Potential of snail shell and palm kernel shell powders in improving engineering properties of clay

This research is aimed at using Snail Shell Powder (SSP) and Palm Kernel Shell Powder (PKSP) in stabilizing clay. Elemental and oxide compositions of the powders were determined and they revealed SSP is richer in CaO than PKSP. Sieve Analysis, Compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Atterberg Limit were conducted on natural and stabilized soil mixture. The natural soil (A-7-6) was blended with SSP and PKSP at varying proportion of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% by dry weight of soil respectively and also combined at ratios not more than 10% total . Inclusion of additives increase the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) while it predominantly  the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) values of the stabilized soil mixture. Plasticity Index (PI) decrease with the addition of the powders with the best performance observed mostly with SSP blended soil. It was also found that the CBR values of soil increase with corresponding increase in dosage of the powders. Soil blended with 8% SSP offered the best result with increase in MDD from 1198 to 1300kg/m3 while the combined additives gave the best result at 2%SSP+8%PKSP addition with MDD increasing to 1266 kg/m3 and further reduction of OMC to 21%. The best results in PI were from Soil blended with 2% SSP and also 2%SSP+8PKSP with 6.25% and 9.2% respectively. For CBR, soil blended with 8% SSP and 2%SSP+8PKSP of combined ratio gave peak performances. The potential of these additives in improving soil properties and reducing construction cost of road are presented.Keywords: Palm kernel shell Powder, Snail shell powder, Clay stabilization, Geotechnical propertie

Perception and adaptation responses to climate change: an assessment of smallholder livestock farmers in Amathole District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

Livestock is a critical asset for many rural poor, however, the current climate crisis is affecting livestock farmers. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in order to assess the farmers’ perceptions of climate change, and its impact on production and adaptation responses. Using a multistage sampling procedure, a total of 142 smallholder livestock farmers were selected from 18 villages across the study area. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used and the observed results showed that there has been a perceived drastic decline in rainfall in the area over the last 25 years. Some of the perceived impacts were poor vegetation and limited grazing, scarcity of water resources, decreased livestock growth rate, weight, milk production and reproduction rates. Adaptation responses were limited as the results showed that the only response measures taken amongst the many options available were changing grazing routes, increasing grazing distances, destocking, water harvesting and storage, and increased dependence on social welfare. An examination of farmers’ perceptions of their adopted responses showed that none of the response measures were perceived as significantly effective. The lack of effective response to the climate change crisis is a cause for concern, as the livestock industry is endemic to the region and sustains families and entire communities.Keywords: Drought, Effectiveness, Perception, Risk

Dental Students Educational Experiences and Knowledge in regard to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Experience in a Nigerian University in South Western Nigeria

Background: Child abuse is now established as an international issue. In recent times, many researchers have suggested the need to check the level of readiness of graduating dental students regarding how they can successfully handle child abuse cases.Objective: To determine the knowledge of child abuse among undergraduate dental students in a Nigerian university.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students in five classes of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Demographic information was collected through a self-administered structured questionnaire distributed among the dental students. Other information obtained included their educational experiences and level ofknowledge on child abuse and neglect. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 13 and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: One hundred and sixty one subjects consisting of 80 males and 81 females with a mean age of 22 (+2.4) years participated in the study. The majority (61.5%) had encountered the topic of child abuse and neglect during studies at the university. The subjects scored less than 50.0% regarding some aspects of knowledge of signs of physical abuse while they scored over 60.0 % on signs of emotional and sexual abuse and neglect. In their knowledge of signs of diagnostic indicators of abuse, a quarter of the subjects knew that child abuse and neglect was not basically associated with stress and poverty. Only 8.7 % knew correctly that dentists in Nigeria are not legally required to report child abuse. There were some statistically significant associations between respondents\u27 knowledge of physical, emotional/sexual abuse and neglect and diagnostic indicators of abuse and their levels of study with respondents in the senior classes having higher scores.Conclusion: Knowledge gaps particularly with recognition of signs of child abuse exist among dental students. We recommend that a mandatory course that deals with child abuse and neglect issues should be included in the dental curriculum especially at the pre-clinical stage. &nbsp

