Colonial Impact on the Socio-Communicative Functions of Arabic Language in Nigeria: An Overview

Before the advent of the colonialist in Nigeria, Arabic language was used as the official language of communication and of daily intercourse. Historical records also confirmed that for about three centuries between 17th and 19th centuries Arabic documents remained the only source of information for European writers on western and central Sudan. A large number of these scholarly works were written by native West African authors in Arabic language, or in their native languages using Arabic scripts. However, the scramble for West African countries by the Europeans in the 19th century brought about the occupation of the areas by the imperialists. This led to change in socio –cultural life of the people of the regions including the Muslims, which in turn has a spillover effect on the communicative functions of Arabic language. Thus, this paper intends to trace a brief history of Arabic in Nigeria, its functions as the language of communication and its subsequent subversion by the European colonialist. Special attention is giving to the present status of Arabic language in Nigeria and the subsequent implications

Serum homocysteine level in hormonal contraceptive users in Kano Metropolis

Background: Homocysteine is a sulfur containing amino acid that is normally present in all cells of the body. The homocysteine level is linked to folate and Vitamin B-12 levels. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hormonal contraceptives (HCPs) on homocysteine levels among healthy women using the HCPs. Method: A total of 90 participants were recruited in this study; 60 women on hormonal contraceptives served as the case group and 30 non-HCP users were considered as control. Blood samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for homocysteine levels in both groups. The mean ± standard deviation of the homocysteine levels were then determined and compared using student t-test. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of Serum Homocysteine in the case group, (14.14 ± 7.56μmol/L, was found to be significantly higher than the mean ± standard deviation of the control group which was 9.59 ± 5.87μmol/L (p-value of 0.005). The study also found statistically significant positive correlation (r<1) between duration of hormonal contraceptives use and serum homocysteine levels of HCPs users with r-value of 0.058. Conclusion: This study observed significant relationship between HCPs and increased serum homocysteine. Significantly increased homocysteine levels were observed in HCPs users compared to non-users. There was also positive correlation between the duration of HCP usage and increased homocysteine levels. Keywords: Contraception; Folate; Homocystinuria; Oral contraceptive

Thermal performance of shaded recessed wall facade of a cellular office space in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Direct solar insolation on unshaded facade causes severe overheating of the indoor environment in a tropical climate, and this would reduce the performance and efficiency of task carried out in the office. External shading strategies have been identified as one of the passive design strategies to mitigate indoor thermal effect in the tropics. As an option, additional design strategy such as recesses on facades, and shade buildings provide exterior projected shading devices. However, literature on studies related to on the recessed wall facade (RWF) are limited particularly in Malaysia. In this study, the influence of RWF on the indoor thermal conditions of an office space in Malaysia was investigated. Three RWF types (vertical, horizontal and punched-hole) recessed facade were investigated and compared with unshaded facade (UF). The thesis aims to investigate the potentials of applying RWF shading strategies to improve thermal performance by reducing the harsh indoor environmental conditions of office spaces in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The research design employed an exploratory survey to identify RWF types in Malaysia. Further investigation was conducted using the integrated environmental solution-virtual environment (IES) simulation software. The results showed that deeper depth, punched-hole recessed façade type and RWF with insulation performed better with all the thermal parameters such as indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, indoor solar heat gain and indoor surface temperature. While the comparison evaluated between RWF types and exterior shading device (ESD) revealed the possibility of using RWF as an alternative to ESD. The findings revealed some effect of thermal performance of the RWF shading strategy on office space through the series of simulations. The results showed the shading strategies which provide a solar gain reduction ranging from 53.7% to 64.8%, invariably reduced the percentage of harsh indoor thermal conditions. Similarly, the minimum, maximum and average indoor air temperature reduction of 1.44 °C, 2.09°C and 1. 83 °C respectively were recorded. Surface temperature reduction was from 1.0% to 7.4% while the relative humidity was brought down and maintained AT a favourable mean value of not more than 55% within the comfort zone by horizontal recessed (HR) and punched-hole recessed (PHR). Therefore, these findings offer valuable information tool with RWF shading option to building sector stakeholders through various design models with various thermal performance levels

