The Impact of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), on the Growth Rate of Chromolaena odorata (L.) in Southern Ghana

The abundance and effectiveness of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata Rego Barros (Lepidoptera:Arctiidae) in controlling the Siam weed, Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson in southern Ghana wasassessed in C. odorata infested fields through monthly sampling and monitoring surveys carried out between October 2007 and March 2008. Insect data was collected using line transects of 100 metres long and 100 metres apart and the removal, sweep net and direct count methods were used and data on the impact of feeding damage on the weed was collected by measuring several plant characteristics. The populations of P. pseudoinsulata were generally low in allsites investigated, throughout the study period. However, higher numbers of the bio-agent were recorded at site #1 (Akotokyire, Central Region) compared to the other sites and this was significantly (

An Automated Optimal Design of a Fan Blade Using an Integrated CFD/MDO Computer Environment

The objective of the investigation is the development of more efficient design methodologies based on the applications of established design tools including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and non-linear Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) algorithms. Well known evolutionary type optimization algorithms include the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Response Surface Optimization (RSO) and Genetic (GA) Algorithms. The benchmark case study is the optimal design of a low speed fan for an industrial air-conditioning application using the Response Surface Optimization (RSO) algorithm. The optimization algorithm controls the variations of parameters that describe the three-dimensional geometry of the blade while applying performance and geometrical constraints on blade shapes that are investigated. The optimal design is defined as the blade geometry which produces the maximum total efficiency subject to specified constraints on the volume flow rate (CFM) and rotational rate (RPM) of the fan

Evaluation of the repellent and insecticidal activities of the leaf, stem and root powders of siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) against the Cowpea Beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus

This study investigated the repellency and toxicological activity of C. odorata root, stem and leaf powders against adults of the cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Adults of C. maculatus were exposed to grains treated separately with the root, stem and leaf powders of C. odorata at different exposure periods of 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours. All the three plant parts significantly repelled C. maculatus with the root powder showing the highest percentage repellency, although this was a function of exposure time. The order of repellency after 48 hours exposure was 88, 83 and 76% for the root, leaf and stem powders, respectively. Powders from the three plant parts exhibited insecticidal activity by causing varying levels of mortality to C. maculatus with mortality increasing with increase in exposure time. The root powder accounted for the highest adult mortality (74%) while the leaf powder accounted for the least mortality (51%) after 48 hours exposure time. The high repellent and insecticidal activities demonstrated by the root powder compared to the leaf and stem powders suggest that the root powder should be prioritized for the control and management of C. maculatus.Keywords: Chromolaena odorata, plant powder, toxicity, mortality, repellency, Callosobruchus maculatu

The Physicochemical Characteristics of Ibiekuma River Ekpoma, Nigeria

The Ibiekuma River is an important source of livelihood to its catchment. It contributes enormously to research success and living standard of students and staffs of the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of anthropogenic activities on the physicochemical properties of Ibiekuma River. Twenty seven water samples were collected at four stations during the study period and analyzed accordingly. The results obtained shows that the physicochemical parameters of the river were in conformity with the World Health Organization (WHO), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) safe limits, except for pH values which ranged from 4.69 to 4.81. The heavy metal concentrations were found to be within the limit of the guidelines prescribed by WHO and NAFDAC. Also, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the concentrations of the physicochemical parameters across the four stations sampled along the Ibiekuma River. Water obtained from Ibiekuma River will be fit for domestic use, only if purified

Application of Bambara Groundnut in the Production of Cookies

This study aimed to produce cookies from flour blends of Bambara groundnut (BGN) and wheat flour (WF) at ratios 100:0, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 0:100 (WF: BGN) respectively. The proximate results showed significant differences (p≥0.05) among the flour blends with protein, crude fibre, crude fat, total ash and carbohydrate content ranged from 9.30–22.75; 0.42–2.42; 12.51–18.98; 0.91–2.99 and 43.62–71.38% respectively. The increase in the protein and fat content resulted from the increase in BGN of the blend flour respectively. The functional properties of the blend flours showed that oil absorption capacity (OAC), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling index and bulk density ranged from 3.08–4.20; 2.00–2.30; 1.05–1.31 and 0.62–0.72 g/ml respectively. However the low OAC and WAC of BGN blend flour might be due to low levels of hydrophobicity of proteins.  All cookies had a good sensory scores, except cookies made from 100% BGN, therefore up to 50% BGN flour be used in the substitution of WF in the production of cookies for adequate nutritional quality. Keywords: Bambara groundnut, cookies, functional, physical, sensory evaluation. DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/83-0

Secondary School Students’ Text Possession, Attitude to English Language Learning and Home Background as Factors Affecting Their Learning of English Language

The English language enjoys a high status in Nigeria. In the school system, English is a compulsory subject from the upper primary school level onwards. However, it has been observed that students perform poorly in the subject. Several reasons have been adduced for this. While previous studies have focused on several learner factors, a few empirical studies exist on students’ attitude to learning English Language, students’ home background and students’ possession of recommended English Language textbooks. Against this background, this study investigated students’ text possession, attitude to English Language learning and home background as factors affecting the learning of English Language. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The sample comprised 333 senior secondary school students in Benin City. Three research questions were raised. Data were collected using an instrument titled ‘Text Possession, Attitude and Home Background Questionnaire’ (TPAHQ, r= .74). Results revealed that students have positive attitudes toward the learning of English Language and an enabling home background for the effective learning of English Language. In addition, students do not possess the recommended English Language textbooks. It is recommended that teachers should use engaging teaching methods to sustain the positive attitudes students have towards learning English Language. Similarly, parents should continue to ensure that their homes are conducive to effective learning. Finally, textbooks should be made available for students. Keywords: Text possession, Attitude to English Language, Home background, English Language learning DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-24-11 Publication date:August 31st 202