Molecular Characterization and Potential of Bacterial Species Associated with Cassava Waste

ABSTRACTKnowledge of the true microbial diversity in cassava waste (CW) is fundamental to effective utilization of this waste. This paper reports, on the identification of bacteria species associated with CW, using molecular tools. The 16S rRNA gene of total bacteria community and bacterial isolates were amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using 16S rRNA primers. Total microbial community DNA amplicons were spliced into the PCR-TRAP Cloning Vector, used to transform competent cells of Escherichia coli and sequenced. Sequences were identified by aligning with sequences in the GenBank. Twenty four bacterial species were detected in cassava peel (CP) belonging to Bacillus-Bacillales (7 species), Bacillus-Lactobacillales (12 species), Gamma-proteobacteria (3 species), Acinetobacteria-Actinomycetales (1 species) and uncultured bacteria (2 species). Bacillus licheniformis (11.3%) and B. substilis (11.3%) were the dominant species.Azotobacter vinelandii, an uncultured bacterium clone ncd1462c07c1 and an uncultured compost bacteria clone PS2630 identified in this study, probably has not been reported in cassava fermentation. In cassava wastewater (CWW), 26 bacterial species were detected including Bacillus-Bacillales (5 species), Bacillus-Lactobacillales (18 species), Gamma-proteobacteria (2 species), Acinetobacteria-Actinomycetales (1 species), Beta-proteobacteria (1 species) and uncultured bacteria (1 species). Lactobacillus fermentum (11.1%) was the dominant species closely, followed by L. plantarum (10.7%). The potential of some of the species are highlighted. This study has shown that CW is an important microbial resource, considering its rich bacterial diversity

Prevalence and Correlates of Reproductive Morbidity among Female Traders in Ibadan Nigeria

Background: Efforts to mobilise resources for reproductive health services require data on common reproductive morbidities which constitute a significant proportion of global ill-health among women of reproductive age. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of reproductive morbidity among female traders of reproductive age in Ibadan, Nigeria.Methods: Using systematic random sampling, 410 female traders aged 15-49 years were selected and data collected with interviewer-administered structured questionnaires in a cross-sectional study at a major Ibadan market. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis were done using SPSS version 23.0 and WINPEPI version 11.65 at 5% significance level.Results: The respondents’ mean age was 34.6±7.8 years and 223 (58.7%) had secondary education. Most 349 (91.8%) had experienced reproductive morbidity, of which 279 (79.9%) had gynaecologic morbidities with menstrual problems (273; 97.8%) being the commonest; 262 (75.1%) had obstetric morbidities among whom 221 (84.4%) had pregnancy complications while 185 (53.0%) experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Women aged 30-39 years had lower odds of any reproductive (OR=0.27; 95% CI=0.08–0.89) and obstetric morbidities (OR=0.18; 95% CI=0.10–0.31) while those ≥40years had twice the odds of gynaecologic morbidity (OR=2.18; 95% CI=1.22–3.90) as those <30 years. The odds of IPV and of experiencing any reproductive morbidity reduced with increasing wealth status.Conclusion: Reproductive morbidity is common among traders in Ibadan. Obstetric and gynaecological morbidities were commoner among older women while higher wealth status was a protective factor. Reproductive health interventions should prioritise older and poorer women as at-risk groups for gynaecological interventions. Keywords: Reproductive morbidity; Female traders; Pregnancy complications; Menstrual problems; Intimate partner violence; Ibada

Ethnobotanical and in vitro cytotoxicity studies of Moringa oleifera, Andrographis paniculata and Asystasia vogeliana extracts

