Effect of Ulraviolet Light, pH and Temperature on the Thickening Property of Pectin Extracted from Banana, Orange and Lime Peels

Pectin is a polysaccharide used as rheology modifier in products such as food and beverages. This work assessed the effect of UV light, pH and temperature on the thickening property of pectin extracted from banana, orange and lime peels. Pectin was extracted using alcohol precipitation method and was analyzed using FT – IR spectrometer and GCMS. pH and UV light degradation/depolymerization of pectin solutions were carried out using viscometric and statistical methods. Increase in temperature negatively affects the viscosity of the samples. The viscosity of the banana, orange and lime pectin samples decreased on exposure to UV light for both 30 and 60 days. The observed decrease in the kinematic viscosity of the samples might be attributable to depolymerization which might have occurred with the samples on exposure to the UV light. The viscosity of the samples remained the same at the pH of 4, 7 and 10. Analysis of variance (one way) indicated significant difference in the kinematic viscosity measured to determine the effect of ultraviolet light and temperature (p < 0.05). No significant difference in viscosity was observed in the effect of pH (p > 0.05). Therefore, exposure to sunlight of pectin containing food drinks can cause decline in the quality of the product.Keywords: Pectin, viscosity, temperature, UV light, p

Growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler chicken fed raw and boiled senna obtusifolia seed meal

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler chicken fed raw and boiled Senna obtusifolia seed meal. Three hundred (300) Ross day old chicks were used for this study. Chicks were randomly allotted to five treatment groups in a complete randomized design having three replicate with twenty birds each. Birds were housed in a deep litter system where water and feed was provided ad-libitum for eight weeks. Five experimental diets were formulated with inclusion of raw and boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal at two different levels 5% and 10% each for raw and boiled respectively. Diets were coded as T1(Control), T2(5% Raw S. obtusifolia seed meal), T3 (10% Raw S. obtusifolia seed meal), T4 (5% Boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal; (BSOSM first user define) and T5(10% Boiled Senna obtusifolia seed meal), respectively. Data collected from this study on growth performance and hematological parameters were analyzed using general linear model of SAS, 2009. Differences among means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Result obtained from this study shows that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg gain across treatment groups at the starter and finisher phases. On the other hand, there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference recorded on feed intake, mortality record and all the hematological parameters measured. Birds fed 5% BSOSM had increased weight gain at the starter phase and improved feed conversion ratio in the finisher phase than other treatment groups. Also, birds fed control diet had increased weight gain at the finisher phase and improved feed conversion ratio in the starter phase than other treatment groups. Hematological parameters obtained in this study revealed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences across treatment groups. This implies that S. obtusifolia seed meal is safe for feeding broiler birds either raw or boiled with inclusion levels of up to 10% without any adverse effect on the performance. Key words: Growth performance, hematology, broiler chicken, Senna obtusifolia, Ross breed

Measurement of physical activity in urban and rural South African adults: a comparison of two self-report methods

Abstract Background Due to the large mortality from inactivity-related non-communicable diseases in low- and middle- income countries, accurate assessment of physical activity is important for surveillance, monitoring and understanding of physical (in)activity epidemiology in many of these countries. Research on relative performance of self-report physical activity instruments commonly used for epidemiological research in Africa have rarely been reported. The present study compared estimates of physical activity measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ) among urban and rural black South African adults. Methods Self-reported physical activity data using the IPAQ-SF and BPAQ were collected from a representative sample of 910 urban and rural black South African adults (age = 59.2 ± 9.5 years, 69.7 % women) participating in the 2015 wave of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study in the North West Province of South Africa. Between-method relationships (pearson correlations [r] and intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]) and agreements (Bland-Altman mean difference with 95 % limits of agreement and Kappa coefficient [k]) of IPAQ-SF and BPAQ variables were estimated. Sensitivity and specificity of the BPAQ relative to the IPAQ-SF to classify individuals according to the international guidelines for sufficient physical activity were calculated using chi-square statistics. Results Correlations between IPAQ-SF scores and BPAQ indices were small (r = 0.08–0.18; ICCs = 0.09–0.18) for BPAQ leisure and sport indices, moderate-to-large for work index (r = 0.42–0.59; ICCs = 0.40–0.62) and total physical activity index (r = 0.52–0.60; ICCs = 0.36–0.51). Between methods mean difference for total physical activity was large (1.85 unit), and agreement in physical activity classifications was poor to moderate (k = 0.16–0.44). The sensitivity of the BPAQ to identify sufficiently active people from the IPAQ-SF was very good (98 %), but its specificity to correctly classify insufficiently active people was weak (23 %). Conclusion Notable disparities in physical activity estimates between methods suggest that utilization of IPAQ-SF and BPAQ for surveillance and epidemiology studies in Africa should depend on research questions and population to be studied. Future studies with objective measures are needed to confirm the relative validity between the two instruments