Aspartame Food Additive and its Biochemical Implication: A Review

There are thousands of substances known as additives that are intentionally added to the food that we consume. The foods may be prepared at home, offices, or processed in industries. These substances generally are known as food additives which include preservatives, conditioners, stabilizers, thickners, colourings, flavours, antioxidants and so on. Food additives play a vital role in today’s food supply, by allowing our growing urban population to have a variety of foods year-round.  They make possible an array of convenience foods without inconvenience of daily shopping, “but their safety may not be guaranteed”. In Nigeria, additives are regulated by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) according to Food additive regulations 2004 section 8 of the Drug and Related products (Registration, etc) Act (as amended). Many food additives have been internationally approved in the past by regulation bodies and later banned. The observations on studies and report on adverse effects of Aspartame consumption should make its acceptance to be taken with some reservation, and it requires call for concerns, same applies to some other approved food additives. Aspartame, the technical name for brand names; NutraSweet, Equal, E951, and Equal - measure. It is chemically made up of Aspartic acid (40%), Phenylalanine (50%), and Methanol (10%) and was first approved for use by FDA for dry goods in 1981 and carbonated beverages in 1983. Despite being widely used, 75% of the adverse reactions and trigger on certain chronic illnesses to food additives that were reported to the US Food and Drug Administration have been on Aspartame. This intensive sweetener widely used in Food and Drug Industries, consumed primarily in beverages and other kinds of food/drugs causes significant effects in plasma, and probably phenylalanine levels in the brain. Report has shown that some people suffer neurological or behavioural reactions in association with aspartame consumption. Phenylalanine in Aspartame has been associated with neurotoxicity and also affects the synthesis of inhibitory monotransmitters, and has been shown to mediate neurological effects. It has also been shown to potentiate induction and seizures. It stops growth of the nerve cells when consumed in mixture of some other additives. The worrying adverse reactions of aspartame and other food additives are cause for concerns for the Government, Regulatory bodies, Food additive producers, Researchers, The Media, and consumers in general. Keywords: Food additives, Biochemical implications, Aspartame, Regulatio

The impact of teaching methods on the performance of geography students in some selected public secondary schools in Zaria local government area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Purpose: This study analyzes the impact of teaching methods on Geography students’ performance in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Six senior secondary schools: AlhudaHuda College, Barewa College, Government Secondary School Kofar Kibo, Government Girls Secondary School Kofar Gayan, Government Girls Secondary School Pada and Government Girls Secondary School, Kongo were sampled. Research methodology: 423 questionnaires were administered to respondents. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS version 23 were used to analyze the data. Results: The results revealed that the demonstration method of teaching was the most used by teachers ahead of others (44.6%). The results also revealed that 28.3% of the students who responded say they did not know the teachers’ actual method in teaching them. Limitations: The study used not only Geography teachers as respondents, but also other subjects related to Geography. Additionally, the study covered only Zaria Local Government Secondary Schools. It can be done with only Geography teachers’ respondents in a larger scope like a state or even a country. Contribution: The study will help the Ministry of Education responsible for secondary education and all stakeholders to understand the reality of state of Secondary Education in the study area to address the problems. Additionally, the study can be replicated in other study areas with similar characteristics. Keywords: Impact, Teaching method, Senior secondary school

Formulation of laundry soap using locally made Palm Kernel Oil in Nigeria

Soap is one of the most important thing used for human daily life activities in cleansing and skin care purposes. Palm Kernel Oil is an edible oil that has many advantages in soap making, shampoo, and other skin care products. It also has so many medicinal properties like removal of toxins from the body. Palm Kernel Oil locally produced in Anyigba (Nigeria) was used to prepare the soap with lye aqueous solution using both Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) and other additives using cold process. The pH- value, Solubility and foam height were checked. The pH-values of the soap samples was found to be 9.88 – 10.00 and was within the limit set by standard organization of Nigeria. The prepared soap with the pH-values above does not irritate the skin and has good cleaning and foaming property

