The Effect of Temperature, Moisture Content and Contact Time on the Time Extract from Bitter Kola (garcinia kola)

The effects of temperature, moisture content and contact time on the extract from garcinia kola were studied. From the results obtained, the yield increases as the temperature were being raised. At the temperature of 75°C,85°C,95°C  and 105°C, the yield were 2.2g, 2.7g, 2.9g, and 3g respectively. Moisture decreases with an increase in the oil yield. Sun dry the maximum yield of 2.5g with the lowest moisture content of 9%. The yield increased with an increase in contact time but leveled out as the maximum contact time required for the extraction was exceed. Analysis on the oil such as free fatty acid, refractive index, viscosity, yield capacity, density, specific gravity, pH boiling point, flash point,iodine value and saponification value were carrie

The causes and prevalence of road traffic accidents amongst commercial long distance drivers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

The prevalence of road traffic accidents is on the rise, thus contributing to morbidity and mortality. In the year 2000, road traffic injuries was the 11th leading cause of death globally, currently, it is the 9th leading cause of death. Despite the tragedy behind the loss of life and injuries due to road traffic crashes, there is less mass media attention and public awareness than other less frequent types of tragedy. This study was done to assess the causes and prevalence of road traffic accidents among commercial long distance drivers in Benin City.A descriptive cross sectional study design was used, and data was collected from 315 commercial long distance drivers and their vehicles. Study was done from January to October, 2013. Respondents were recruited using systematic random sampling technique. Study instruments included structured interviewer administered questionnaires and focus group discussion guide.The results showed that 114 (36.2%) were within the age group of 31-40 years. Ninety-one (28.9%) were in the 41-50 years age group while 18 (5.7%) fell within the 61-70 years age group. Most of the respondents 272 (86.3%) were married, 28 (8.9%) were single, 10 (3.2%) were cohabiting, while 2 (0.6%) were separated. Almost all the respondents 311 (98.7%) were males while 4 (1.3%) were surprisingly females. More than half of the respondents 172 (54.6%) had a secondary level of education, 112 (35.6%) had a primary level of education while 12 (3.8%) had no formal education. The study showed a prevalence of road traffic accidents of 47.9% in Benin City occurring more in day time and the common causes of road traffic accidents include careless driving, speed violation, brake failure, traffic violations, faulty overtaking, burst tyre, bad roads, alcohol use and armed robbery attack. Thus measures should be made to ensure proper maintenance of the roads to ensure the risk of RTA due to bad road is reduced and also provide adequate security for road users to prevent armed robbery attacks.Key Words: Road traffic accidents, determinants, crashe

Thin-layer drying kinetics of fish in a hybrid solar-charcoal dryer

This paper presented an empirical thin-layer model describing the drying kinetics of titus and sardine fish samples using an indirect passive hybrid solar-charcoal smoke dryer. The experiment was designed using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with two treatments (Titus and Sardine fish species), three levels of thicknesses (3, 5, and 7mm fish fillets) replicated three times. The effect of fillet thickness on the moisture ratio of the two fish species showed that the smoking process of fish samples took place in the falling rate period. The experimental drying data of the fish fillets at varying thicknesses was fitted into seven different commonly used thin-layer models by curve fitting methods and all were compared according to three statistical parameters: R2, χ2, and RMSE. The Page model was found most suitable for describing the drying process of titus fish sample with R2, χ2, and RMSE values of 0.9985, 0.00121, and 0.012 respectively; whereas the Lewis model best suited the sardine samples with R2, χ2, and RMSE values as 0.9995, 0.00125, and 0.015 respectively. The models were validated using the experimental and predicted values of moisture ratios (MR). The times required to reduce 50% initial moisture content (wet basis) of titus fish species (75.24%wb) were 90,120, and 160 minutes at fillet thicknesses of 3, 5, and 7mm respectively; whilst that of sardine (79.61%wb) was 60, 75, and 110 minutes of fillet thicknesses of 3, 5, and 7mm respectively. The maximum and minimum times required to smoke dry titus and sardine fish samples at varying fillet thicknesses were 4½ to 7 hours and 4 to 6½ hours respectively.Keywords: Hybrid dryer, fish, mathematical model, charcoal and solar hea

Effects of mixed Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meal in Digitaria smutsii Hay based diets on the performance of pregnant Red Sokoto Does and their Kids

Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meals combined in ratio 75:25 and included at 0, 10, 20 and 30% in Digitaria smutsii hay based complete diets were fed to pregnant Red Sokoto does to investigate effect of the graded levels of the mixed forage on the dry matter intake, live weight, pregnancy of the does and birth weight of their kids. Twenty-four pregnant Red Sokoto does aged between 13 and 14 months with an average weight of 22.50 ±0.12 kg were randomly assigned to four treatments with six does (in their last trimester of pregnancy) per treatment in a completely randomized design. The diets were offered at 4% of body weight. Results indicated that mixed Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (GMMO) increased dry matter intake of the does and birth weight of their kids. Dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does fed 20% leaf meal. Birth weight was significantly higher (P<0.05) in does fed 20% and 30% GMMO leaf meal (1.58 kg and 1.68 kg) respectively. GMMO leaf meal did not affect the dams’ weight after kidding. It can be concluded that mixed Gmelina and Moringa leaf meal can be included in the diets of pregnant Red Sokoto does for improved dry matter intake and birth weight of their kids. GMMO leaf meal inclusion did not have adverse effect on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of pregnant does

Preliminary assessment of trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments

Total concentrations of Cd, Cr, Co, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn and Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the surface sediments of Taylor Creek, Southern Nigeria. The most concentrated trace metals, ranging from 113.2 to 5160.7 mg/g-dry weights were Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn. There was no significant variation in sediment-associated metal levels (P>0.05). The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) was highest at Agbia/Nedugo and is attributed to local contamination of the Creek. The concentrations of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also detected and quantified in the sediments by capillary gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. The concentration levels of 178.1-1266.3 mg/g-wet weights were high for the PAHs. The results indicate that the pollutants, which are bio-accumulatable, could contribute to inferior biodiversity, and shifts in community composition from sensitive to tolerant taxa

Partitioning Characteristics of Heavy Metals in a Non-Tidal Freshwater Ecosystem

Trace metals in the aquatic environment have to date come essentially from naturally occurring geochemical resources. However, this has been enhanced by anthropogenic activities resulting in pollution. Consequently, correlations and partitioning of trace metals in the dissolved phase, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments were investigated in five selected sites along the Taylor Creek, southern Nigeria. The degree of correlations between the various metals was different in each of the investigated matrices. In the matrices studied, not many significant correlations (P<0.05) were recognized. Only Ni-Cd (r=0.95), Mn-Cd (r=0.63), Mn-Ni (r=0.64) are correlated in the sediments and in SPM, Fe-Cr (r=0.54) and Zn-Ni (r=0.72), which suggests that the sources are not common for both matrices. In the dissolved phase, no strong correlations (P<0.05) between the trace metals are obvious. The best correlations are observed for Ni-Zn (r=0.72) and Cd-Pb (r=0.65). Partitioning coefficients (Kd) of trace metals between dissolved phase and SPM aregenerally low, which is typical for fresh water ecosystems and fairly stable over the creek all through the seasons. Thus, the state of the aquatic ecosystem indicates that the trace metals, which are bio-accumulatable, could contribute to inferior biodiversity and shifts in community composition from sensitive to tolerant taxa

Mortalité maternelle vue à travers un hôpital transitoire à Enugu, Sud-est du Nigéria

Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world. The study was to determine the trend of maternal mortality ratio in the hospital as it transits from a General through a Specialist to a Teaching hospital. It was a retrospective review of maternal deaths at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Parklane, over its 5 year transition period (January 2004 to December 2008). There were 7146 live births and 60 maternal deaths giving an overall maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 840/100,000 livebirths. The MMR rose from 411 to 1137/100 000 live births as a specialist hospital, with a decline to 625/100 000 as a Teaching hospital. Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia was the leading cause (29.63%) of maternal death. MMR was highest as a Specialist hospital due to limited manpower and inadequate facilities to properly manage the rising number of referred obstetric emergencies. Adequate preparations should be made before upgrading a hospital, to enable it cope with the challenges of managing referred obstetric emergencies (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4]:67-72).Le Nigéria a une de plus grandes proportions de la mortalité maternelle du monde. L’étude avait pour but de déterminer la tendance de la proportion de la mortalité maternelle dans l’hôpital dans sa transition d’un Hôpital Général en passant par l’Hôpital spécialisé à un Centre Hospitalier Universitaire. Il s’agissait d’une analyse rétrospective des décès maternels au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire à Enugu à travers sa période de 5ans de transition (janvier 2004 – décembre 2008). Il y avait 7146 naissances vivantes et 60 décès maternels, ce qui donne dans l’ensemble une proportion de la mortalité maternelle (PMM) de 840/100,000 naissances vivantes. La PMM a augmenté de 411 a 1137/100.000 naissances vivantes dans l’hôpital spécialisé avec une baisse jusqu&apos;à 625/100,000 dans un Centre Hospitalier Universitaire. La pré-éclampse/éclampsie était la cause principale (29,63%) du décès maternel. La PMM était plus élevée dans l’hôpital spécialisé à cause d’une main-d’œuvre limitée et du manque de facilités qui ne permettent pas de bien prendre en charge le nombre montant de cas obstétriques d’urgence qui sont orientés vers ces hôpitaux spécialisés. Il faut prendre des dispositifs adéquats avant d’améliorer un hôpital, afin de lui permettre de se débrouiller avec les défis de la prise en charge des urgences obstétriques qui sont adressées d’un autre hôpital (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4]:67-72)

