Parametric Analysis of Ground Temperature Profile in Bwari-North Central Nigeria

Predicting future climatic changes is a vital key towards positioning both private and governmental budgeting. This study was on the validity of predicting natural disasters using data from ground temperature. The Bwari region of Abuja-Nigeria was the research site and the research duration was five years. The net earth radiation was discovered to have increased and has been unable to be abated by natural forces. 2013 might experience an increased solar radiation upon the earth, though, there may be a reduced flooding and a heavier flooding in 2014 or 201

Antibacterial effects of cyanogenic glucoside isolated from the stem bark of Bauhinia rufescens Lam

The chemical contents and in vitro antibacterial effects of the n-butanol column fractions, stem bark methanol extracts of Bauhinia rufescens Lam. were evaluated in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using disc diffusion technique. The n-butanol soluble portion from the stem bark methanol extract was successively eluted to afford 10 pooled fractions by comparison of TLC chromatograms. The bioactive fraction (fraction D) was further chromatographed using the bioassay guided protocol to afford 4 sub-fractions from which a pure compound was isolated and characterized using spectral studies as: (4S, 6R)-(Z)-6-(â-Dglucopyranosyloxy)-4-hydroxy-2-cyclohexenyl-Ä1,á-acetonitrile–a cyclohexenyl cyano methylene known commonly as menisdaurin. Test bacteria were Bacillus subtilis, Corynaebacterium spp., Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae. The diameters of inhibition zone on the Gram-positive bacteria was found in the range from11.83±0.17 (n-butanol Fraction D) to 17.33±0.67 (Fraction D2-8); while on Gram-negative organism the values ranged from  11.50±0.29 (n-butanol Fraction D) to 19.67±0.33 (Fraction D2-8). The activity index (AI) showed that Fraction D2-8 (51.18%) and Compound I [menisdaurin] (127.36%) was highly sensitive to Corynaebacterium spp. and E. coli when computed with Erythromycin and Gentamicin respectively. Highest AI was exhibited by Fraction D2-8 (93.89%) against S. dysenteriae when computed with ciprofloxacin. In continuation of our chemical studies and search for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants; this work, therefore, was aimed at characterizing and testing the antibacterial efficacy of the isolated compound in order to further confirm our earlier reports on use of this part of B. rufescens in some parts of Northern Nigeria as atreatment against diarrhoea and dysentery. This is the first report of the isolation and antibacterial activity of menisdaurin from B. rufescens.© 2013 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Antibacterial, Bauhinia rufescens, cyanogenic glucoside, isolation, menisdaurin

Review of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media in the National Ear care centre, Kaduna Nigeria.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is the most common condition presenting to Otolaryngological clinics, often patients present late with consequent complications that require surgical intervention. This study aimed to review the mode of clinical presentation, modality and outcome of treatment of CSOM seen at NECC Kaduna. Methodology:This was a retrospective study carried out in the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna for a period of 3 years; from January 2016 - December 2018. Results: Two hundred and thirty-four patients with CSOM were studied. There were 127 males and 107 females making M: F =1.2:1. The age range was from 8-60years with a mean age of 26.5±12.6years. The age group 11-20 (31.2%) had the highest number. Majority presented with hearing loss and ear discharge 228(97.4%) and 182(77.8%) respectively. Other symptoms were otalgia, tinnitus, vertigo and nasal symptoms. Eleven (4.7%) had complications at presentation. Ninety-two (39.3%) had surgery, 64 had only aural toileting and dressing with topical antibiotic with recorded success as majority achieved dry ear, while 38 patients were lost to follow up. Postoperative complications include; loss of taste sensation, facial nerve palsy, recurrent/persistent ear discharge, persistent dizziness, and infection of the donor site and no mortality was recorded. Conclusion: One-third of the patients who benefitted from surgery had a good outcome and for those with conservative treatment, the majority achieved dry ear. Early presentation is advised to avoid complications

Proximate Composition, Phytochemical and Elemental Analysis of Some Organic Solvent Extract of The Wild Mushroom- Ganoderma lucidum.