Work related risk factors for lower back pain among nurses in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria-Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the work-related risk factors for Lower Back Pain (LBP) among nurses in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika - Zaria. The main objective of this Study is to determine the prevalence and duration of LBP as well as to identify the work-related risk factors associated with low back pain (LBP) among Nurses in ABUTH. This Study also examines the relationship between Socio-demographic characteristics of Nurses in ABUTH and development of LBP. The descriptive survey design was adopted and data were collected with help of pre-established Questionnaires. Multi-stage sampling method was used among nurses working in various departments/ units of the hospital. The Study sampled 120 Nurses of which 98 fully participated and filled the questionnaires completely. The major findings of this study were as follows: The cumulative point-prevalence of LBP among nurses was 82.7%. The duration of LBP among nurses were noted to be highest among those in pain for within 3 weeks (69.1%), this is followed by those whose pain is more than 12 weeks (12.3%). Risk factors associated with LBP were highest in lifting of patients or objects (90%), standing on duty (88.9%) and moving of heavy objects/equipments (81.5%). Furthermore, there were significant relationship between LBP and gender (X2 =3.77), and then LBP and Nurses’ Ward/Unit of work (X2 = 11.754). Therefore, it is recommended that efforts be made to prevent lower back pain among nurses working in ABUTH by implementing preventive measures using a multi-dimensional approach such as Sensitizing and encouraging nurses about using safe handling techniques while at work through workshops and use of posters, Training and providing manual laborers for transferring and lifting of patients, among others

Isolation of Taxifolin from Trichilia Emetica Whole Seeds

Taxifolin was isolated from the boiled water extract of Trichilia emetica whole seeds. The structure was determined by IR, 1H and 13C NMR and mass spectroscopic methods, as well as comparison of the data obtained with that reported in the literature.

Investigating the performance of a solar collector with plastic bottles as a glazing cover

Conventional flat plate collectors have found widespread use in both domestic and industrial applications. Despite the high potential for solar collectors in areas with enormous solar energy resource, one major factor limiting its uptake, most especially in low-income communities of sub-Saharan Africa, is its high initial cost. The replacement of flat glazing cover with transparent Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles has been identified as one way of minimising cost. PET bottles constitute a significant percentage of the waste stream and can be upcycled at no cost. This also contributes to reducing plastic waste in the environment. This study investigates the performance of a solar collector design with plastic bottles as glazing cover. The collector system simply consists of a serpentine arrangement of copper tubes inserted in PET bottles enclosed in an insulated casing. Aluminium foil sheet was used as diffuse reflector in order to maximise solar radiation captured by the absorber pipes. Experimental investigation of the system was carried out under ambient weather conditions in Zaria, Nigeria; Solar Irradiation ranged from 750 to 950 W/m2, ambient temperatures ranged from 20 to 32 °C and wind speed was in the range 0.5 to 3 m/s. The measurements were used to estimate the standard parameters for predicting and evaluating the performance of flat plate collectors such as the instantaneous efficiency. This analysis, which indicated promising performance results, is important for optimising design and operating parameters for this low-cost design of solar water heater

Does bank recapitalization affect the performance of the banking sector? The empirical evidence

Over the last decade, financial institutions, especially the banking sector across emerging markets, have been faced with forceful recapitalizations as a result of numerous global financial crises. The study aims to investigate the effect of bank recapitalization approaches such as mergers and acquisitions, equity issues and interventions (bailouts) on the performance of the Nigerian banking sector. The notion that bank recapitalization heats up has been discussed and still does not present a proper consensus in the available literature. Therefore, topics that involve research on the strategies of recapitalization and their effects on bank performance are of interest in the literature. A survey method was used to gather data and the responses received from the regional, branch and senior managers in the banking sector were used to analyse and check to see if bank recapitalization actually affects the performance of the banking sector. Structural equation modelling (SEM) results indicated that bank recapitalization is positively related to bank performance. The results further revealed that all the recapitalization approaches have a positive and significant effect on bank performance. Thus, the use of recapitalization mechanisms for undercapitalized banks during crises or normal times is highly encouraged for sustainability and in the banking sector, as the backbone of the economy of any nation. Further suggestions for future research directions are also offered