Characterization and land evaluation of three tropical rainforest soils derived from the coastal plain sands of southeastern Nigeria

Soils on coastal plain sands of southeastern Nigeria have hitherto been referred to as fragile sandy and acidic soils of low base saturation, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and fertility, as evidenced by the extensive land degradation evident in the region. This underscores the need for the characterization of the soils for sustainable use. Three profile pits were therefore dug on the upper, middle and bottom slopes of three towns in the rainforest belt underlain by the coastal plain sands. The results showed that the topsoil of the soils was&nbsp; generally sandy, with relatively more clayey subsoil. The pH ranged from extremely acidic (&lt; 4.4) to slightly acidic (6.1- 6.5). They had low organic matter, low total nitrogen, low effective CEC, low Al saturation and moderate base saturation. The soils of the upper and the middle slopes were classified as Arenic Kandiudult by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Soil Taxonomy or as Chromic Acrisols by the World Reference Base (WRB) for Soil Resources classification system, while that of the bottom slope was classified as a TypicDystrudept (USDA Soil Taxonomy) / Dystric Cambisol (WRB classification system). The upper slope had a USDA land capability class of IIes and a United States Bureau for Reclamation (USBR) land capability class of 2v/C. The middle slope and the bottom slope both had USDA and USBR capability class of IVs and 3v/C, respectively. Though moderately to marginally irrigable, the soils can still produce increased and sustainable agricultural yield if the appropriate land use and husbandry practices are adopted. Key words: Coastal plain sands, land use planning, soil characterization, toposequence, tropical rainfores

Reinforcement of polypropylene with natural fibers: Mitigation of environmental pollution

ABSTRACT: Recently, natural fibers have gained research attention in reinforcing polymers due to their availability and unique properties in polymer applications. Preliminary studies indicate indiscriminate disposal of human hair (HH) and the burning of cow hair (CH) and sheep hair (SH) by abattoir operators in Nigeria; this has become a source of concern owing to the hazardous nature of these activities to human health and the environment. This study is, therefore, essential and seeks to utilize these waste materials in an environmentally sustainable way, as the hair fibers used in this work are renewable and will enhance the economy of any country if adequately utilized. The composites of Polypropylene (PP), human, sheep, and cow tail hair fibers were prepared at different weight percentage concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 w% using an injection molding machine. Untreated and treated PP composites were analyzed for average diameter, length, and density; the composites were also characterized for ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness, and impact strength. The average diameter assessment indicates viz: Cow tail hair > Human hair > Sheep hair. The sequence for hair fiber lengths shows that Sheep hair > Human hair > Cow hair, and the order for average density is Cow tail hair > Human hair >Sheep hair. The analysis of the mechanical properties of the reinforced and unreinforced PP composite showed that the Human hair/PP composite gave the best enhancement for ultimate tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength, and modulus at 8% fiber loading. Cow tail hair/PP composite yielded the best elongation at break at 2% fiber loading. Human hair/PP composite showed the best yield for impact strength at 4% fiber loading, while the Cow tail hair composite performed best for the hardness test at 2% fiber loading. The surface scanning electronic microscope (SEM) images showed no significant manufacturing defect on composites except for the air entrapment in the image of cow tail hair. The study also observed that there is no fiber breakage or void observed in the images. SEM images of the PP-composites interface at 8% maximum loading showed reasonably good fiber adhesion to the polymer matrix. This study is recommended for environmental sustainability and to improve material properties for various applications