Ethnobotanical and in vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out on three different multi- purpose medicinal plants; Moringa oleifera (Lam) (Moringaceae), Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) and Asystasia vogeliana (Benth) (Acanthaceae). The ethnobotanical information was collected by one to one interview and discussions using semi-structured questionnaires with indigenous people from selected locations in Nigeria. Plant samples collected were identified and authenticated in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State. Each of these three plant samples was extracted in 95% ethanol using a soxhlet extraction apparatus and concentrated to dryness at 45 °C. M. oleifera showed the highest incidence of occurrence (17.5%), fidelity level (74.9%) and multi-purpose usage. The ethnobotanical study revealed the medicinal relevance of the three plants in the treatment of myriads of diseases and ailments including malaria, fever, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes among others in local herbal medicine. The in vitro cytotoxicity activities of ethanol extracts of the three plant species were screened in two cancer cell lines (BGC-823 and HeLa cells) using the sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay. Cytotoxicity assay on the two cell lines BGC-823 and HeLa cells revealed that only the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata exhibited some level (moderate) cytotoxicity activity with IC50 values of 24.7 and 23.1 μg/ml respectively. M. oleifera and A. vogeliana did not show any significant activity on the cell lines. The study highlights the importance of ethnobotanical information in finding cost effective, potent and safe herbs for people and screening of the plant species for their activities against cancer cell lines. Further studies on the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds responsible for cytotoxic effects of A. paniculata is recommended

Magnitudes and Effects of Radon Emission from Vitellaria Paradoxa Used for Charcoal Production in Atisbo Local Government, Oyo State

Radon is a chemical element with atomic number 86 on the periodic table. It is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas, occurring naturally as a decay product of radium. Its most stable isotope, 222Rn, has a half-life of 3.8 days. It is the only gas under normal conditions that has radioactive isotopes and is considered a health hazard due to its radioactivity. This research project investigated the effect and magnitude of radon emission from Vitellaria paradoxa used for charcoal production in Atisbo local government area of Oyo state. The study area is open woodland vegetation similar to derived savanna ecological zone. An oral interview was conducted on charcoal producers as a pilot study. Radon concentration measurements were carried out in three (3) charcoal production sites at the study area. At each location RAD7 was used to probe 0.6m beneath the soil. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means separated  using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The concentration in air at L1S40 and L1S30 are not significantly different from each other with the value of 2125.0 and 1947.0 respectively and the radon concentration in soil at L1S0, L1S10 and L1S20 are not significantly different from one another(p<0.05) at Kona Owo. The radon concentration in the soil at all distance L2S0, L2S10, L2S20, L2S30, L2S40 with the value of 2822, 4803, 4140, 3112, 5210 are not significantly different from one another (p<0.05) where L2S40 with 5210 is having the highest value of radon and L2S0 is having low in the soil at Oje Owode. The experiment showed that during the production of charcoal, more radon is emitted to both the air and soil when it is compared to the amount of radon emitted by Vitellaria paradoxa atvthe point of burn. It is recommended that the charcoal workers should wear appropriate protective clothes to protect them from radon emission. Keywords: Radon emission, Shea tree, Soil radon concentration, ionizing radiation, Charcoal production

Studies on Local Knowledge and In vitro Cytotoxicity of Moringa oleifera L., Andrographis paniculata N. and Asystasia vogeliana B. Extracts

