Effects of Citric Acid and Methanol Extracts of Banana and Plantain Peels on Stability of Refined Soybean Oil

Refined Soybean Oil (RSBO) was freshly obtained before adding any additive from a local Vegetable Oil factory in Owo, Ondo- State, Nigeria. Ripped peels of banana and plantain were removed from their fruits, cut, sun dried, ground, sieved and separately extracted with methanol. The methanol extracts were dosed at varying concentrations (0.02%-0. 10%) into RSBO. RSBO containing 0.02% and 0.04% of citric acid (CA) were also set up for comparison. The stability effects of methanol extracts and citric acid of RSBO were evaluated by monitoring the Free Fatty Acid (FFA), Acid Value (AV) and Peroxide Value (PV) of the oil sample monthly for a period of six months. The results indicated that RSBO containing both extracts (0.02%-0. 10%) and citric acid were more oxidatively stable than RSBO that contained no additive. Oil samples containing 0.08%-0. 10% banana peel extract, 0.08% plantain peel extract and citric acid (0.02%-0.10%) were more hydrolytically stable than oil sample that contained no additive. Plantain peel extract in RSBO competed more favourably with citric acid than banana peel extract in terms of oxidative stability of RSBO. The plantain peel extract had higher antioxidative activity than banana peel extract against oxidative deterioration of RSBO. Both extracts had optimal performance against oxidative rancidity of RSBO at 0.06% concentration

Investigation of Amino and Fatty Acid Characterisation of Thevetia peruviana (Milk Bush) Seed

This study examined the amino acid profile and fatty acid analysis of Milk bush (thevetia peruviana) seed. The seeds were ground into very fine powder using three processing techniques. The parameters of interest were carried out using standard methods. The results of both essential and non-essential amino acids showed that the total essential amino acid content in oven-dried seed sample (OD.S), airdried seed sample (AD.S) and sun-dried seed sample (SD.S) were within the WHO Standard. It was observed that eighteen out of the twenty amino acids content of food were present in the seed with glutamic acid having the highest value, followed by aspartate and arginine. Also the eight essential amino acid needed in the daily diet were all present in the sample (arginine, valine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylanine, threonine, tryptophan and leucine). There were reductions in the level of some amino acids as a result of the processing treatments. The fatty acid analysis also revealed that the sample contained both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated fatty acids for oven-dried, sun-dried and air-dried are 60.89, 2.21 and 20.47 respectively while the saturated fatty acids for oven-dried , sun-dried and air dried 26.15, 3.29 and 35.61 respectively. The result suggested that thevetia peruviana contains high quality protein and the oil is a good source of unsaturation which increases the shelf life and edibility of the oil. Keywords: Amino acid; Fatty acid; Characterization; Processing techniques; Milk-bush see

A comparative study of EEG abnormalities among subjects with inter-ictal psychosis and those with schizophrenia

Background: Electrophysiological investigation is an integral part in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders; but this is rare in developing countries including Nigeria.Objectives: The study aims to determine EEG abnormalities among subjects with inter-ictal psychosis in comparison to those with schizophrenia.Methods: A cross-sectional study of subjects with inter-ictal psychosis and those with schizophrenia. Each of the subjects that met the inclusion criteria had an awake EEG recording that lasted 45 minutes.Results: For PWEIP, the mean age was 23.9 (±13.8) years; and made up of 53 (53.0%) males; and for PWS, the mean age was 24.2 (±13.5) years; and there were 51 (51.0%) males. The EEG was normal in 53 (53.0%) of PWEIP and in 83 (83.0%) of PWS. EEG was abnormal in 47 (47.0%) of PWEIP, and 17 (17.0%) in those with PWS, and these were all ‘epileptiform’ activities, and the difference was statistically significant with X2 =20.7 (Fisher’s exact test), df=1 and p=0.00**. Conclusion: A number of subjects in our sample with inter-ictal psychosis and PWS had EEG epileptiform activities reflecting cerebral insults in early life. Thus, preventive measures such as good antenatal care are advocated to minimize the occurrence of these neuro-psychiatric disorders.Keywords: EEG abnormalities, inter-ictal psychosis, schizophreni

Occupational health and safety for informal sector workers: the case of street traders in Nigeria

This study examined two important types of occupational hazards in the street trading activities in Nigeria which are (i) injuries sustained from road traffic accident and (ii) harassment of traders through indiscriminate arrest, seizure and confiscation of merchandise and occasional incarceration of sellers in police cells without trials. The data for the study was generated from a 2011 national survey of 3,873 street traders in Nigeria which was made possible through a research grant provided by the Covenant University’s Centre for Research and Development. In addition to the descriptive statistics used in profiling the street traders, the binary logistic regression approach was also used to estimate the log of odds of experiencing occupational hazards in street trading activities. The study found out that 25% of the traders have suffered injury, while 49.1% have experienced harassment from public authority officials. Given these findings, policy measures that are capable of enhancing the safety of street traders, and stem urban-ward migration have been proposed

