Utilization of Neem Leaf Meal: Effect on growth response, haematology and serum biochemistry of rabbit does

This study determined the effect of Neem Leaf Meal (NLM) based - diets on growth response, haematological and serum biochemical indices of female rabbits (does). Twenty four (24) weaned rabbits (5 - 6 weeks old with average body weight of 600 ±1.05g) were used. The NLM was included in the diets at 0, 5, 10, and 15% levels as treatments TI , T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The rabbits were divided into four groups of six (6) each and randomly assigned to experimental diets using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Water was provided ad libitum and the rabbits were housed in disinfected wooden hutches for 56 days. Data on growth response, haematological and serum biochemical indices were collected and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that the growth performance parameters showed significant (P<0.05) differences between dietary treatments with progressive decrease in values as the levels of NLM inclusion increased across the diets. The final weight gain ranged between 860 and 970 g/rabbit. The total weight gain was between 310 and 380 g/rabbit, total feed intake ranged between 2150 and 2221 g/rabbit while FCR ranged between 5.84 and 6.94. Growth parameters beyond 10% inclusion level were least compared with values in the control diet. The haematological indices showed that all parameters were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments and within the normal ranges for apparently healthy rabbits. The serum biochemical indices were within normal ranges but not significantly affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. The study concluded that 10% NLM can be included in the diets meant for rabbits without fear of compromising growth performance and blood characteristics.Key words: Neem, female rabbit, growth, blood indice

Alternative Framework for Enhancing Image Quality of the Fingerprint

Fingerprint Identification is one of the most popular biometric methods used to verify and identify a person; formally it is defined as “The pattern of ridges and furrows on an individual finger”. Ridges are the lines in thumb and furrow is shallow trench of skin on an individual’s finger. Furrow is also referred to as valley. The combination of ridges and furrows makes an individual’s fingerprint and it’s called minutiae. A critical step in Fingerprint is to automatically and reliably extract minutiae from input finger print images. However the performance of the Minutiae extraction algorithm and other fingerprint recognition techniques relies heavily on the quality of the input fingerprint image. In order to ensure that the performance of the minutiae extraction algorithm will be robust with respect to the quality of input fingerprint images, an enhancement framework which can improve the clarity of the ridge structures is necessary. In this paper we reviewed, analyzed and evaluated some of the existing frameworks for image enhancement of the fingerprint which used Image or Minutiae Based and anticipated outcome of this effort is alternative hybrid framework of enhancing fingerprint image quality, that is a more proactive and consistent approach of improvement, 100 fingerprint from 4 DBs of FVC2006 was used for experiment and tested in MATLAB & Adobe Photoshop image processing Software’s, result indicates that proposed enhancement framework improved gap knowledge of the analyzed existing frameworks and Fingerprint were enhanced by correcting and removing noise from the input fingerprint

Data Security in Cloud Computing with Elliptic Curve Cryptography

Cloud Computing (CC) is one of the most important and hottest deal of attention, both in academia researches and among users, due to its ability for satisfying the computing needs by reducing commercial expenditure bandwidth with computing compounds while increasing scalability and flexibility for computing services, accessing it through an Internet connection from anywhere in the world its available Internet network..However it becomes particularly serious because the data is located in different places even in the entire globe and should be taken into account such as violation of the confidentiality and privacy of customers’ data via unauthorized parties. So the only causes imperfection in the cloud computing is security impairment generally and especially data security. Despite about organizations and individual user adopting cloud computing, put their data in cloud due to the security issues challenges associated with it requires that organizations trust needs a technical tools protecting their data. Elliptical curve cryptography (ECC) is a public key encryption technique based on elliptic curve theory that can be used to create faster, smaller, and more efficient cryptographic keys. Hence, we proposed data security in cloud computing with elliptic curve cryptography a proficient data security model algorithm, as a secure tool to model a Secured platform for Data in cloud computing. The algorithm was simulated using Java Development Kit (JDK) to implement the curve operations to extract the data in the Cloud, encrypting, decrypting, signing and verifications the signature, followed by testing the acquired results the implemented classes and their design Although this topic represent a good sample of the work that is being done, there are many requirements to study this area due to the needs of cloud computing in the next generation both individuals and organization even governmental agencies Might parallel increase of cyber attackers and they improve their techniques so as a researcher suggest the importance of data in ECC to be studied

A novel vehicle-mounted sticky trap ; an effective sampling tool for savannah tsetse flies Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood and Glossina morsitans centralis Machado

BACKGROUND: Black screen fly round (BFR) is a mobile sampling method for Glossina morsitans. This technique relies on the ability of operator(s) to capture flies landing on the screen with hand nets. In this study, we aimed to evaluate a vehicle-mounted sticky panel trap (VST) that is independent of the operator’s ability to capture flies against BFR, for effective and rapid sampling of G. m. morsitans Westwood and G. m. centralis Machado. We also determined the influence of the VST colour (all-blue, all-black or 1:1 blue-black), orientation and presence of odour attractants on tsetse catch. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using randomised block design experiments conducted in Zambia, we compared and modelled the number of tsetse flies caught in the treatment arms using negative binomial regression. There were no significant differences in the catch indices of the three colour designs and for in-line or transversely oriented panels for both subspecies (P > 0.05). When baited with butanone and 1-octen-3-ol, VST caught 1.38 (1.11–1.72; P < 0.01) times more G. m. centralis flies than the un-baited trap. Attractants did not significantly increase the VST catch index for G. m. morsitans (P > 0.05). Overall, the VST caught 2.42 (1.91–3.10; P < 0.001) and 2.60 (1.50–3.21; P < 0.001) times more G. m. centralis and G. m. morsitans respectively, than the BFR. The VST and BFR took 10 and 35 min respectively to cover a 1 km transect. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The VST is several times more effective for sampling G. m. morsitans and G. m. centralis than the BFR and we recommend its use as an alternative sampling tool.https://journals.plos.org/plosntdspm2022Zoology and Entomolog

