Climatic Variables as Factors Affecting Diversity and Abundance of Butterflies in Okomu National Park, Edo State, Nigeria

The effect of climatic variables on butterflies diversity and abundance in Okomu National Park, Edo State was investigated from July-November, 2012 using baited traps and butterfly nets. A total of 76 species involving 5 families (Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, Hesperidae) were captured and identified. Diversity of butterflies in the three ranges was calculated using Shannon-wiener diversity index and the highest diversity was found in Arakhuan (H=3.618) and the lowest in Igwuowan range (H=2.997). The relationship between physical factors and individuals, total species and number of butterflies’ per family was determined. Temperature was positively significantly correlated with the total number of individuals (rs0.418, p=0.05) and species (rs=0.444, p=0.0001) while Rainfall was negatively correlated with the total number of individuals (rs=-0.561, p=0.0044) and species (rs=-0.001, p=0.01), (p<0.05). The total abundance of Hesperidae(rs=0.229, p=0.0010) and Papilionidae(rs=0.498, p=0.02) increased with humidity, Pieridae(rs=-0.465, p=0.02) abundance decreased with rainfall while that of the Nymphalidae(rs=0.384, p=0.04) increased with temperature

Diversity Pattern of Swallowtails Butterflies in Okomu National Park Edo State in Nigeria

Swallowtail diversity sampling in Okomu National Park was carried between July 2012 and June 2014 using butterfly nets and pollard methods (Pollard, 1977) along 1 km by 0.005 km of eight (8) transects in the various ranges (Igwonwan, Arakhuan, Julius Creek, Babui) of the park. Five hundred and fifty five (551) individuals grouped into two genera of twelve species were collected from the ranges of the park. Four rare species notably: Papilio sosia sosia, Papilio nierus nireus, Papilio garienus and Graphium angolanus (Family: Papilionidae) were observed in the park. Papilio garienus and Graphium angolanus recorded for the first time in the park. Most of the Graphium species confined in large congregations around areas with streams and mud puddling. The MOF transect had the highest diversity and was closely related to the CC transect. While the SHR transect had the lowest diversity (H) and was closely related to GRA transect. Swallowtail butterflies were found throughout the months of sampling and significantly higher (p<0.05) during the rainy seasons compared to the dry seasons. Okomu National Park is rich in Swallowtail butterflies

Succession pattern of insects in relation to killing methods of Rattus norvegicus at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

The succession pattern of insects associated with the strangling and slaughtering of rat (Rattus norvegicus) was conducted between March and June 2017. Four (4) Albino Wistar rats were killed using strangle and slaughter methods, one method for a pair. The rat carcasses were secured from scavengers and restricted from human interference in a way that did not necessarily restrict access to the carcasses and also enabled insect collection. Insects were collected daily by hand picking and with the aid of aerial net, forceps and fine paintbrush. Collection was done within short period while checking the physical condition of carcass to note the stages of decay. Six insect families of three orders were collected from the carcass killed by strangling namely the Muscidae (32%), Sarcophagidae (16%), Calliphoridae (16%), Dermestidae (16%), Chrysomelidae (4%) and Cleridae (5%). In the carcass killed by slaughtering method, the families obtained were Muscidae (50%), Sarcophagidae (18%) Calliphoridae (18%), Dermestidae (9%), Staphylindae (5%). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the succession pattern of the insects though more individuals were obtained in the strangled carcass (55%) compared to the slaughtered carcass (45%). This study shows the succession pattern may have no significant or obvious influence on the decomposition of carcasses. Therefore there is need to probe further into other killing methods.Keywords: Carcass; decomposition; forensic; strangled; slaughtere

Intellectual Capital, Information Asymmetry and Cost of Equity Capital of Listed Consumer Goods in Nigerian Exchange Group