Comparative Assessment of Some Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Kits for Malaria Diagnosis in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background:  Deployment of sound diagnostic deliverables remains a crucial component of malaria control and prevention programme in Africa. This study aims to make a comparative assessment of the efficacy of three famous brands of rapid diagnostic kits (RDT) available in Nigerian market, with the traditional Giemsa staining (microscopic) method, in testing for malaria in endemic zones, also to provide relevant information and guidance to individuals, health care service providers, test kit manufacturers as well as health corporate organizations. Methods: Giemsa microscopy along with RDT kits (Acon, Paracheck and SD Bioline) were carried out on 525 patient samples presumed to present with acute uncomplicated malaria by clinical diagnosis. In addition, the total WBC count and haematocrit were conducted on the blood samples. Results: Out of the 525 samples recruited, three hundred (300) 57.1% were found positive by Giemsa microscopy. SD Bioline had a positivity rate of 260 (49.5%) while Acon and Paracheck trailed behind with 200 (38.1%) and 150 (28.6%) samples respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of the three RDT kits were as follows: SD Bioline (86.3%, 99.6%, 92%); Paracheck (50%, 97.7%, 70.4%) and Acon (66.7%, 100%, 80.9%) respectively. Children within the age bracket 0-10 years had the highest malaria positivity rate (F=5.29; p< 0.05). 115 (38.3%) of children in this age group were positive for malaria with Mean PCV of 30.65 ± 0.52 compare to non-malaria control. The dominant malaria species was P. falciparum with 280 (93.3%) cases. However, an appreciable cases of P. falciparum & P. vivax 15 (5.0%) along with P. falciparum & P. malariae 5 (1.7%) co-infections were confirmed. It was also observed that the haematocrit value for individuals correlated inversely with the parasite density (r = -0.78; p< 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation: Giemsa microscopy method still remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis in limited resources endemic zones and recommends that imported RDT kits for malaria should be validated before use in developing countries. Keywords: Giemsa Microscopy; Rapid Diagnostic Kits; Parasite Density; Co-Infection; Malaria Contro

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in some Nigerian rasted plant foods

Thirteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified and quantified in three different roasted plant foods (Zea mays, Dioscorea rotundata and Musa paradisiaca) using a rapid method involving microwave assisted saponification and simultaneous extraction followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation and spectrofluorometric detection. The method applied had good recovery and repeatability characteristcs. With respect to raw samples, roasted samples had higher contamination levels with a maximum benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) content of 0.6 \u3bcg kg-1 dry weight. Roasted Zea mays had the highest low molecular weight- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LMW-PAH) load of 31.2 \u3bcg kg-1 dry weight, which may be due to the fact that the charred portions after roasting are not usually subjected to scrapping, an exercise which is usually carried out on other roasted plant foods. Anyways, PAHs exposure due to the consumption of roasted plant foods may not pose serious concerns for human health, especially as they are low in heavy molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW-PAHs)

System Simulation of a Bayesian Network-Based Performance Prediction Model for Data Communication Networks

In this paper, a paradigm of a Bayesian Network–based performance prediction model for computer networks security risk management was emulated. Model simulation was carried out for the prediction model formulated. Java programming language tools were used to simulate, validate and verify the model. The core of simulation program was written in Java programming language. Some jar files were created in the code logic for all the modules in the prediction model. MS-DOS or command prompt was used to compile and run java and jar files. Batch scripts i.e. .bat files were written to compile the jar files. The output of the execution is shown using Java API files. Simulation technology was used in this study to evaluate network performance since it is very costly to deploy a complete test bed containing multiple networked computers, routers and data links to validate and verify the prediction model. The resulting risk impact on network confidentiality, Integrity and availability determine the criticality of the overall network performance which will aid in the effective application of countermeasures to mitigate the effect of network security risks

Atherosclerosis and Scientific Interventions: A Review

In this review, insight is given on the effect of wall shear stress (WSS) on the initiation and progression of plaque growth in micro-circulation by using mathematical models. The understanding of the trigger for the initiation and progression of the disease has improved over the years and has led to better models for describing the process. Models have been developed and tested in order to describe haemodynamic properties in blood vessels to accurately simulate the process. The Navier-Stokes equation is the backbone model for all computational fluid dynamic simulation and applications, which has found foundational importance in simulations related to atherosclerosis studies. The risk factors associated with the disease are discussed. The rheological models associated with blood are analyzed and compared with studies that have been carried out in the past. A systematic review of the major findings of the simulation results has been brought afore, with a focus on wall shear stress (WSS), degrees of stenosis and plaque growth. It was concluded that the current studies are not holistic enough to give insight into the pathophysiology of the disease. Recommendations on how further studies should be done to improve the knowledge gap in this subject matter were proposed

Awareness of Breast and Cervical Cancer among Women in the Informal Sector in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: There are no general consensuses on why the lifetime risk of dying from breast and cervical cancer in African is several times higher than that of developed countries. However, a notable window of opportunity for prevention and treatment are often wasted where there are little or no awareness and low level of screening. AIM: To specifically highlight the awareness, knowledge and determinants of participation in the screening exercise for possible prevention or control of the diseases. To also provide insights on the development of contextual and relevant timely detection for effective early interventions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in southern and northern geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The respondents, which consisted of 1,023 women aged 15-49 years, completed a 116-item questionnaire assessing the correlation between cancer awareness and participation in screening. Nineteen, In-depth interviews were also conducted for this study. The outcome measured included awareness of breast and cervical cancer, how it can be prevented or detected, and the availability and actual participation in screening exercises. RESULTS: While women are familiar with breast cancer, little is known about cervical cancer, and the awareness of the former is not correlated with participation in screening. The lack of enthusiasm to seek screening exercise is rooted in three key factors: lack of specific information, belief, economic and inadequate screening facilities. CONCLUSION: The study thus recommends that policies and programs aimed at the breast and cervical cancers awareness and early intervention should address the underlying problems