 20% respectively. The nutritional status of mothers and their under-five children is poor with respect to the overall food consumption and micronutrient intake. Consequently, nutrition programmes in this area should include effective measures to promote nutritional status of mothers and children

CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF MAIZE BASED DISHES IN FOUR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF NIGERIA

The global picture had dramatically changed the lifestyles of Nigerian citizens pushing them into various fast-eating cultures with more instant and tasty meals, and the attendant gradual relegation of our traditional rich eating cultures. Studies were carried in eight Local Government Areas of Nigeria from the four Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) namely: moist savanna (Oyo State), humid forest (Lagos State), mid-altitude (Abuja) and dry Savanna (Kaduna State). Stratified multistage sampling technique with structured questionnaires from 1641 respondents and focus group discussions (FGDs) were employed to identify the maize-based dishes consumed and determined the frequency of consumption. The demographic characteristics revealed that 54.8% of the respondents were male. Residents in the rural area were more (56.8%) and majority of the respondents were between the ages of 26-45 years (67.6%), while more Christians (57.88%) participated in the study than any other religion. Results showed that thirty–two maize-based dishes were identified, of which ten were frequently consumed. Ogi was the most popular maize-based dish (73.5%) consumed in the AEZs while corn pudding was the least consumed (28.5%). There were significant differences (p<0.05) in all the sensory attributes measured. The low consumption of majority of the maize-based dishes raises concern for the current campaign on mobilizing local biodiversity which has been reported to be one of the food based intervention strategies for solving nutrition problems among population groups

Drivers of renewable energy adoption in the built environment : a case of South Africa

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Elucidation of Phytochemicals in Mitracarpus Vilosus Flower Extract using GC-MS

Mitracarpus villosus which belongs to the family of Rubiaceae is one of the important medicinal plants widely known for its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities and biological uses which includes antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, and antibacterial activities amongst others. It is used in the treatment of various ailments such as ulcers, and skin-related infections like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. This study elucidated the phytochemical properties of Mitracarpus villosus flower. This was achieved through the methanolic extraction of M. villosus flower, and further phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract such as the tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glucoside contents. Moreso, the use of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) technique was employed on the methanolic extract to isolate and characterize the different bioactive compounds present and to further validate the qualitative data obtained from the phytochemical analysis. Results obtained exhibited the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, and cardiac glucoside, with a noticeable absence of terpenoids. Also, the GC-MS analysis showed spectra of 52 bioactive compounds present in the extract with five specific compounds having the highest composition such as oleic acid (14.76%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (11.25%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (10.92%), octadecanoic acid (9.21%), and squalene (8.87%) having the highest composition. The presence of these phytochemicals with their numerous biological activities in the methanolic extract of M. vilosus flower makes it a promising pharmaco-therapeutic agent, and thus should be employed in medicine for the treatment of diseases and also as an active agent in the pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical industries. Keywords: Mitracarpus vilosus flower, Phytochemicals, Methanol extracts, GC-MS DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-14-05 Publication date:July 31st 202

Systemic onset juveniile chronic arthritis (JCA) in a Nigerian boy: a case report

Background: Juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is a chronic arthritis affecting children below age of 16 years. The systemic onset subgroup is also known as Still's disease. There are several distinct subgroups. There is paucity of literature of this disease entity in our environment due to under diagnosis of the disease. Method: The case note of this patient was retrieved. He was managed for 2 years in the adult rheumatology clinic after being transferred from the Paediatric unit. Relevant literature was reviewed. Result: There was a good response to immunosuppressive agents and low dose prednisolone. He was back at School and able to play with his mates after long withdrawal from School. Conclusion: Prompt referral of such cases to specialist centers will go a long way in determining the outcome of such patients. Prognosis is better with early presentation and appropriate management. Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (1) 2008 pp. 112-11

Ocular Manifestations of Autoimmune Diseases — Review of literature

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology Vol. 14 (2) 2006: pp. 68-7

Biomimetic strategies for climate change adaptation in the built environment - a literature review

Abstract: Out of the numerous challenges facing mankind globally, the impact of climate change poses more threat. These impacts include sea-level rise, more frequent floods from heavy rainfall and notably among others, intense droughts. Despite the United Nations anchored events and conferences geared towards tackling climate change, little success has been recorded till date. Biomimicry, a novel science and method that studies nature's models and then emulates their forms, processes, and strategies offer a sustainable approach to this menace of climate change. It also has the potential to offer efficient alternatives to the human activities that contribute to the depletion and pollution of the environment. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate and present the potential of biomimicry in adapting to climate change in the built environment. An extant literature review was conducted on biomimicry and its roles in tackling climate change through mitigation and adaptation. The result explores Biomimetic innovations and applications with their potential to sustainably combat the menace of climate change if adopted. This study is expected to refocus human efforts towards biomimicry where it is believed that nature, during its 3.8 billion years of existence has evolved with highly efficient processes and systems, with the potential to produce solutions to the environmental challenges facing mankind, especially climate change

Performance and nutrient utilization of cockerel finishers fed graded levels of rice milling waste

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of rice milling waste (RMW) on performance and nutrient utilization of cockerel finishers. One hundred and fifty 9-week old Black Harco cockerels were raised on five experimental diets where RMW replaced maize at graded levels and designated diet 1 (0% RMW); diet 2 (15% RMW without palm oil); diet 3 (30% RMW without palm oil); diet 4 (15% RMW with palm oil) and diet 5 (30% RMW with palm oil). The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Each diet was fed to a group of 30 birds for a period of ten weeks. Records were maintained on body weight gain, feed intake and mortality while digestibility trials were conducted at the end of the experiment. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in weight gain between treatments, however dietary treatments had significant (P<0.05) effect on feed intake, feed to gain ratio and feed cost. Apparent crude protein retention and digestibilities of dry matter, ether extract, crude fibre and ash were significant for ail dietary treatments. From the study it was concluded that RMW can he included in cockerel finisher diet at up to 30% level when the diet is supplemented with palm oil. Keywords: Cockerels, rice milling waste, utilizatio