The objective of this study is to investigate statistically the influence of intellectual capital disclosure (IC) on cost of Equity capital. The study focused on listed consumer goods companies in Nigerian Exchange Group. The ex-post facto research approach was employed, using panel data sourced from published yearly financial reports of selected firms. The study covered 10 years from 2011 to 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used in analyzing the data. The findings confirmed our hypotheses that specify the presence of a substantial and negative relationship between intellectual capital reporting with its four mechanisms (Physical capital, human capital, structural   capital and Relational) and the cost of equity). The study found that intellectual capital reporting had significant effect on cost of equity capital of listed consumer goods in Nigerian Exchange Group (AdjR2 = 0.3733; F-Stat. = 1.122; p = 0.034). Nonetheless, the results also showed that the controlling effects of information Asymmetry has a positive and insignificant influence on the Cost of common stock capital of consumer goods firm in Nigeria. The outcomes of this study are of great significance to rule formulators and organizations. Precisely, the knowledge of the influence of Intellectual capital reporting on cost of common stock of capital benefits policy formulators in the assessment of the costs and gains of disclosure. Furthermore, in relation to executives of companies, the findings revealed the advantage of improved IC reporting concerning the lessening in their cost of capital. This paper provides pragmatic confirmation of the relationship between Cost of equity capital and the extent of reporting in the four separate intellectual capital classifications (Physical, human; relational and structural capital). Keywords: intellectual capital; Human Capital VAIC model; Consumer Goods, Cost of Equity Capital DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/13-2-05 Publication date:March 31st 202

Cytochrome P450 is implicated in permethrin resistance in Anopheles coluzzii populations from Delta State, Nigeria

Insecticide resistance is one of the major impediments threatening the control of malaria vector populations in Nigeria. The failure of WHO recommended control, especially with permethrin used for insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and indoor spray could lead to increase morbidities and mortalities, if left unattended to. This calls for sound management approach achievable through adequate knowledge of spread and mechanism of resistance. Hence, this study evaluated resistance status and involvement of metabolic resistance in Anopheles coluzzii populations from Delta State to permethrin. Anopheline larvae were collected from three Local Government Areas (LGA) and reared to adult stage at Entomology Laboratory, Delta State University, Abraka. Adult female mosquitoes aged 3 – 5 days were exposed to 0.75% permethrin using WHO bioassay method. Also, cohort were exposed to PBO and further exposed to permethrin. Exposed mosquitoes were identified molecularly. All identified mosquitoes were An. coluzzii. Exposure of An. coluzzii populations from Ika South, Ndokwa East and Ethiope West Local Government Area to permethrin recorded 62, 74 and 83 % mortality respectively. Mortalities in synergist assay were 99, 99 and 100 % respectively. Differences in mortality between permethrin and PBO/permethrin-exposed population were significant (p<0.0001). Knockdown Time (KDT50 and KDT95) was lowest in Ethiope West LGA. Considering increase in mortality value of the populations with exposure to PBO, this study presents evidence for involvement of cytochrome P450 in development of resistance in permethrin-resistant Anopheles populations from Delta State

Water closets as breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes in dry seasons

The challenges of reducing vectors that transmit diseases such as mosquitoes have been very tasking, especially in dry seasons where there are no visible  breeding habitats. The identification of these breeding habitats and control measures during dry periods are important in the integrated control approach. This study assessed various water closets to ascertain the occurrence and density of mosquitoes and the physicochemical parameters of the water in a University in Southern Nigeria. Water closets in the main campus and its annexes were examined for either the presence or absence of immature stages and adult mosquitoes. Mosquito density in each sampled closet was determined. Water parameters were taken using standard techniques. The association between the density of immature stages and adults with water parameters was equally determined. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified. Hydrogen ion concentration (7.57), electrical conductivity (498.60 μS/cm), and salinity (249.20 ppm) were highest in closets with mosquitoes compared to the closets without mosquitoes. Significant differences were observed between all the sampled water parameters of closets with and without mosquitoes (p< 0.05). Mean larval density (40.77) and occurrence were higher than eggs, pupal and adults. All adult mosquitoes (49) identified was Aedes aegypti. Out of the closets sampled, 48.2% had  mosquitoes. Temperature and Hydrogen ion concentration (pH) positively influenced larval and pupae density while conductivity and salinity showed no correlation to all stages of mosquitoes. This study revealed that closets in this area also serve as reservoir habitats for Aedes aegypti especially when they are not in use during dry seasons and has implications for disease transmission in the region. This requires urgent awareness and prompt public health interventions