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

Temperature‑dependent modelling and spatial prediction reveal suitable geographical areas for deployment of two Metarhizium anisopliae isolates for Tuta absoluta management

Tuta absoluta is one of the most devastating pests of Solanaceae crops in Africa. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae isolates ICIPE 18, ICIPE 20 and ICIPE 665 against adult T. absoluta. However, adequate strain selection and accurate spatial prediction are fundamental to optimize their efficacy and formulations before field deployment. This study therefore assessed the thermotolerance, conidial yield and virulence (between 15 and 35 °C) of these potent isolates. Over 90% of conidia germinated at 20, 25 and 30 °C while no germination occurred at 15 °C. Growth of the three isolates occurred at all temperatures, but was slower at 15, 33 and 35 °C as compared to 20, 25 and 30 °C. Optimum temperatures for mycelial growth and spore production were 30 and 25 °C, respectively. Furthermore, ICIPE 18 produced higher amount of spores than ICIPE 20 and ICIPE 665. The highest mortality occurred at 30 °C for all the three isolates, while the LT50 values of ICIPE 18 and ICIPE 20 were significantly lower at 25 and 30 °C compared to those of ICIPE 665. Subsequently, several nonlinear equations were fitted to the mortality data to model the virulence of ICIPE 18 and ICIPE 20 against adult T. absoluta using the Entomopathogenic Fungi Application (EPFA) software. Spatial prediction revealed suitable locations for ICIPE 18 and ICIPE 20 deployment against T. absoluta in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Our findings suggest that ICIPE 18 and ICIPE 20 could be considered as effective candidate biopesticides for an improved T. absoluta management based on temperature and location-specific approach.The African Union (AU), UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). The icipe core funding provided by UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Government of the Republic of Kenya.https://www.nature.com/srepam2022Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)Zoology and Entomolog

Mapping Trachoma in Kaduna State, Nigeria: Results of 23 Local Government Area-Level, Population-Based Prevalence Surveys.

INTRODUCTION: To prepare for global elimination of trachoma by 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mapping of trachoma at district-level to enable planning of elimination activities in affected populations. The aim of our study was to provide data on trachoma for each local government area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria, as such data were previously unavailable. METHOD: As part of the Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP), a population-based cross-sectional trachoma survey was conducted in each of the 23 LGAs of Kaduna State, between May and June 2013. The protocols of the GTMP were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) in children aged 1-9 years was between 0.03% and 8% across the LGAs, with only one LGA (Igabi) having a TF prevalence ≥5%. The LGA-level prevalences of trichiasis in persons aged 15 years and older were between 0.00% and 0.78%. Eleven LGAs had trichiasis prevalences of 0.2% and over in adults; a threshold equivalent to 1 case per 1000 total population. The LGA-level proportion of households with access to improved water sources ranged from 9% to 96%, while household access to latrines ranged from 5% to 99%. CONCLUSION: Kaduna State has generally hypoendemic trachoma, but a few trichiasis surgeries are still required to attain the WHO elimination targets. Better access to improved water and sanitation is needed

Consumption of dietary folate estimates and its implication for reproductive outcome among women of reproductive age in Kersa: cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Dietary folate inadequacy is one the most common micronutrient deficiencies that cause neural tube defect (NTD) among infants in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aims to determine the dietary intake of folate among women of reproductive age (WRA) of Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study took place among voluntary women that were selected from 1140 random households. Using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, participant's weekly dietary intake history of Ethiopian foods and dietary folate intake was worked out. Statistical analysis was done at a 95% confidence interval. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with dietary folate consumption. RESULT: The estimated median usual intake of folate was 170 μg/d (IQR: 118.3; 252.2) and about 33% of WRA had low folate intake and 73.9% were at risk for folate inadequacy. From the reported food groups, Beans and Peas, Starchy staples, and Vitamin-A rich dark-green leafy vegetables were the top three ranked foods that contributed much of the dietary folate. The following conditions were statistically related to dietary folate inadequacy; women's age, being in poor wealth index, low dietary diversity, having seasonal employment, and reliance on market food sources. CONCLUSIONS: We found that women's dietary intake of folate in Kersa is very low and cannot protect their offspring from the risk of having NTD. They could also potentially be predisposed to poor health outcomes. Diversifying and fortification of Ethiopian wheats and salts could decrease the burden of folate deficiency in the country

Ethnopharmacology, Biological evaluation and Chemical composition of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch: A Review

The Burseraceae family consists of 18 genera and 540 species. Boswellia dalzielii is a medicinal plant used in tropical and subtropical areas for the treatment and management of various ailments. Despite the medicinal value of B. dalzielii, there is no comprehensive documentation. The study aimed to review the ethnopharmacology, biological evaluation and chemical composition of B. dalzielii. Scopus, Web of Science, BioMed Central, Science Direct, PubMed, Springer Link, and Google Scholar were searched to find published articles. The results showed that the leaves, stem bark, and root of B. dalzielii have been traditionally used in Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Benin, Sudan, and Guinee for the treatment and management of antirheumatic, antispasmodic, analgesic, antiseptic, hypotensive, malarial mental illness, ulcer, pain, and fever. It is also found that leaves, stem bark, and root have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimalarial properties with stembark having the highest activity. Chemically, it was revealed the leaf has high contents of monoterpenes hydrocarbons with alpha-pinene as the major compound. The species were largely studied in vitro, according to the literature survey. A well-designed clinical experiment is required to obtain conclusive evidence on the efficacy of stembark. The standard dose and safety of the stembark should be established