The therapeutic potential of melatonin on neuronal function during normal ageing in male rats

Background: Ageing is a common factor in the onset neuronal dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. Serum level of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a free radical scavenger, reduces significantly during normal ageing and in neurodegeneration. Methods: To test the therapeutic potential of melatonin on function during normal ageing, we carried out an assessment of neuronal function in six months, nine months, twelve months and twenty-four months old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with 0.1mg/kg exogenous melatonin. Data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Knewman Keuls post-hoc test. Results: In six months old SD rats, melatonin treatment for two months restored motor function in the Chimney test. Furthermore, melatonin administration improved exploratory behavior and motor activity in ageing rats in the Elevated plus Maze (EPM) task. Finally, only 33% of melatonin treated rats had died at the termination of the experiment while all controls had 100% mortality. Conclusion: Melatonin may be a beneficial therapeutic agent to improve neuronal function during normal ageing.Keywords: Melatonin, neuronal function, motor function, normal agein

Prevalence of tuberculosis among symptomatic individuals and the risk areas in Ondo State, Nigeria

Tuberculosis (TB) has been one of the diseases that are of public health problem globally. Nigeria was one out of eight countries accounting for two-thirds of people who developed TB. Of the global gap in TB case detection and notification, Ondo State reportedly has a notification gap of almost 11,100 TB cases in the year 2019 out of which only 1,891 cases were detected. The research was carried out in the three geopolitical zones of Ondo State: North, South and Central. Ondo State has 18 LGAs and an area of 14,788.7 km² with a population of 3,460,877. Participants were recruited through outreaches for the selected communities in each of the zones. The only inclusion criterion for participation in the study was those have been coughing consistently for more than two weeks. The participants were screened for HIV seropositivity by standard protocols, while screening for TB was conducted by a combination Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) microscopy and Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (Gene Xpert MTB/RIF®). Over 10,000 participants were screened, of which 3200 subjects were found having symptoms related to TB. 513 were HIV patients and 41% were TB positive. Overall TB prevalence was found to be 623(19.5%). Akure South LGA recorded the highest overall prevalence of 39.0%. In the North district, Owo LGA recorded the highest prevalence (18.0%) while the least prevalence of (3.5%) was obtained in Ose LGA. The males were more infected (26.5%) than the females (15.3%). According to age groups, age group above 55 recorded the highest prevalence of 26.8% while the least prevalence of 15.3% was obtained in the age group 16-25. Dry season recorded higher prevalence of TB than the rainy season. Patients with low microbial load recorded the highest percentage of 45% while those with low intensities recorded the lowest percentage. Ondo State, Nigeria, has a high prevalence of TB disease, therefore there is need to increase public awareness and monitoring of individuals resident in the State. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1037091

Response of Cucumber to Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

A field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State in the Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria during 2017 cropping season to evaluate the effect of varying rates of Nitrogen and Potassium on the growth and yield of Cucumber.  Nitrogen (50Kg N/ha, 100Kg N/ha and 150Kg N/ha), Potassium (50Kg K2O/ha and 75Kg K2O/ha) were combined randomly with basal Phosphorous (50Kg P2O5/ha) to give seven treatment combinations. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The crop data collected include number of leaves, leaf area and number of branches, vine length, vine diameter, fruit weight and yield. The result showed that application of Nitrogen and Potassium fertilizers at various rate significantly (P<0.05) increased the growth and yield of cucumber over the control. The highest rate of 150 KgN/ha + 50 Kg P2O5 /ha + 50 Kg K2O/ha result to higher vegetative growth than fruit yield. The combination of 50 KgN/ha + 50 Kg P2O5 /ha + 75 Kg K2O/ha gave the highest yield and therefore considered optimal for cucumber production in the study area. Keywords: Nitrogen and Potassium, Fertilization, Guinea Savanna, Cucumber DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-12-05 Publication date:June 30th 202

Self-regulation amongst South African contractors in achieving legislative requirements on occupational health and safety

The study examines how self-regulation helps construction contractors in South Africa to achieve legislative requirements relating to national and international standards of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Despite considerable studies on OHS, self-regulation and its impact on health and safety performance on construction projects are under-researched. In this paper, we report a critical review of literature on OHS in the South African construction industry. The review identifies the various forms of self-regulation practices within construction organisations in South Africa. A mixed method approach was used in determining the relationships between self-regulation of construction organisations in relation to OHS and health and safety performance of projects undertaken by the observed construction organisations. Findings suggest, although there is a high level of self-regulation amongst South African construction organisations, construction organizations are still poorly incentivised. The implication of this is significant, in that businesses loose motivation to succeed in a course unless they are incentivised appropriately. Recommendations are drawn on the forms of strategic incentives that are likely to work in South Africa and in other developing countries

