Copper (II) Adsorption by Calcium-alginate Shea Butter Cake

This study investigated the utilization of modified shea butter cake for the removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution. Instrumental analysis such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) was used for the characterisation of the solid sorbent. Batch equilibrium study was carried out to evaluate the adsorption capacity, and process parameters such as initial metal ion concentration, time, pH, and adsorbent dosage. An optimum pH of 5, equilibrium time of 30mins and adsorbent dosage of 40 beads was obtained. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to fit the experimental data and values fits the Langmuir more adequately with correlation coefficient unity (1.000) at 10mg/l of initial metal ion concentration. The Kinetic study using the Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second were used to determine the rate constants and experiments data best fits the pseudo-second –order with calculated amount adsorbed approximately equal to the experimental values. The results indicate that modified shea butter cake could be employed as an adsorbent for the removal of copper (II) ions in an aqueous solution. Keywords: Shea butter cake, process parameters, kinetics, Copper (II)

Quantitative analysis of caffeine in some selected brands of energy drinks available in Kano State Nigeria

This research work was aimed to determine the pH and level of caffeine in some selected brands of energy drinks available in Kano state, Nigeria. Different brands of these products were purchased from different shops in Kano metropolis. Caffeine was carefully extracted from each product and analysed by ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that the caffeine content of the energy drinks ranged from 34.65 to 40.88mg/100mL. Like-wise the mean pH of carbonated energy drinks were highly acidic ranging from 2.99±0.017 to 3.98±0.012, The reason behind the low pH values in carbonated drinks could be as a result of the presence of carbon (iv) oxide gas and other acids such as phosphoric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid and tartaric acid used as preservatives by the manufacturers of these product.Keywords: Energy drinks, Caffeine, pH, Kano- Nigeri

Quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid contents in Cassia Tora and Laptedenia Hastata leaves from seven irrigation areas of Kano State Nigeria

The aim of this work was to quantify the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) of Cassia tora and laptadeniahastata vegetables consumed in Kano state, Nigeria. Presence of TPC in the leaves of cassia tora and Laptadiniahastata from different sampling areas are as follows: Bebeji sample had 4.41±0.02 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 15.69 ±0.01mg/g GAE, Chalawa sample had 3.41±0.09 mg/g GAE and 6.479±0.036 mg/g GAE, Minjibir sample had 4.72±0.07 mg/g GAE and 7.33±0.03 mg/g GAE, Tudun Wada sample had 5.16±0.09 mg/g GAE and 2.583±0.036mg/g GAE, Garun Malam sample had 5.39±0.03 mg/g GAE and 5.33±0.07 mg/g GAE,Kura sample had 4.5±.01 mg/g GAE and 7.542±0.072 mg/g GAE),Tiga sample had 5.62±0.01mg/g GAE and 14.00±0.132 mg/g GAE respectively whereas, TFC are :Bebeji sample had 17.68±0.01mg/g rutin equivalent (RE) and 6.725±0.06 mg/g RE, Chalawa sample had 10.35±0.04 mg/g RE and 6.392±0.034 mg/g RE ,Minjibir sample had 11.23±0.09 mg/g RE and 5.42±0.03 mg/g RE, Tudun Wada sample had 9.96±0.07 mg/g RE and 6.35±0.02 mg/g RE, Garun Malam sample 16.82±0.04 mg/g RE and 6.52.0.04 mg/g RE, Kura sample had 14.37±0.07 mg/g RE and 6.56±0.03 mg/g RE), Tiga sample had 22.64±0.09 mg/g RE and 5.88±0.42 mg/g RE respectively. Based on the results of this investigation, it can be concluded that Cassia tora and Laptadeniahastata are rich sources of phenolic compounds which are natural antioxidant of high value.Keywords: Cassia tora, laptedenia hastata, leaves, phenolic,flavonoi

Levels of total phenolic and flavonoids in Abelmoschus esculentus L. from some irrigation areas of Kano state-Nigeria

Vegetables are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, vitamin C and their hydrolysis products which may have antioxidant and anticancer properties .This study was carried out to assess the level of total phenolic and flavonoids in selected vegetables from different sampling areas of Kano state-Nigeria. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extracts were  determined by Rhodanine and AlCl3  reagents and their amount calculated as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and rutin  equivalent (RE) fresh weight respectively, using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The result show that, the levels of total Phenolics and Flavonoid contents in okra (AbelmoschusesculentusL) vegetable samples among seven different sampling areas (ʋiz: Bebeji, Kura, Tiga, Minjibir, Tudun Wada, Garun Malam and Chalawa) of Kano-state, Nigeria were determined. Levels of Total phenolic content ranged from 33.33 ± 0.02 to 22.07±0.02 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of fresh matter and for flavanoid ranged from 29.97±0.03 to 10.97±0.01 mg of rutin equivalent per gram of fresh matter. The highest content of total phenolic in Okra was found in Bebeji sample and highest content of flavonoid was found in Minjibir sample. The results obtained revealed that, the Okra samples analyzed are potential sources of the bioactive compounds analyzed.Key words: Flavonoid, phenolic,okra,Irrigation areas

Fungal pathogens associated with tomato wicker storage baskets

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Reduction of Sulphur Content of Urals Crude Oil Prior to Processing Using Oxidative Desulphurization