Estimating the prevalence and health risks awareness of smoking in nigeria:A meta-analysis approach

Background:The increase use of tobacco products in Nigeria, and lack of common aggregated data on its associate diseases and deaths are parts of emerging public concerns.Objective:This paper estimated national and zonal prevalence of smoking and health risks awareness in Nigeria.Methods:Random effects meta-analysis was conducted on estimates from 19 studies selected across 13 states, within the six-geopolitical zones of Nigeria, to pool nation-wide estimates of the prevalence and health risk awareness of smoking.Results:The sample and aggregated mean ages are 14.7 and 22.4 years, respectively. The overall pooled prevalence of current smoking in Nigeria was 19.7% (95%CI: 14.0-25.5), with male and female at 18.9% (CI:13.3-24.4) and 6.8% (CI:4.1-9.6), respectively.Conclusion:The findings suggest a relatively high prevalence of smoking among the youths in Nigeria. The authors recommend smokers’ counseling services among the youth to reduce health hazards and secure youth contributions to sustainable economic development

Nitrogen fertilisation improves growth of Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) and the performance of the biological control agent, Pareuchaetes insulata (Erebidae)

Recent studies have demonstrated, through their contrasting results, that relationships between nitrogen levels in host plants and phytophagous insect performance are not simple. This study examined the effect of varying fertilisation regimes on the invasive alien plant, Chromolaena odorata (L.) (Asteraceae) and the response of a specialist folivore (a biological control agent), Pareuchaetes insulata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). C. odorata plants were treated with 3 different levels of fertilisation and plant characteristics were measured within 2–3 months of fertiliser application. Leaves from each of the three treatments were fed to newly hatched larvae until pupation in order to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilisation on herbivore performance metrics such as survival, development time, fecundity and longevity. High and medium fertilisation significantly increased foliar nitrogen concentrations, basal stem diameter, leaf length, shoot height and above-ground biomass of C. odorata plants relative to low fertilisation. When individuals of P. insulata were fed on leaves from medium- or high-fertilisation treatments, they developed faster, grew to a larger size (by 8%) and achieved higher fecundity (19–22%) than leaves from the low-fertilisation treatment. The results suggest that in mass-rearing, increased production of this biological control agent will occur in high- or medium-fertilised plants

Perception about being an aged person in South-Western Nigeria

This paper investigates the perception about being an aged person in SouthWestern Nigeria. 594 aged persons were interviewed through questionnaire administration in Lagos and Oyo states of South-western Nigeria. The univariate, bivariate and One-way Analysis of variance (F-ratios) were employed in the analyses of this research. The major findings of this study are: firstly, the univariate and bivariate results indicate that there is low-perception about being an aged person. Secondly, One-way Analysis of variance (F-ratios) show that the study location, age category, means of livelihood; and usual place of residence (Oyo and Lagos state rural settings) have significant influences on perception about being an aged person in South-Western Nigeria. Thus, the paper recommends the following: firstly, that aged persons from Lagos state who are 50-79 years should begin to admit from now that they are ‘elderly people’ despite the fact that some of them are retired and still physically active. Secondly, the salary earners who are still working as well as Lagos-rural dwellers should urgently assume their roles as elders both in the families and in larger Nigerian society

Flavonoids isolated from the South African weed Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) have pharmacological activity against uropathogens

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by opportunistic pathogens are among the leading health challenges globally. Most available treatment options are failing as a result of antibiotic resistance and adverse effects. Natural sources such as plants may serve as promising alternatives. METHODS: Compounds were isolated from the South African weed Chromolaena odorata through column chromatography. Purified compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity using the p-iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) colorimetric method, against uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans. Anti-biofilm, anti-adhesion and metabolic inhibition activities were investigated against selected strains. Safety of the compounds was determined against Vero monkey kidney, C3A human liver and colon (Caco2) cells. RESULTS: Four compounds identified as pectolinaringenin (1), (±)-4′,5,7-trimethoxy flavanone (2), 5-hydroxy-3,7,4′- trimethoxyflavone (3) and 3,5,7-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone) (4) were isolated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied between 0.016 and 0.25 mg/mL. Compounds 2 and 3 showed promising antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. fumigatus and C. neoformans with MIC between 0.016 and 0.125 mg/mL, comparable to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and amphotericin B used as positive controls. Compounds 2 and 3 showed good anti-biofilm and metabolic inhibition activities against E. coli and S. aureus but weak anti-adhesion activity against the organisms. Low toxicity with selectivity indexes between 1 and 12.625 were recorded with the compounds, indicating that the compounds were rather toxic to the microbial strains and not to the human and animal cells. CONCLUSION: Pharmacological activities displayed by compounds 2 and 3 isolated from C. odorata and low toxicity recorded credits it as a potential lead for the development of useful prophylactic treatments and anti-infective drugs against UTIs. Although known compounds, this is the first time these compounds have been isolated from the South African weed C. odorata and tested for antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, metabolic inhibition and anti-adhesion activities.The National Research Foundation, South Africahttps://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.compm2020Paraclinical Science