EVALUATION OF VIABLE OPERATING STRATEGIES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT BETWEEN FUNAAB CAMPUS AND CAMP TERMINUS IN ABEOKUTA

Transportation is a live wire for national development regardless of a nation industrial capacity, population or technological development. It gives expressions to policy initiative in areas like health, education, employment, etc., and in the absence of it, these facilities would be inaccessible. Viable operating strategies for public transport between Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State Nigeria Campus and Camp Terminus in Abeokuta were evolved. Traffic study was conducted for seven (7) days to determine traffic volume and peak periods (morning and evening) along the route. Questionnaires were administered to the road users to obtain factors (availability of vehicles, travel time from Camp Terminus to FUNAAB, road condition, operational cost, comfortability of the vehicle) needed to generate operating strategies. These factors were subjected to statistical analysis. The traffic volume revealed that Private cab had the highest traffic flow for a.m. peak period (8: 00 – 9: 00 am) from Mondays to Thursdays while Public cab had the highest on Fridays to Sundays, and at the pm peak period (4:00 – 5:00 pm), Public cabs had the highest traffic volume on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays while the Private cabs had the highest on the rest days of the week. The analysis of the sampled population showed that public cab had the least total time travel (36.1 minutes) followed by mini- bus (37.8 minutes) while the school bus had the highest (43.7 minutes) and this justified the reason why 40% of the population choose to travel by public cab, 33% by mini– bus  and 27% by the school bus. However, for the viability of the operating strategies, more public cab and min-buses should be provided to ply the road because of their lesser travel time, also provision of more school buses because of the large number of passengers they carry per trip should be provided.     &nbsp

In situ degradability of dry matter of browse forages consumed by ruminants in the semi-arid region of northern Nigeria

Three ruminally cannulated bulls were used to determine variations in dry matter (DM) degradability of forage consumed by ruminants in the semi-arid region of north Nigeria. Organic matter and crude protein (CP) contents were higher (P< 0·05) in all the browse forages. Higher numerical values neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and cellulose were recorded. DM degradability after 24 and 48 h of ruminal incubation were higher (P< 0·05) in all the browses. Higher values (P< 0·05) in DM bag losses at zero time (a fraction) were recorded for the browses. The insoluble but fermentable DM (b fractions) were higher (P< 0·05) in among browse forages. Numerically lower values of DM c fraction were found in browses, whereas DM potential degradability were higher (P< 0·05) in all the experimental leaves. High (P< 0·05) contents of CP in grazed forage, DM degradability after 48 h of ruminal incubation, and b and a+b, were observed in the browse leaves. Thus, these results may be related to both the better feeding value of forage consumed by the animals and better performance of livestock during in this areas. Then, the DM degradability after 48 h, together with the soluble fraction ‘a’ and insoluble but fermentable fraction ‘b’ and the c fraction permit the nutritive value of the forage consumed by grazing goats to be accurately described

The Glass Ceiling Conundrum: Illusory belief or Barriers that impede Women’s Career Advancement in the Workplace.

Given the preponderance of women in the workforce, it remained a puzzle why the entry of women into higher managerial positions remains restricted and why the syndrome of ‘think manager think male is growing progressively? The objective of this paper is to examine the glass ceiling conundrum with a view of ascertain how it limits women’s career advancement in the workplace. Extensive review of literature was presented and discussed. The paper revealed that women are not making it to the very top of their career not as a result of lack of requisite qualifications, and experience etc.; but as a result of factors that are rooted in cultural, societal, organizational, individual and psychological factors that inhibit women career advancement.  Against the aforementioned background, the paper concludes that women advance marginally to certain level in corporate executive cadre, before they experience ‘glass ceiling’ that impedes their prospect of attaining senior executive position. Accordingly, women compared to men represent an insignificant fraction of those in managerial positions due to cultural prejudice, religion convictions, family related issues, individual and organizational influences. Similarly, inadequate opportunity to networks and seek sponsorship limits women progression to top managerial hierarchy. The study recommends the need to articulate policy frameworks that promote strong organizational culture and a more helpful and supportive environment to develop women leadership skills.  Similarly, there is need to promote sponsorship for women in a way and manner that safeguard the relationships between sponsors and protégés

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Moringa Oleifera in Automobile Workshops from three Selected Local Governments Area, Ibadan, Nigeria

