Effect of Different Fermentation Methods on Growth Indices and Serum Profile Of Broiler Chickens

This experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different fermentation methods of soyabeans on growth and serum indices using 240 days-old Anak broilers that were randomly divided into four (4) experimental groups of three replicates each. Dietary treatments were as follows: T1, T2, T3 and T4 representing lactobacillus (control), Cooking and fermenting, Daddawa fermentation and Cooking with potash before fermentation based groups at both starter and finisher phases and fed starter (1- 35 d) and finisher (36- 63 d ) diets. T2, T3 and T4 significantly (P < 0.05) increased SGR and GE when compared to T1 at the starter phase. FCR, PER and EER were significantly affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Variations in serum profile were significant (P>0.5) except cholesterol. This suggest that fermentation processes provides effective mechanism for the improvement in growth indices, PER, EER and reduction in serum cholesterol in broilers Key Words: Broilers, Fermentation, Growth Indices and Serum Profil

Bacterial Assessment and Quality Analysis of Raw Milk Sold in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria

Analysis of raw milk from four different local farmers within Gwagwalada Area Council (FCT) Abuja, were assessed to determine the bacterial load of the milk. The experiment was assigned to four treatment based on farm location, namely: Adams Farm (T1) (Control); Dagiri herd (T2); Kutunku herd (T3); and Dukpa herd (T4). The treatments had three replicates (R1-R3) in a randomized block design (CDR). The result revealed that raw milk sampled contained various bacteria species which include species of Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, Lactobacillus spp,Streptococcus spp. The total viable bacteria counts ranged from 1.0 x106 -5.6x107 cfu/ml, while Bacillus subtillis has the highest frequency of occurrence (26.84%) followed by Escherichia coli (24.39%), Staphylococcus aureus (24.39%), Salmonella spp. (17.06%), Lactobacillus spp. (4.88%) and Streptococcus spp (2.44%). Bacteria count in treatment T3 had the lowest count followed by T4 and T2 and highest for T1. Treatment T3 is therefore better in terms of bacteria load than others (T1, T2 and T4). Key Words: Raw milk, Gwagwalada Area Council, Microbial load

Marker-trait association in selected Nigerian mini-core pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] accessions using SCoT markers

The pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a popular leguminous plant in the Fabaceae family. Its low yield is a major challenge in Nigeria with no improved varieties developed. The identification of markers linked to agronomical traits will accelerate agronomic yield improvements in pigeonpea. Hence, the study was conducted to identify SCoT markers associated with important agronomic traits within selected Nigerian pigeonpea lines. A total of 52 Nigerian pigeonpea were phenotyped for vegetative and yield traits. DNA was extracted from sampled accessions and evaluated with SCoT markers. Marker performance and association to agronomic traits were evaluated. The coefficient of variation (CoV) varied with agronomical traits, ranging from leaflet length (CoV = 15.77) to tertiary branches (CoV = 155.23). Broad sense heritability was high for all traits (H2 > 75%) except for the number of seeds per pod (H2 = 9.13%). Genetic advances ranged from 0.65 in leaflet width to 106.65 in pod number. Only seeds per pod showed more environmental variance than the genetic variance. SCoT markers showed 100% polymorphism with average Polymorphic Information Content values > 0.6. The effective marker ratio also ranged between 1.50 in SCoT-3 to 45.38 in SCoT-2. The cumulated phenotypic variance explained by associated markers ranged between 9.11% in 100 seed weight to 44.7% in leaflet width. Some markers were associated with more than one agronomic trait. These markers can be harnessed for their potential application in pigeonpea improvement programmes

The building information modelling trajectory in facilities management: A review

There is a paucity of literature that examines building information modelling (BIM) for asset management within the architecture, engineering, construction and owner-operated (AECO) sector. This paper therefore presents a thorough review of published literature on the latest research and standards development that impact upon BIM and its application in facilities management (FM) during the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase of building usage. The purpose is to generate new ideas and provide polemic clarity geared to intellectually challenge readers from across a range of academic and industrial disciplines. The findings reveal that significant challenges facing the FM sector include the need for: greater consideration of long-term strategic aspirations; amelioration of data integration/interoperability issues; augmented knowledge management; enhanced performance measurement; and enriched training and competence development for facilities managers to better deal with the amorphous range of services covered by FM. Future work is also proposed in several key areas and includes: case studies to observe and report upon current practice and development; and supplementary research related to concepts of knowledge capture in relation to FM and the growing use of BIM for asset management

Autism spectrum disorder in a community-based sample with neurodevelopmental problems in Lagos, Nigeria

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a globally prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder for which early diagnosis and intervention is the mainstay of management. In the African continent, limited data is available regarding the non-clinic based samples. Lack of information available to caregivers and inadequate skilled manpower often limit early detection and access to the few available though under resourced services in the community. Community based screening can be an important drive to create awareness and improve information dissemination regarding services available for those living with this disorder. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing data obtained from participants of a community-based autism screening exercise. The surveillance exercise was part of the annual Orange Ribbon initiative for autism awareness and screening held in 2014. Data was obtained from 85 participants involved in the Autism Surveillance screening exercise within the Lagos community. Community public service radio announcements state wide and word of mouth were used to invite and enroll eligible participants to the screening and consultation exercise. A second stage screening and a brief sociodemographic questionnaire followed by a third stage clinical interview and evaluation using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 Edition (DSM 5) were used. Appropriate consultation and referrals to services in the community were given. Participants had a mean age of 7.53 years (SD 4.35). Twenty-nine (34.5%) met the diagnosis of ASD. Other diagnosis included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), language and speech disorder, intellectual disability (8.3%) and learning disorders (9.5%). Main health concerns to caregivers were poor language development in all (100%), of which 11 (40.7%) were non-verbal; gaze avoidance was seen in 14 (48.3%) and challenging behavior in 12 (42.9%). Comorbidities included seizure disorders (3.4%) and ADHD (6.9%). Persons with autism had history of ASD behavior more often when compared to the other neurodevelopmental disorders and these findings were statistically significant. Referrals were given to caregivers to engage in services within the community. As seen in this study, community understanding of ASD is poor in such locations, in which many persons with other neurodevelopmental disorders are often presented as having autism. Caregivers in the study location are distressed by many symptoms associated with autism and their comorbid conditions. Currently there is an evident role for frequent large scale community based screening and autism awareness exercises possibly using inter-sectoral collaboration as a strategy

Turnover Causation Amongst High School Teachers in Nigeria

Four theoretical frameworks were used to explore causations of turnover amongst high school teachers in Nigeria: (1) teachers’ personal health, (2) work–family life, (3) job satisfaction, and (4) actual turnover intention. Quantitative data were obtained from 925 public high school teachers in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria. Cronbach's Alpha reliability procedure, regression modelling and t-test were used to analyse a total of 96 causations of turnover. Ad hoc analysis returned an Alpha value of 0.78. However, this improved to 0.93 when the causation factors were reduced to 64 – those with highest item-rest and itemtotal correlations. The findings showed that job (dis)satisfaction, personal health and work– family life conflict are prominent amongst the issues that trigger the intention of Nigerian high school teachers to quit their jobs voluntarily. Insights from the findings will help funding administrators in prioritising strategic decisions around mitigating turnover