Comparative Performance of Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Bagasse and Parkia Biglobosa (Locust Bean) in Wastewater Treatment

The application of agricultural by-products for the removal of contaminants in water and wastewater is receiving significant attention as their applications reduce their level of the agricultural by-products in the environment there by reducing pollution. Activated carbons were formed from the saccharum officinarum (sugarcane) bagasse and parkia biglobosa (locust bean) pods and their effectiveness in the treatment of domestic wastewater were compared. The activated carbons were obtained from carbonised sugarcane bagasse and locust beanpod at a temperature of 350-500oC, followed by the modification with phosphoric acid for 12-18 hours. The result revealed that the parkia biglobosa recorded higher removal efficiencies of: Turbidity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and nitrate than the saccharum officinarum. The parkia biglobosa recorded BOD removal efficiencies of: 77.19, 77.81, 78.13, 87.50, 90.63 and 93.75% at the dosages of: 0.25, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.00g/500ml, respectively; while the saccharum officinarum recorded removal efficiencies of: 15.63, 25.00, 34.38, 43.44, 46.88 and 65.00% at the same dosages, implying that the parkia biglobosa was more effective than saccharum officinarum. In terms of turbidity, the saccharum officinarum recorded removal efficiencies of: 5.44, 17.86, 31.90, 34.29, 46.51 and 57.02%, respectively at the dosages of: 0.25, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.00g/500ml; while parkia biglobosa recorded removal efficiencies of: 14.99, 25.50, 37.63, 43.84, 56.07 and 68.39%.The study also revealed that the higher the dosages, the higher the removal efficiencies of the organic and inorganic pollutants. It was recommended that removal of heavy metals using the parkia biglobosa and saccharum officinarum should be studied to ascertain their effectiveness in such dimension.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i4.2

The Role of Crop Protection in Sustainable Potato (<em>Solanum tuberosum</em> L.) Production to Alleviate Global Starvation Problem: An Overview

Among food crops in terms of consumption, potato ranks fourth, most important and valuable crop worldwide in terms of production and area harvested after maize, wheat and rice. In the coming years, potato production must keep pace with global population expansion nutritiously and sustainably which can partially be achieved by reducing the yield losses caused by the destructive pest and disease activities to the crop. The challenge of 70–80% total microbial crop yield loss posed by pathogens must be addressed for sustainable potato production in order to properly alleviate the global starvation problem. Potato as a food security crop can help to achieve the four food security requirements: food availability, quality, accessibility and stability. Health benefits of potato have shown the presence of phytochemicals as well as resistant starch which serve as anticancer and antidiabetic. The role of potato in the global food security should not be over emphasized, hence in this chapter we want to give an overview on the global hunger and food security at present, and the role played by potato as a food security crop. In addition, potato yield losses caused by pests and diseases especially phytopathogens, their etiology and the role of crop protection in sustainable potato production to alleviate global starvation problem will be discussed

Plant Disease Control: Understanding the Roles of Toxins and Phytoalexins in Host-Pathogen Interaction

Naturally, plant habitats are exposed to several potential effects of biotic and different abiotic environmental challenges. Several types of micro-organisms namely; bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, mites, insects, mammals and other herbivorous animals are found in large amounts in all ecosystems, which lead to considerable reduction in crop productivity. These organisms are agents carrying different diseases that can damage the plants through the secretion of toxic-microbial poisons that can penetrate in the plant tissues. Toxins are injurious substances that act on plant protoplast to influence disease development. In response to the stress effect, plants defend themselves by bearing some substances such as phytoalexins. Production of phytoalexins is one of the complex mechanisms through which plants exhibit disease resistance. Several findings specifically on phytoalexins have widen the understanding in the fields of plant biochemistry and molecular biology. However, this review reports the interaction of toxins and phytoalexins in plant-pathogen cycle, research progress on the association of phytoalexins with plant disease resistance as well as the role of the phytoalexins in plant disease control

Plant disease control: understanding the roles of toxins and phytoalexins in host-pathogen interaction