The presence of sulphur in crude oil poses enormous challenges as regards its negative environmental and economic impacts. As such, the safety of the personnel and the equipment is at high risk during the processing of Urals crude oil in Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) because of its sour nature. This study was aimed at reducing the sulphur content of the Urals crude oil prior to processing by subjecting it to oxidative desulphurization where peracetic acid was used as the oxidant in the actual mass-to-stoichiometric mass ratio ranging from 1 to 5. The oxidized sulphur compounds were thereafter extracted using acetic acid as the extraction solvent. Furthermore, atmospheric distillation was carried out on both the raw and the desulphurized crude oil samples. Finally, the sulphur contents of the various crude oil samples and their fractions were analyzed. The results showed drastic reductions in the sulphur contents up to actual mass-to-stoichiometric mass ratio of 2 but the reductions became progressively insignificant afterwards. Meanwhile, the highest reduction in the sulphur content of the crude oil was 61.6 % while those of the gasoline, kerosene, diesel and residue were 32.0, 45.1, 68.9 and 75.0 % respectively. Therefore, peracetic acid is an effective oxidant for oxidative desulphurization of the crude oil.Keywords: Sulphur content, Crude oil, Oxidative desulphurization, Thiophenic compound

Profession satisfaction and self-actualisation of non-construction professionals within the construction industry of Abuja, Nigeria

Non-construction professionals do not experience self-actualisation within the construction industry as a result of inadequate motivation. The aim of this study is to assess selfactualisation potentials of non-construction professionals in medium-size and large building construction companies in Abuja, with a view to improving their professional satisfaction. The quantitative research approach was adopted; the population size of non-construction professionals was 348. Stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample of 186. Structured questionnaire was administered to the non-construction professionals. Weighted mean was used for the various ranking on professional satisfaction and self-actualisation of non-construction professionals. The findings of the study revealed that, majority of respondents (61.6%) are generally not professionally satisfied in their various construction companies. Based on the findings, the level of professional satisfaction and self-actualisation in relation to career advancement and job characteristics are low. While in relation to promotion opportunities, autonomy, training, and development, the level of professional satisfaction and self-actualisation is moderate. Therefore, for non-construction professionals to achieve professional satisfaction and self-actualisation within these construction companies, priority should be given to their career advancement opportunities, and job characteristics such as career prospects (professional membership), additional qualification, job rotation, challenging tasks and so forth, while still not neglecting the aspect of promotion opportunities, autonomy and training and development.Keywords: Construction Industry, Motivation, Non-Construction Professionals, Professional Satisfaction, and Self-Actualisatio

Formulation of critical micellar concentration of non- phosphate detergents by surface tension measurement

Non-phosphate builders which are environmentally friendly are required for use in detergent formulation to replace the sodium tri-poly phosphate (STPP). Phosphates are excellent fertilizer for algae, bacteria, and other flora and fauna in rivers, lakes and  oceans, making them bloom at very rapid rates. This exhausts the oxygen supply both in the surface and in the bottom layers of water bodies, and leading the death of fishes. Sodium metasilicate a non-phosphate builder from Lokoja Quartzite was used to  formulate a non-phosphate biodegradable synthetic detergent using 25%, 50% and 75% sodium hydroxide concentrations. The critical micellar concentration (CMC) of a non-phosphate  detergent was determined via measurement of surface tension. This method is rapid, reliable and cheap compared to the  fluorescence polarization method which required a sophiscated materials such as 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene as fluorescence probe. The detergents formulated with 75% and 50% sodium hydroxide concentrations have CMC values of 8.6685 mM and 6.9348 mM respectively. From this study, a non phosphate builder synthesized from Lokoja Quartzite has potential of protecting aquatic animals when compared with the conventional STPP currently used in our detergent formulation. Also, the simple and economical approach for determination of detergent’s CMC has demonstrated it’s potentials. These values agree well with the literature value ranges between 7 to 10 mM.Keywords: Detergent; CMC; Surfactants; Non-phosphate;  1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatrien

Information and communication technology, cyber crime and the administration of criminal justice system in Nigeria.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form such as personal computers, digital television and robots. Other products include the internet, emails, wireless networks, cell phones and other means of communication. Cybercrimes, on the other hand, include offences that are committed against individuals or groups of individuals with a criminal motive to intentionally harm the reputation of the victim directly or indirectly, using modern telecommunication networks. Nigeria is confronted with the challenges of cybercrimes and the problems of weak administration of the criminal justice system. However, the coming into force of two important laws in 2015 is a pointer to the fact that the menace of cybercrime in Nigeria are about to be contained. This paper while giving an overview of the nexus between these two new laws examines how their application will bring about the speedy dispensation of justice as well as a cybercrime free society

Cervical Cancer Awareness and Screening Uptake among Rural Women in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common cause of female genital cancer and female cancer deaths in developing countries such as Nigeria. The most recent government estimates put the number of new cases at 25,000 per year. According to the latest global estimates, 493, 000 new cases occur each year and 274,000 women die of the disease annually. This study therefore determined the awareness, knowledge and use of cervical cancer screening services among rural women in Lagos State, Nigeria.Method: A cross sectional, descriptive study design was adopted and a total of 400 women were studied. Data was collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited information about socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge and use of screening services. Univariate and bivariate analyses were done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Significance level at 5%Results: Age range of study participants was 25-65years and a mean age of 38.9± 9.51 years. Most of the respondents (85.0%)were not aware of cervical cancer. However, amongst those who were aware of cervical cancer, 66.7% got the information from the media. Only a few (13.3%) of the respondents have ever been screened and none of the screening was in the last 3 years. Majority (86.7%) of the respondents expressed willingness to undergo cervical cancer screening.Conclusion: There was low awareness of cervical cancer and screening uptake among the respondents and the overall knowledge was equally poor. However, the respondents showed a strong willingness for screening. There is need for community education and awareness among the rural women at large as this would engender a more positive attitude and increased use of screening services