Multi-Purpose Medicinal Plants (J\.1J'v1Ps) are gaining nnprecedented attention apparently because of their potency to contribute to the prevention and treatment of myriads of diseases. As such the toxicity of many herbs including the J\.1J'v1Ps has always been a concern particularly relating to internal organs. The present study investigates the local knowledge use and in vitro cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines; BGC-823 and HeLa cells on three (MMPs); Moringo oleifero (Lam) (Moringaceae) Androgrophis poniculoto (Burm. f) and Asystasia vogeliana (Benth) (Acanthaceae). The local knowledge was collated through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach from selected locations in the Oke-Ogrm area of Oyo state, Nigeria. Ethanolic extracts were used for the in vitro cytotoxicity study. The extracts were screened in two cancer cell lines (BGC-823 and HeLa cells) using the Sulpha Rhodamine B (SRB) assay. For the treatment of diseases, the local knowledge shows that A. poniculoto recorded higher fidelity level on the treatment of malaria (95% ), diabetes (80% ), high blood pressure (87 .5% ), cancer and tlllllor ( 65.7% ). The infusion of A. vogeliana in combination with the leaves of Cassia alata, Cymbopogon citrutus and fruit juice of Citrus aurantifolia recorded higher fidelity level in the treatment of malaria and chronic fever (74.8%), gonorrhea (65%) and leprosy (40%) suggesting better alternative toM. oleifera and A. paniculata. The medicinal relevance of the species in the treatment of diseases such as malaria, fever, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes among others in local herbal medicine were revealed. Cytotoxicity assay on the two cell lines, BGC-823 and HeLa cells revealed that only the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata exhibited some level (moderate) of cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 24.7 and 23.1 ).lg/mL, respectively. M. oleifera and A. vogeliana did not show any significant activity on the cell lines. The study highlights the importance of local knowledge in finding cost effective, potent and safe herbs for people and screening of the plant species for their activities against cancer cell line

Managing Residential Density Development in Akure Through E-land Pricing System

One of the major challenges of Akure in the past two decades is the uncoordinated residential density development. This paper examined this haphazard development by mapping out the housing density mix in selected residential neighbourhoods in the city with a view to developing an e-land pricing model for its effective land management therein. The study identified three residential estates in Akure as representatives of the three broad densities (high, medium, low) in the residential zones using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Primary data were generated from the administration of structured questionnaire that captured information on socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, location of buildings, plot sizes, coverage and prices among others. From the research findings, a high level of unregulated pricing was obvious particularly in the private sector that controls vast areas of the city land. The closer a private landed property to the city centre or a government housing scheme, the higher the price irrespective of the plot size. Sudden increase in income of residents is a determinant of the willingness to purchase land at high prices. To address this trend this study has developed an e-land pricing interface to regulate the residential density choice in the city. The model was tested to successfully predict specific areas for density development given certain variables such as regular income of land buyers, price of land, plot sizes among others. An administrative structure that can ensure management of the proposed e-land pricing reform measure was specified for effective density mix in the city. Keywords: Residential, density development, housing, e-land pricing, Akure.  DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-7-04 Publication date:July 31st 201

Nutritional Status of Primary School Children in Ilorin-West LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria

Background: Malnutrition in children remains a global health problem in developing countries including Nigeria. Nearly half of all under-five deaths in Africa and South-East Asia can be traceable to malnutrition. The nutritional status of primary school children in Ilorin-West Local Government Area of Kwara State is not known, therefore the study set out to determine this and its associated factors.Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between February and May 2016 across 16 primary schools in Ilorin-West LGA. Four hundred and eighty school children aged 6-12 years were recruited into the study through a multi-stage sampling technique. Anthropometry was taken following standard procedures; weight was measured with a digital bathroom weighing scale (Camry, Model: EB9323H, China), while height was measured with a stadiometer (Seca Model: 213, USA). Anthropometric indices were determined. Data collected was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Tm version 20.0 for windows.Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting, wasting and obesity were 3.0%, 5.0%, 4.4% and 1.0%, respectively. Stunting was more prevalent among female pupils, pupils attending the public primary schools and children of mothers with no formal education, while obesity was more prevalent in the private primary schools.Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity recorded in this study confirms the emerging concept of ‘the double burden of malnutrition,’ and poses a public health challenge to policy makers. It is recommended that community nutrition enlightenment campaigns be strengthened and possibly school meals be re-introduced to both private and public schools. Keywords: Nutritional status; School-aged; Stunting; Wasting; Obesit