ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF LEPTADENIA HASTATA (PERS) DECNE LEAVES EXTRACT

Objective: This study was carried out with an objective to investigate the antibacterial potential of five leaf extract of Leptadenia hastata plant on some bacteria.Methods: Leptadenia hastata extracts were evaluated for potential antimicrobial properties. The leaves of the plant were extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol and then vaporized to give respective extracts. Antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, salmonella typhi, staphylococcus aureus and Klebsielia pneumonia, was determined by an agar well diffusion method. The optical density of the broth using UV mini spectrophotometer and zone of inhibition by the crude extract were determined.Results: The results showed that of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol extracts of Leptadenia hastata, methanolic and chloroform extracts displayed more activity with 1.10±0.10 mmab and 0.97±0.06 mmab where aSignificantly (p<0.05) higher compared to different extract at the same concentration bSignificantly (p<0.05) lower compared to the control, than others at 25-1000 ppm per well of the extracts tested.Conclusion: The present results showed the potential of the medicinal plant used by traditional herbal medical practitioners as natural antimicrobial agents, thus can be further used to determine the bioactive products that may provide as leads in the development of new drugs

PSYCHO PRODUCTIVE SKILLS MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST ITEMS FOR ASSESSING STUDENTS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CRAFT IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES

This study focused on the development and validation of psycho productive skill multiple choice test (PSMCT) for assessment of technical college students’ achievement in mechanical engineering Craft. The study adopted the instrumentation research design and it was carried out in Nasarawa State. The population for study was 248 National Technical Certificate (NTC) III students comprising of three ability groups (42 high, 140 average and 66 low abilities). A 305 item draft copy of psycho productive skills multiple choice test items was generated and utilized as the instrument for the study. The test was used to assess students in the four Government Technical Colleges in Assakio, Mada Station, Agwada, and Doma in the study area. The data collected were analyzed using split-half technique and Kadder-Richardson (K-R20). The reliability coefficient of the test was 0.84. It was found out that there were significant differences in the mean scores of the three ability groups (high, average and low). It was recommended among others, that examination bodies (NABTEB, WAEC and NECO) should integrate the psycho productive skill multiple choice test in their examination process for certification of NTC students

A preliminary study on semen collection, evaluation and insemination in Nigerian local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

This preliminary study was carried out with 6 local turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) by collecting semen from 2 toms and insemination into 4 hen. The semen collection was achieved by the method of abdominal massage. It was evaluated based on volume, mass motility, live-dead-ratio and sperm concentration, which were; 0.195 + 0.010mls (Tom 1) and 0.205 + 0.024mls (Tom 2), (+++) for both toms, 70% (for Tom 1) and 75% (for Tom 2) approximately and 6.150 ± 0.329 x109/ml and 6.295 ± 0.161 x109/ml for Tom1 and Tom 2 respectively. Hens were inseminated weekly. Eggs laid were collected, stored and later incubated for hatching. Fifty four (54) eggs were incubated, (16 eggs from Hen A and 10 from Hen B, 15 from Hen C and 13 from Hen D), and all were found to be fertile. Forty six eggs (46 eggs i. e. 85%) were hatched (13 eggs from Hen A, 8 from Hen B, 14 from Hen C and 11 from Hen D). From the result it was clear that semen collected from the turkeys (Toms) in Sokoto was of satisfactory quality and can be used fresh in artificial insemination. The result also signifies satisfactory hatchability of eggs from inseminated hens.Keywords: Hatchery, Insemination, Semen collection, Sokoto, Turke

In a Democratized Media Context What a Hoax Can Do, a Misinformation Can Do Even Worse: Influences of Fake News on Democratic Processes in Nigeria

With the rapid advancements in technology and the democratization of media topology in Nigeria, many people are increasingly gaining access to the media and becoming empowered to actively participate in public debate about issues affecting them in addition to having a great deal of online social interactions. However, people’s access to and interactions with technology and other media have given rise to a host of malicious effects – propagation of doubtful and fabricated content. This has been shown to have the potential to adversely influence people’s lives and sense of judgment, especially regarding democratic processes such as political campaigns during which many malicious fabricated contents are disseminated. In recent history, from 2016, election campaigns in various countries across the world have highlighted how fake news can be targeted at specific people or individuals to influence and misguide them, and even influence polls results. Ever since, issues surrounding fake news and its impacts on democratic and social settings have been gaining pervasive research attention. Hence, the urge to explore the concepts of misinformation and democracy from a Nigerian context through a review of extant literature. In conclusion, several propositions were made, and a conceptual framework was designed for future research to explore the concept and empirically proffer solutions to the growing menace. Keywords: Fake news and misinformation, Media and politics, Media democratization, Nigerian democratic processes, Political campaign, Social media DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/79-02 Publication date: April 30th 201

TRAINING NEEDS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS IN THE EFFECTIVE USE OF ONLINE TEST ASSESSMENT FOR ENTRY INTO HIGHER INSTITUTION

The study was carried out to identity the training needs of secondary school leavers in the effective use of online test assessment for entry into higher institution. The design of the study was survey research design. Five research questions guided the study. The study was carried out in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Population for the study was 1032, sample for the study was 232 made up of 200 secondary school leavers and 32 internet tutors using proportionate random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. The instrument was face validated by three experts, one from Data Perfect Computers Centre Akwanga and two from Computer Education Department, college of Education, Akwanga. Data collected were analysed using weighted mean to answer the research question, and t-test statistics clusters had their reliability coefficients ranged from 0.82 to 0.86 respectively. It was found out that Secondary School leavers needed training on the five clusters in 61 competencies on the use of internet for success in online test assessment. It is recommended that computer training centres and institution with computer training facilities should use the identified competencies by this study for training secondary school leavers for success in online test assessment for job application or entry into higher institution