Naturally, plant habitats are exposed to several potential effects of biotic and different abiotic environmental challenges. Several types of micro-organisms namely; bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, mites, insects, mammals and other herbivorous animals are found in large amounts in all ecosystems, which lead to considerable reduction in crop productivity. These organisms are agents carrying different diseases that can damage the plants through the secretion of toxic-microbial poisons that can penetrate in the plant tissues. Toxins are injurious substances that act on plant protoplast to influence disease development. In response to the stress effect, plants defend themselves by bearing some substances such as phytoalexins. Production of phytoalexins is one of the complex mechanisms through which plants exhibit disease resistance. Several findings specifically on phytoalexins have widen the understanding in the fields of plant biochemistry and molecular biology. However, this review reports the interaction of toxins and phytoalexins in plant-pathogen cycle, research progress on the association of phytoalexins with plant disease resistance as well as the role of the phytoalexins in plant disease control

Estimation of excess life cancer risk and annual effective dose for boreholes and well water in Dutse, Jigawa State Nigeria

The level of 222Rn concentration for water samples collected from twenty-two (22) water samples in Dutse Local Government, Jigawa State, Nigeria was determined using liquid scintillation counter (Model: Tri-CarbLSA1000). Borehole and local hand dug wells are the two sources of water been collected. Also, an attempt was made to estimate the Excess Life Cancer Risk and Annual Effective Dose due to Ingestion for different ages groups. The mean value of 222Rn concentration were found to be 82.7461 and 94.10771 BqL-1 for boreholes and well water samples respectively. All the mean values are above the maximum concentration level set by UNSCEAR; WHO, but below European commission of 100 BqL-1. The resulting mean annual effective doses due to ingestion of radon in the water samples for infants, children and adults, were1.057081 and 1.202226 mSvy-1, 0.90607 and 1.030479 mSvy-1 and 0.604047 and 0.686986 mSvy-1, respectively. Also, the resulting mean Excess life cancer risk due to ingestion in borehole and well water sample for adults, children and infants were 2.114E-3 and 2.37 E-1, 3.171 x 10-3 and 3.61 E-3 and 3.7 E-4 and 4.21 E-3 respectively. All the values were found to be above the maximum concentration level for drinking water and domestic purposes. as set by UNSCEAR, WHO, EU and USEPA. From the radiological point of view, this study indicates that water resources around Dutse Local Government Area Jigawa State were not safe for domestic purposes and drinking

Characteristics of COVID-19 cases and factors associated with their mortality in Katsina State, Nigeria, April-July 2020

Introduction: COVID-19 was first detected in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria on 4 April 2020. We characterized the cases and outlined factors associated with mortality. Methods: We analysed the COVID-19 data downloaded from Surveillance Outbreak Response, Management and Analysis System between 4 April and 31 July 2020. We defined a case as any person with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test within that period. We described the cases in time, person, and place; calculated the crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with mortality. Results: We analysed 744 confirmed cases (median age 35, range 1-90), 73% males and 24 deaths (Case fatality rate 3.2%, Attack rate 8.5/100,000). The outbreak affected 31 districts, started in week 14, peaked in week 26, and is ongoing. Highest proportion of cases in the age groups were 26.7% (184) in 30-39, 21.7% (153) in 20-29 years, and 18.3% (129) in 40-49 years. While the highest case fatality rates in the age groups were 35.7% in 70-79, 33.3% in 80-89 years, and 19.4% in 60-69 years. Factors associated with death were cough (AOR: 9.88, 95% CI: 1.29-75.79), age ≥60 years (AOR: 18.42, 95% CI: 7.48-45.38), and male sex (AOR: 4.4, 95% CI: 0.98-20.12). Conclusion: Male contacts below 40 years carried the burden of COVID-19. Also, persons 60 years and above, with cough have an increased risk of dying from COVID-19. Risk communication should advocate for use of preventive measures, protection of persons 60 years and above, and consideration of cough as a red-flag sign

The Knowledge and Practice of Imaging of Children with Suspected Cases of Non-accidental Injuries among Radiographers within Maiduguri Metropolis, Northeastern Nigeria: Knowledge and Practice of Imaging of Children with Suspected Cases of Non-accidental Injuries among Radiographers in Nigeria