Plants accumulate minerals essential for their growth from the environment alongside with heavy metals from contaminated areas.This study investigated bioaccumulation of heavy metals by Moringa oleifera in automobile workshops in three selected local government areas in Ibadan. This was done with a view to determining the concentration and type of heavy metals accumulated in the tissues of Moringa oleifera grown around automobile workshops. Barks, leaves and seeds of M. oleifera were collected from three automobile workshops in each of the local government area and from a control site. The samples were dried, ground and analyzed for heavy metals content (Cu, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn and Zn) using ICP-MS. The mean level of heavy metals obtained ranged from 0.018 ± 0.001 to 0.356 ± 0.021 in the leaves, 0.012 ± 0.001 to 0.255 ± 0.016 in the seed and 0.048 ± 0.003 to 0.989 ± 0.003 in the bark. The concentration of heavy metals recorded followed the trend of Cu > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr > As > in the leaves; Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr = Mn > As in the seeds and Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr > As> in the barks. The overall concentration of heavy metals bioaccumulated by this plant follows the trend; bark > leaves > seeds. The increase in the concentrations of heavy metals observed in the barks, leaves and seeds of M. oleifera collected from automobile workshops to that of control site indicated the impact of mechanical activities in introducing trace metals to the environment.The study further suggested that Moringa olifera in polluted sites may accumulate trace metals in any of its parts; hence care should be taken when harvesting the plant for medicinal purpose

Delayed in Transition from Analogue to Digital Transmission and Its Implications on Broadcasting Production Output in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria

Factors deterring the proposed transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in Nigeria have been extensively addressed by a good number of studies. However, these previous studies have failed to explore the implications of this delayed on broadcasting production output from a comprehensive view. This study addresses this limitations by its investigating the implications of analogue broadcasting on programme quality, content, leadership/viewership and revenue generation from the sector by the government. Six media houses - Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Nigeria Television Authority, Ile-Ife, Crown FM, Orisun FM, Living Spring FM and Odidere FM - were purposely selected across the three senatorial districts of Osun State, Southwest Nigeria. This study adopted the multi-stage and simple random technique to elicit information from 103 broadcast operators working with the selected media houses. Data were sourced through the administering of a well-structured questionnaire. The outcome variable is broadcasting station production output. The outcome variable indicators captured in this study are programme quality, programme content and programme coverage, leadership/viewership and revenue generation from the house media by the government. The key explanatory variables are shortage of trained broadcast personnel, lack of technical know-how, poor sensitisation, lack of monetary support from the government, environmental constraint (Electric Power Supply), poor training and retraining of broadcast operators, broadcast operators years of experience and type of media ownership. Percentage distribution and multiple linear regression statistics were applied to measure the factors hindering the transition to digitalised broadcasting, and the implications of the delayed in transition on production quality. Results showed that programme quality, content and coverage were significantly associated with analogue broadcasting (p<0.05). Also, the results of the study showed that analogue broadcasting had significant influence on leadership and viewership (p<0.05). The results further showed that analogue broadcasting and revenue generation were significantly related (p<0.05). The study concluded that programme quality, programme content, programme coverage, leadership/viewership and revenue generation were limited by the continua use of analogue equipment in broadcasting across broadcasting stations in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria. Keywords: Broadcasting, digital, analogue, transmission, delayed transition, implication

Spectrum of ultrasonographic findings in gynaecological emergencies in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Gynaecological emergencies are a common cause of morbidity and mortality among women of reproductive age group worldwide and can be life threatening. They can be easily managed if diagnosed early. Ultrasonography (USS) is a readily available and excellent diagnostic tool in the prompt and accurate diagnosis of these conditions. This is a comparative study aimed at evaluating the ultrasonographic findings in gynaecological emergencies and comparing with the clinical diagnosis. Methods: 400 patients presenting with suspected gynaecological emergencies at the National Hospital, Abuja were evaluated. The USS findings of these patients were recorded and matched with their socio-demographic parameters and the radiological diagnosis was then compared with the clinical diagnosis at presentation. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.2±7.5 years. Pregnancy related emergencies were the most common, making up 65.8%. Abortion was the most common emergency seen. Pregnancy related cases were commoner in the younger age group 20-39 years. A higher proportion of USS diagnosis for pregnancy related cases (96.7%) corresponded with the clinical diagnosis when compared to a smaller proportion for non-pregnancy related cases (80.6%), and this had significant correlation (x2=256.12, df=1, p<0.0001) Conclusions: USS evaluation of gynaecological emergencies as seen in this study, allows for quick and accurate diagnosis so that appropriate emergent care can be instituted to improve the outcome in these cases