Reducing postpartum weight retention: a review of the implementation challenges of postpartum lifestyle interventions

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is a strong predictor of obesity in later life with long term health consequences in women. Suboptimal lifestyle behaviours (e.g., diet and physical activity) contribute to PPWR. Postpartum lifestyle interventions are known to be efficacious in reducing PPWR; however, there are challenges to their successful implementation. To inform implementation, this narrative review provides an overview of the factors that contribute to PPWR, the efficacy of existing postpartum lifestyle interventions and key determinants of effective implementation using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) across intervention characteristics, implementation process, individual characteristics and outer and inner setting. We then suggest strategies to improve the translation of evidence into large-scale interventions that deliver on health impact in postpartum women. We have identified gaps that need to be addressed to advance postpartum lifestyle research, including the involvement of postpartum women and community members as key stakeholders for optimal reach and engagement, more complete reporting of intervention characteristics to optimize translation of evidence into practice, capacity building of health professionals and guidelines for postpartum lifestyle management.Maureen Makama, Helen Skouteris, Lisa J. Moran and Siew Li

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of animal diarrhoea in Plateau State, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases has generated renewed interest in recent times, as herbal preparations are increasingly being used in both human and animal healthcare systems. Diarrhoea is one of the common clinical signs of gastrointestinal disorders caused by both infectious and non-infectious agents and an important livestock debilitating condition. Plateau State is rich in savannah and forest vegetations and home to a vast collection of plants upheld in folklore as having useful medicinal applications. There is however scarcity of documented information on the medicinal plants used in the treatment of animal diarrhoea in the state, thus the need for this survey. Ten (10) out of 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), spread across the three senatorial zones were selected. Farmers were interviewed using well structured, open-ended questionnaire and guided dialogue techniques between October and December 2010. Medicinal plants reported to be effective in diarrhoea management were collected using the guided field-walk method for identification and authentication.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 248 questionnaires were completed, out of which 207 respondents (83.47%) acknowledged the use of herbs in diarrhoea management, while 41 (16.53%) do not use herbs or apply other traditional methods in the treatment of diarrhoea in their animals. Medicinal plants cited as beneficial in the treatment of animal diarrhoea numbered 132, from which 57(43.18%) were scientifically identified and classified into 25 plant families with the families Fabaceae (21%) and Combretaceae (14.04%) having the highest occurrence. The plant parts mostly used in antidiarrhoeal herbal preparations are the leaves (43.86%) followed by the stem bark (29.82%). The herbal preparations are usually administered orally.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Rural communities in Plateau State are a rich source of information on medicinal plants as revealed in this survey. There is need to scientifically ascertain the authenticity of the claimed antidiarrhoeal properties of these plants and perhaps develop more readily available alternatives in the treatment of diarrhoea.</p

Resource Use Efficiency in Small Scale Cowpea Production System in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria

The study examined the Resource use efficiency in cowpea production in Dawakin Kudu local Government area of Kano State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used in the study in which Dawakin Kudu local government area was purposively selected and six villages including Dawaki, Dosan, Tsakuwa, Sarai and Tamburawa were selected using the same procedure. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 15 small scale cowpea producers in each village making a total sample size of 90 respondents. The data for the study were collected using of structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget model and multiple regression model. The results of the analyses revealed that majority (53.9%) of respondents were between the ages of 21-40 years. Also 47.7% had informal quranic education while 86.2% were males. Respondents who had 2-10 years of experience in cowpea production constituted 53% while 65% had household size of 2-10 persons and majority (56.9%) had 0.1-1 ha of land. The average total variable cost, total revenue and gross margin per hectare for cowpea production were N22, 716, N47, 019.3 and N24, 303.3 respectively The result from the multiple regression analysis revealed that double-log function gave the best fit with R2of 79.5% and the regression coefficients with respect to farm size, seed and fertilizer were positive and significant while chemical and labour were not significant. Almost all the resources used were over-utilized with only fertilizer which was under-utilized. Incidence of pest and disease, high cost of fertilizer and chemical, problem of flooding and high cost of labour were the major problem affecting cowpea production in the study area .Resource adjustment, provision of extension services, formation of more farmer cooperative societies were recommended