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practice of Non-accidental injuries (NAI) among radiographers practising within Maiduguri Metropolis. Methods:&nbsp;A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire to elicit information on knowledge and practice of imaging children with Non-accidental injuries. The information elicited from the questionnaire related to the following themes: Demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of imaging children with NAI. Informed consent was sought from participants. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies) was used to analyse the data. Results:&nbsp;A total of 45 questionnaires were distributed to radiographers, and 36(80%) were completed and returned. A total of 63.9% (23) were males and 36.1% (13) were females. The majority 94.4% (34) of the respondents had knowledge of NAI. A total of 36.1% (13) of the respondents agreed that pediatric imaging is a recognized sub-speciality in radiography. A total of 63.9% (23) of the respondents agreed that the skeletal survey is the examination commonly requested in children with NAI, and the majority of the participants 86.1% (31) had no speciality training in paediatric imaging. A good majority of the participants 63.9% (23) understood that using a single film to image the whole body (baby-gram) was an obsolete examination. Conventional radiography with 63.9% (23) was the equipment mostly used for imaging children with NAI. Conclusion: This study found Radiographers have good knowledge and practice of imaging NAI in children, with some of them having sub-speciality training in pediatric imaging. Non-accidental injuries among children occur in our local environment and a majority of these go unnoticed as it is either not reported, under-reported or swept under the carpet the consequences of a child growing up in an abusive and or volatile environment, the medical and psychological impact on the life of the child cannot be overemphasized. Thus, radiographers play a vital role in the diagnosis and workup of children with NAI. Practice Implication: A good knowledge of non-accidental injury among healthcare providers will aid in the early identification of cases for appropriate recommendations and follow-up cases. Educational intervention has been recommended to aid in early identification and response to NAI in other to improve outcomes. &nbsp; &nbsp

Investigating the Influence of Financial Literacy, Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors on Saving Behaviours of Nigerians

Financial product awareness is an efficient remedy for poverty reduction as against lack of money. However, a holistic literature on financial product awareness in the six Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria is scarce. Using data from a quarterly survey of households in Nigeria, this paper investigated the influence of financial literacy, Socioeconomic and demographic factors on saving behaviors of Nigerians, age 15 to 70. With a pool of methods, our finding supported the observation from similar economies, but revealed some differences as well. We observed that financial literacy and proximity to financial products and services among others are the most significant determinants of savings behaviors of Nigerians. It is fair to say financial awareness and factors that influences it are necessary for the formulation of strategies to increase the inclusion of more members of the society into the formal financial stream

Neonatal Tetanus Immunity in Nigeria: The Effect of HIV Infection on Serum Levels and Transplacental Transfer of Antibodies

Background. Tetanus toxoid immunisation of pregnant mother has remained the most effective strategy in eliminating neonatal tetanus. Impaired production and/or transplacental transfer of antibodies may affect the effectiveness of this strategy. We studied the effect of maternal HIV infection on serum levels and transplacental transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies. Methods. A total of 162 mother-baby paired serum samples were taken and analysed for anti-tetanus antibody levels using ELISA. Maternal HIV status was also determined by double ELISA technique. Maternal TT vaccination status was also documented. Results. Thirty-eight (23.5%) mothers and 41 (25.3%) babies were seronegative, out of whom 8 mothers were HIV positive and 9 babies were HIV exposed. HIV infected mothers and HIV exposed infants were, respectively, 16.27 times (OR = 16.27, 95% CI = 3.28 to 80.61) and 33.75 times (OR = 33.75, 95% CI = 4.12 to 276.40) more likely to be seronegative for anti-tetanus antibody. Similarly, HIV positive mother-newborn pairs were 7.46 times more likely to have a poor transplacental transfer of tetanus antibodies (OR = 7.46, 95% CI = 1.96 to 28.41). Conclusions. Maternal HIV infection is associated with impaired maternofoetal transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies and seronegativity among mothers and their newborns. Hence, this may hinder efforts to eliminate neonatal tetanus

Sialidase assay and analysis of free sialic acid in tsetse (Glossina sp.) collected in protected and tsetse invested areas in Nigeria

This data set includes results of a sialidase assay applied in tsetse gut tissue from a tsetse (Glossina sp.) collection carried out in Nigeria between 2014 and 2016. Traps were employed for one to three days in four different National Parks, one Game Reserve and two tsetse invested areas. Each tsetse was identified morphologically and dissected in the field, all tissues preserved and used for further analysis. The whole gut of each tsetse was homogenized in the field and partially preserved for DNA analysis and used to investigate for sialidase activity with a fluorescent substrate and a natural substrate. Analysis for sialidase activity was done by fluorescent measurement and reverse phase HPLC of processed gut samples