Food and Feed Additive of Insects: Economic and Environmental Impacts

Background: Food insecurity and malnutrition in children may impose extreme disease conditions, which potentially affect the sustainability of zero hunger and wellness worldwide, leading to variations in nutritional patterns by region. Edible insects are common and are included in diets such as pastries, cookies, pasta, pies, flours, biscuits, candies, bars, chocolates, beverages, alcoholics, and so on. Methods: The current price of insect-incorporated foods and conventional foods in the grocery stores online were analyzed and compared. The architectural sketch of insect integrated rearing system. Edible insects can be reared to harvest or sourced from the wild, cleaned, steamed, and oven-heated before blending into fine powders for additives. The smooth powder is milled with other food ingredients before they are mixed thoroughly, pounded, baked, and cut into sizes. Results: The nutritional information of insect food and feed was higher than conventional products. Prices of all the conventional commodities were higher except for insect beverages ($14.83≈11,274 nairas) and bars ($22.30≈16,945 naira) (P<0.05). Marketable insect feed products are lacking, probably due to a lack of entrepreneurial intervention in this line of production. Conclusions: Considering the environment, insects have much more advantages. Foods of insects are quite cheap and encouraged in Asia-pacific than in the African region. The environmental, economic, and nutritional values of insects are equally an advantage over other animals. Modeling the price of edible insect foods is paramount to large-scale production. Concerted efforts and legislation are therefore required to promote this innovation in developing and under-developing nations

Spatial distribution and ecological niche modeling of geographical spread of Anopheles gambiae complex in Nigeria using real time data

Abstract The need for evidence-based data, to inform policy decisions on malaria vector control interventions in Nigeria, necessitated the establishment of mosquito surveillance sites in a few States in Nigeria. In order to make evidence-based-decisions, predictive studies using available data becomes imperative. We therefore predict the distribution of the major members of the Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Nigeria. Immature stages of Anopheles were collected from 72 study locations which span throughout the year 2020 resulted in the identification of over 60,000 Anopheline mosquitoes. Of these, 716 breeding sites were identified with the presence of one or more vector species from the An. gambiae complex and were subsequently used for modelling the potential geographical distribution of these important malaria vectors. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) distribution modeling was used to predict their potentially suitable vector habitats across Nigeria. A total of 23 environmental variables (19 bioclimatic and four topographic) were used in the model resulting in maps of the potential geographical distribution of three dominant vector species under current climatic conditions. Members of the An. gambiae complex dominated the collections (98%) with Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles coustani, Anopheles funestus, Anopheles moucheti, Anopheles nilli also present. An almost equal distribution of the two efficient vectors of malaria, An. gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii, were observed across the 12 states included in the survey. Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii had almost equal, well distributed habitat suitability patterns with the latter having a slight range expansion. However, the central part of Nigeria (Abuja) and some highly elevated areas (Jos) in the savannah appear not suitable for the proliferation of these species. The most suitable habitat for Anopheles arabiensis was mainly in the South-west and North-east. The results of this study provide a baseline allowing decision makers to monitor the distribution of these species and establish a management plan for future national mosquito surveillance and control programs in Nigeria

Aromatic Plants: use and nutraceutical properties

In the last years it has progressively been observed a substantial increase in the use of aromatic herbs and essential oils. Mediterranean area represents a particular environment in which many constraint factors (high light, temperature, drought, salinity, air pollution, etc.) induce a wide range of secondary metabolites in plants. These compounds can be useful utilized by humans for different applications: antibiotics, antimycotic, animal nutrition, cosmetics, food additives, biorepellents, etc. This paper reviews the literature on recent agro-industrial applications of Mediterranean plant species and medicinal plants used for the treatment of infectious diseases. The review includes accounts of extracts, essential oils and other active principles isolated from plants that have been used by folk medicine as antimicrobial agents. The name and part of the studied plants, spectrum of activity, type of active compounds and methods used are discussed and their mechanisms of action as well