Police-Public Media Relations: Issues and Challenges

Police-Public relations is the subject of Police-Media Relations. The Police and the media are two institutions that are aimed at ensuring that the society lives well based on lawful and orderly conduct in the interest of justice, fairness and development of the society. The two institutions require information from the public to perform their duties prudently and diligently. However,  they differ in orientation, operational techniques, platforms and public perception. A typical scenario for instance, if there is an uprising, attack, disaster or any such unfortunate occurence, members of the public will be running to safer areas.  It is common see the Police and the media are pushing their way forward into that ‘danger zone’ to perform their individual responsibilities. Both the Police and the media depend on sources for information to facilitate their work, though they differ significantly in approaching the subject matter; thus the Police interrogate to get information, the journalist on the otherhand, interviews to secure information. It is undeniable fact that, the two institutions require each other in the performance of their responsibilities and therefore need to develop a harmonious and cordial relations. One fact is that the Police have bags of information that the media require, likewise, the Police require the visibility and bridge that the media provide to link them with the society in a positive manner in order to have a goodwill from the public. Daily, the media reports on issues partaining crime or about the Police, the crime news and other sensational events excite the public and it enables them to appreciate the effort of the government or that of the Police on crime prevention and control. These inevitably indicates that the media and the police must work together. However, over the years there exists a mixed relation between them, this paper identifies those challenges affecting the duo relations and recommends ways to overcome those challenges. Keywords: Police;  Media and public relations challenges

A New Formula for Groundwater Recharge Estimation in Yola, Nigeria

In this paper,relationship between rainfall and groundwater recharge estimation was evaluated. A standard numerical formula that relates rainfall to groundwater recharge estimation was proposed with the aim of providing error-free groundwater estimate from rainfall. Rainfalls measured in a selected location in Yola, Nigeria and standard formula were used to fix the constants (A,B and c) in the new numerical formula using Microsoft Excel Solver. The constants were used to establish new numerical formula. The new numerical formula was used to estimate groundwater recharge from the rainfall. The accuracy of the new numerical formula was evaluated statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), relative error; the degree of accuracy, numerical reliability, Model of Selection Criterion (MSC) and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and compared with the previous formulae in use for field groundwater recharge estimation with Uttar Pradesh (UP) as the reference value of groundwater recharge. The study revealed that groundwater recharge estimated using the formula was similar to groundwater recharge estimated using standard formulae (UP, Modified Chaturvedi, Kumar and Seethapathi and Rao). In all cases there were significant differences between the groundwater recharge estimated using all the formulae. The new formula provided the lowest relative error of 0.887%, the highest MSC of 4.911; the degree of accuracy of 99.113 % and the lowest AIC of 436.306.  The accuracy of the formulae was in the order of new formula greater than Chaturvedi formula greater than Kumar and Seethapathi formula greater than Rao formula. It was concluded that modelling of groundwater recharge using the numerical formula is a promising tool for estimating groundwater recharge with minimum error in water resources management

The Effects of Crude Extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) On Some Lipid Profile Parameters In High Fat Fed Rats.

The effects of various doses of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on lipid profile parameters of rats fed high fat diets for six (6) weeks were determined. Results obtained shows that the administration of crude extract of ginger for two weeks at 200mg/kg body weight significantly (p<0.05) reduced the level of cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and increase High density lipoproteins (HDL) (69.15±4.69, 100.00±3.91, 6.90±1.96, 20.00±0.78 and 41.05±2.99) respectively compare to value obtained in rats fed normal diet (71.50±7.75, 120.63±4.54, 20.85±1.18, 18.32±0.90 and 26.12±4.82) respectively. This shows that consumption of ginger at higher doses may be beneficial in reducing some lipids profile parameter and body weight which could aid in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Keywords: Lipid profile, Zingiber officinale, cardiovascular disease, High fat diet

Assessing the Job Selection Criteria of Accounting Students: a Normative Approach

This research assessed to what extent final-year Muslim accounting students in Malaysia considered Islamic principles when choosing a job after graduation. 356 final-year Muslim accounting students in four Malaysian universities were surveyed using an open-ended job selection scenario. The result shows that reality does not live up to the ideal. Only 16% of the respondents apply Islamic principles in making a job selection decision. The remaining 84% are more concerned with other criteria such as personal interests, salary considerations, and company reputation

Antifungal potential of Leptadenia Hastata against some pathogenic fungi

The objective of this study was to evaluate if the plant extract could provide antifungal potential against some pathogenic fungi. Extract of Dichloromethane solvents was used for disc diffusion assay. The inhibitory concentration of the extract was performed by broth dilution method and zone of inhibition was studied by disc diffusion method at the concentration of 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000ppm in DMSO. Fluconazole was used as the reference control for antifungal study. The extract showed maximum inhibition potential of zone of inhibition against most of the pathogen (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida tropicalis and Fusarium oxysporium) used at concentration 25ppm to 250ppm with zone of inhibition (3.45±0, 3.33±0.12, 3.07±0.05 and 2.97±0.10mm respectively). The extract showed minimum inhibition potential against Fusarium oxysporium in all the concentration when compared with the control as well as to the other pathogens. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus was found to be more sensitive to Dichloromethane leaf extract followed by Candida tropical and lastly fusarium oxyspurium. The Present study indicates the potential usefulness of Dichloromethane leaf extract of Leptadenia hastata as antifungal agent. © 2018 Isaac John Umaru, Fasihuddin A. Badruddin, Henry Y. Wakawa, Hauwa A. Umaru and Kerenhappuch I Umaru