Brief about the title: The crude extract powder of Ganoderma lucidum harvested from Lafia, Nassarawa State of Nigeria during the rainy season was analyzed for proximate contents, phytochemical constituents and mineral composition using various standard methods. Description of the experiment and procedures: The harvested Ganoderma lucidum was air dried at 370C and grinded to powder; this was preliminary analyzed for proximate contents, phytochemical constituents. The crude powder was subjected to soxhlet extraction at 400C using Methanol, Ethylacetate and N-butanol to obtain different organic solvent fractions, these were then concentrated in vacuo at 240C for 48 hours to obtain different solvent extract fractions. These extracts were then analyzed for phytochemical contents using standards methods. Results: Analysis for proximate constituent showed Moisture contents was 10.54%, Total ash 5.93%, Protein 17.55%, Crude Fats 2.60%, Crude Fiber 30.25%, Carbohydrates 33.13%, and Nitrogen 23.52%. Phytochemical screening from unprocessed G.lucidum powder reveals the presence of:  Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Reducing sugars, Tannins, Cardiac glycosides, Anthraquinones, Saponins, Volatile oils and Steroids. However, variations in the presence and concentrations of these phytochemicals were observed in the partitioned portions separated by Methanol, Ethyl acetate and N-butanol. Analysis of Total ash reveals in (mg/kg) the presence of Ca (322.6), K (317.1), P (197.1), and Na (193.5) in high quantity, while C (68.2), Fe (44.6), and Zn (14.65) and Mg (8.7.0), were found to be in moderate quantity. However, Si (4.10), Mn (1.83), As (1.23), Cu (0.84), Cr (0.14), Pb (0.106), Mo (0.09), Ni (0.095), F (0.0039), Al (0.20) and Co (0.026) are very low in concentration, but Se (0.00) was completely not detected. Conclusion: The presence of these essential nutrients and minerals found in G.lucidum implies that it can be utilized for its medicinal values in healthcare delivery systems, and the medicinal importance are thus highlighted in this work. Keywords: Ganoderma lucidum, Fruiting body, proximate analysis, Phytochemical and Mineral, Healthcar

Utilization of Palm Oil Mill Residue as Sustainable Pavement Materials: A Review

The advances in industrial technology have led to a major rise in the amount and forms of residue, especially during the processing of agricultural products. With the paradigm shift towards renewable energy and sustainability, there is much emphasis on biomass energy around the world which generates an immense volume of residues yearly. These residues are burgeoning issues because they are not effectively managed and utilized. Hence, one solution is utilizing them in the pavement industry. This article focuses on palm oil mill residues that are abundantly available and discarded in Malaysia. This study evaluates published works of literature relating to the utilization of these residues like the Palm Oil Fiber (POF), Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA), and Palm Oil Clinker (POC) and Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) in the pavement industry. The outcome of the review acknowledges the greater sustainability potential of these residues with affirmative and satisfactory performance via the result of numerous research work. Also, with a reduction in CO2-emission, low radioactivity, and heavy metal leaching level. Therefore, the review suggests more exploration and utilization of the residue in the pavement industry since it promotes safety and harness sustainability

Risk analysis in fish farming systems in Oyo and Kwara States, Nigeria: a prospect towards improving fish production

The aim of this paper is to analyze risks in fish farming systems in Oyo and Kwara States, Nigeria. The primary data were collected using structured questionnaire with personal interview method by trained enumerators. The data collected belonged to the 2015/2016 production year. The total respondents (277) in the two states were separated to concrete pond fish farmers (123) and earthen pond fish farmers (154). Descriptive statistics, safety model and multinomial logit model were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that concrete system was more hired labour driven, relatively had higher formal education, and higher total investment and credit utilized compared to earthen system. The results of the risk preference revealed that of 123 respondents in concrete pond system, 52 % are risk preferring, 34 % are risk neutral and 16 % are risk averse, indicating better risk seeking compared with 154 respondents in earthen pond system with 21.4 % being risk preferring, 59.7 % being risk neutral and 18.8 % risk averse. The results of the estimates of the explanatory variables revealed that that the set of significant explanatory variables and their signs vary across the concrete and earthen pond systems. It would be concluded that the determinants of fish farmers’’ risk status differ considerably between concrete and earthen pond systems. Fish farmers needs to be sensitized through seminars, workshops and trainings in seeking risk by extension personnel in collaboration with agricultural insurance firms, this will go a long way in improving fish production among respondents.Keywords: Fish farming, Insurance, Marginal effect, Risk aversion, Workshop

Antioxidants, Anti-inflammation, Anti-hyperglycemia and Chemical Evaluation of the whole plant extracts of Anisopus mannii N.E.Br.