Anthropometrically determined nutritional status of urban primary schoolchildren in Makurdi, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>No information exists on the nutritional status of primary school children residing in Makurdi, Nigeria. It is envisaged that the data could serve as baseline data for future studies, as well as inform public health policy. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition among urban school children in Makurdi, Nigeria.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Height and weight of 2015 (979 boys and 1036 girls), aged 9-12 years, attending public primary school in Makurdi were measured and the body mass index (BMI) calculated. Anthropometric indices of weight-for-age (WA) and height-for-age (HA) were used to estimate the children's nutritional status. The BMI thinness classification was also calculated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Underweight (WAZ < -2) and stunting (HAZ < -2) occurred in 43.4% and 52.7%, respectively. WAZ and HAZ mean scores of the children were -0.91(SD = 0.43) and -0.83 (SD = 0.54), respectively. Boys were more underweight (48.8%) than girls (38.5%), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.024; p < 0.05). Conversely, girls tend to be more stunted (56.8%) compared to boys (48.4%) (p = 0.004; p < 0.05). Normal WAZ and HAZ occurred in 54.6% and 44.2% of the children, respectively. Using the 2007 World Health Organisation BMI thinness classification, majority of the children exhibited Grade 1 thinness (77.3%), which was predominant at all ages (9-12 years) in both boys and girls. Gender wise, 79.8% boys and 75.0% girls fall within the Grade I thinness category. Based on the WHO classification, severe malnutrition occurred in 31.3% of the children.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>There is severe malnutrition among the school children living in Makurdi. Most of the children are underweight, stunted and thinned. As such, providing community education on environmental sanitation and personal hygienic practices, proper child rearing, breast-feeding and weaning practices would possibly reverse the trends.</p

Comparison of several prediction equations using skinfold thickness for estimating percentage body fat vs. body fat percentage determined by BIA in 6-8-year-old South African children : The BC-IT Study

Body composition measurement is useful for assessing percentage body fat (%BF) and medical diagnosis, monitoring disease progression and response to treatment, and is essential in assessing nutritional status, especially in children. However, finding accurate and precise techniques remains a challenge. The study compares %BF determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and calculated from available prediction equations based on skinfolds in young South African children. A cross-sectional study performed on 202 children (83 boys and 119 girls) aged 6–8 years. Height and weight, triceps and subscapular skinfolds were determined according to standard procedures. %BF was determined with BIA and three relevant available equations. SPSS analyzed the data using paired samples tests, linear regression, and Bland–Altman plots. Significant paired mean differences were found for BIA and Slaughter (t 201 = 33.896, p < 0.001), Wickramasinghe (t 201 = 4.217, p < 0.001), and Dezenberg (t 201 = 19.910, p < 0.001). For all of the equations, the standards for evaluating prediction errors (SEE) were above 5. The Bland–Altman plots show relatively large positive and negative deviations from the mean difference lines and trends of systematic under- and over-estimation of %BF across the %BF spectrum. All three equations demonstrated a smaller %BF than the %BF measured by BIA, but the difference was smallest with the Wickramasinghe equation. In comparison, a poor SEE was found in the three %BF predicted equations and %BF derived from BIA. As such, an age-specific %BF equation incorporating criterion methods of deuterium dilution techniques or ‘gold-standard’ methods is needed to refute these findings. However, in the absence of developed %BF equations or 'gold-standard' methods, the available prediction equations are still desirable

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Porous ZnO/SnS 2

Porous ZnO/SnS2 nanocomposites with adjustable SnS2 contents were prepared via microwave-assisted heating of different aqueous solutions of SnS2 precursors in the presence of fixed amount of ZnCO3 nanoparticles at pH 7. The structures, compositions, BET specific surface areas, and optical properties of the as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption, and UV-Vis absorption spectra. Photocatalytic activities of the samples were tested by the removal of aqueous ciprofloxacin, CrVI, and methylene blue under visible-light (λ>420 nm) irradiation. The experimental results reveal that the as-prepared heterogeneous nanostructures exhibit much higher visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the pollutants than pure SnS2 nanocrystals. The photocatalytic degradation rates Ct/C0 of the pollutants for the most active heterogeneous nanostructure are about 10, 49, and 9 times higher than that of pure SnS2. The enhanced photocatalytic activities exhibited by the heterojunctions could be ascribed to the synergetic effect of enhanced absorption in the visible region and the reduced rate of charge carrier recombination because of efficient separation and electron transfer from the SnS2 to ZnO nanoparticles

Synthesis of CdS Sensitized TiO 2

A series of CdS/TiO2 nanocomposites with different Cd to Ti molar ratio were synthesized from P25-TiO2 nanopowder using microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The as-produced powders were characterized by XRD, electron microscopy, EDX, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of the samples were investigated using methylene blue as a model pollutant. Sorption tests revealed that the adsorption of MB onto the samples obeys the Freundlich-Langmuir isotherm model. The sorption capacity decreased as follows: TiO2>TCd2>TCd1>TCd3>TCd4. The results of the photocatalytic tests under high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp revealed that CdS/TiO2 powders with low Cd to Ti molar ratios exhibited much higher activities than P25-TiO2. The CdS/TiO2 sample with 20% CdS/(TCd2) showed the most activity among all these samples. The results also show that the Cd to Ti molar ratio of the nanocomposite has a significant effect on the photodegradation of MB and the enhanced activities exhibited by the nanocomposites are because of the low rate of electron-hole recombination