Anisopus mannii from the family Asclepiadaceae is a perennial herb that is currently utilized in the traditional Northern Nigerian medicinal system. The study document comprehensive In Vitro biological evaluation and chemical profiling of A. mannii whole plant crude extracts. Qualitative phytochemical, antioxidants, anti-inflammation, anti-hyperglycemia and chemical profiling was determined. The results revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides flavonoids, and saponins. The plant has the inhibition capacity to convert Fe3+ to Fe2 at 18.9 mmol/gm, scavenging at 75.5, injured tissues 28.4 75.5, -amylase 62.7 and α-Glucosidase 89.5 µg /mL respectively. 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl and Lup-20(29)-en-3-ol, acetate, (3. beta) are the major compounds found in the whole plant extract. The current groundbreaking research revealed ethanolic extract from the whole plant is an effective medicinal agent. It provides the possibility for different therapy regimens to be developed from it. Research is needed to discover and purify the active chemicals that are responsible for therapeutic efficacy

Evaluation of Chemical Composition and the Comparative Wound Healing Effect of Natural Honey and Olive Oil in Rabbits

The phytochemical and elemental constituents of honey and olive oil and their relationships with wound healing were studied in New Zealand rabbits. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Carbohydrates, monosaccharide, reducing sugar, terpenoid, saponin, saponin glycoside, flavonoids, and alkaloid in honey, while olive oil had only cardiac glycoside and terpenoids.  Elemental analysis showed the presence of higher concentration of potassium (288.3mg/l), and low concentration of manganese (0.04mg/l), iron (1.55mg/l), copper (0.66mg/l) and nickel (0.001mg/l) in honey than olive oil. However, olive oil has higher concentration of calcium (225.3mg/l) and zinc (5.22mg/l) than in   honey. The wound healing effects of honey and olive oil were determined by inflicting a 2 mm incisional wound on the thigh muscle of 18 New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were grouped into six groups (A-F) which were topically administered of honey (A), olive oil (B), honey and olive oil mixture (C), iodine and methylated spirit (D) and penicillin (E).Group F was undressed and untreated and served as negative control.  Healing and scar tissue formation was monitored over a period of 10 days by measuring the wound closure daily. It was observed that group B and D had complete resolution with minimal scar tissues by day six. Other groups had a longer resolution time of up to 9 days post incision. The study therefore, showed olive oil alone and a combination of iodine and methylated spirit both aided greatly in dehiscence of uncontaminated surgical wounds in New Zealand rabbits

Prediction of railway embankment slope hydromechanical properties under bidirectional water level fluctuations

Railway embankment slopes are exposed to natural hazards such as excess rainfall, floods, earthquakes, and lake water/groundwater level variations. These are generally considered during the design, construction, and maintenance periods of the embankment. In this study, combined laboratory test methods and a computational approach were applied to assess the effect of groundwater level changes on the railway embankment. The Plackett–Burman (PBD), Box–Behnken design response surface methodology (BBD-RSM), and an artificial neural network (ANN) were used to predict the behavior of the embankment soil hydromechanical properties to determine the integrity of the embankment as water level fluctuates under varied seasonal conditions. The results show that the seepage line is concave during the rising water level (RWL) period, and the railway slope’s static stability factor surges and then stabilizes. Further analysis found that the slope’s stability is largely affected by some of the hydromechanical properties of the soil embankment material, such as the internal friction angle (ϕ), soil density (ρs), and cohesion (c). The second-order interaction factors c x s, x s, and s2 also affect the stability factor. It was observed that the four most sensitive parameters under both falling water level (FWL) and RWL conditions are ϕ, ρs, c, and rate of fall/rise in water level (H). The statistical evaluation of the RSM model produced R2 values of 0.99(99) and 0.99, with MREs of 0.01 and 0.24 under both RWL and FWL conditions, respectively, while for ANN, they produced R2 values of 0.99(99) and 0.99(98), with MRE values of 0.02 and 0.21, respectively. This study demonstrates that RSM and ANN performed well under these conditions and enhanced accuracy, efficiency, iterations, trial times, and cost-effectiveness compared to full laboratory experimental procedures

Utilization of palm oil mill residue as sustainable pavement materials: A review

The advances in industrial technology have led to a major rise in the amount and forms of residue, especially during the processing of agricultural products. With the paradigm shift towards renewable energy and sustainability, there is much emphasis on biomass energy around the world which generates an immense volume of residues yearly. These residues are burgeoning issues because they are not effectively managed and utilized. Hence, one solution is utilizing them in the pavement industry. This article focuses on palm oil mill residues that are abundantly available and discarded in Malaysia. This study evaluates published works of literature relating to the utilization of these residues like the Palm Oil Fiber (POF), Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA), and Palm Oil Clinker (POC) and Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) in the pavement industry. The outcome of the review acknowledges the greater sustainability potential of these residues with affirmative and satisfactory performance via the result of numerous research work. Also, with a reduction in CO2-emission, low radioactivity, and heavy metal leaching level. Therefore, the review suggests more exploration and utilization of the residue in the pavement industry since it promotes safety and harness sustainability