Building a GIS database for a typical urban setting v(a case study of the FUT Yola main campus)

An attempt is being made in this paper to build a GIS database for the Federal University of Technology Yola, using the ArcView GIS package. The spatial data itself was achieved by using conventional field survey methods. It was then later transferred into the computer via a scanner. The attribute data, which were collated from various departments, were entered into the computer in tabular form and linked with the spatial data. The outcome of the database was quite impressive. It has not only increased the speed of retrieving data but has allowed a unique kind of flexibility, which was practicably impossible in the past

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF ANNONA MURICATA L. LEAVES

The plant Annona muricata (soursop)is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many disease conditions such as diabetes, dysentery and malaria. Hence, the need for a scientific study to justify some of the curative claims associated with its use by local healers. To achieve this, we carried out cold maceration extraction on the leaves using methanol as extracting solvent. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extract shows that flavonoids, saponins, and tannins were present, while alkaloids and anthraquinones were absent. The extract was tested for anti-microbial activities on both bacterial and fungal isolates using ciprofloxacin and econazole as positive controls respectively. The isolates used in this study were Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Results show that the extract was active on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but inactive on Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, an indication that the plant extract possessed only antibacterial, and no antifungal, activities. The zone of growth inhibition ranged from 12 to 20 mm with variable MIC and MBC values. These results support the use of the soursop leaf concoction as herbal medication for the treatment of various bacterial diseases

An efficient framework to sustainable management of refuse collection and evacuation in a developing city

The study developed a framework for sustainable management of refuse collection and evacuation in Bauchi city through spatial modeling. Coordinates of dump sites and sample households from the study area were obtained by Global Positioning System (GPS) while road network was obtained by digitizing satellite image of the area and both were used in this research. Thus, digital map of dump sites, sampled households and roads about the area were produced. Using the “Network Analyst Tool (NAT)” of ArcGIS 10.2 functionalities for service areas, closest facilities and best routes, a model was then developed to encourage efficient and sustainable refuse collection and evacuation in the area. The model developed has 22 dump sites, 15 closest facilities and 3 trucks routes. The service areas around each dump site are in three buffer zones covering distances of 200m, 350m and 500m respectively while the longest and shortest distances of 1499.46m and 156m in the closest facilities for the households were confirmed. Also, three trucks with truck3 having the longest distance was discovered while truck1 has the least distance for refuse evacuation in the area. These were discovered based on service areas, closest facility and best routes and hence the model will improve the general situation of refuse disposal in the area. Moreover, it will specifically ensure efficiency and sustainability in the management of refuse collection and evacuation of the area. Therefore, spatial modeling through NAT looks more appropriate as panacea for inefficient and unsustainable management of refuse collection and evacuation of a developing Bauchi metropolis. Thus, the model is recommended to be used as an efficient framework for sustainable management of refuse collection and evacuation in similar developing cities.Keywords: Closest facilities, modeling, network analyst, route optimization, service area

Site suitability analysis and route optimization for solid waste disposal in Yola Town, Adamawa State Nigeria

Solid waste management system is a tedious task that is facing both developing and developed countries. Site Suitability analysis and route optimization for solid waste disposal can make waste management cheap and can be used for sustainable development. However, if the disposal site(s) is/are not sited and handle properly, it can cause environmental pollution and affect public health, hence the application of GIS and Remote Sensing to waste disposal Site Suitability analysis and route optimization for solid waste in Yola town. Different factors or criteria were considered in relation to solid waste disposal sites. In order to achieve the aim of this paper, the Boolean logic was used, where suitable areas were assigned value 1 and unsuitable area were assigned 0 for each of the criteria. The Boolean images were overlaid to produce the suitability map. The result of the suitability analysis gave a total of six sites out of which three met the criteria of size having an area of 612.75Ha which constitute 6.12% of the total area of the study area. The optimized route were generated connecting the proposed disposal site which are truck 1, truck 2, and truck 3 with distances of 19.65km, 17.16km and 22.11km respectively. It is recommended that remote sensing and GIS can be used in increasing efficiency of solid waste management in an urban settlement.Keywords: Solid waste, Suitable site, Route Optimization, GIS, Remote Sensing and Disposal sit

Effect of fermentation and malting on some cereal weaning foods enriched with African locust beans

Effect of fermentation and malting on some cereal weaning foods enriched with African locust beans were carried out. Cereals (wheat and millet) were malted for the period of 144 hours and further fermented for 48 hours by natural fermentation. The millet, wheat and locust bean flours were mixed together in the ratio 70:70:40 (w/w) to produce fortified fermented-malted food .The same ratio were used in the formulation of unmalted /unfermented food and fortified products. Microbial analysis of the prepared foods were carried out using pour plate method. Physicochemical, proximate analysis were carried out using standard procedures. Nine (9) points hedonic scale were used for the sensory evaluation on the products .Bacteria such as Lactobacillus sp, Bacillus sp, Clostridium sp, Leuconostoc sp, Staphylococcus sp, Streptococcus sp, E.coli, Salmonella sp and fungal isolates include Aspergillu ssp, Saccharomyces sp, Candida sp, Penicillium sp, Mucor and Rhizopus sp were isolated from the fermented grains. Staphylococcus sp, E.coli, Salmonella sp and some Moulds were isolated after 24 hours of fermentation and malting of the grains. The pH of 3.89 in millet and 4.04 in wheat were observed during malting and fermentation processes. Total titratable acidity (TTA) of malted/fermented millet was 2.46% and wheat had 2.31% TTA. Percentage crude protein increased from 3.33% in malted/fermented blend (sample A) to 6.3% while unmalted/unfermented (sample B) and fortified product (sample C) had decrease in % crude protein. Percentage fat content decreased from 6.17% in sample A to 5.9%. The % crude carbohydrate content decrease from 80.43 in sample A to 80.15 but higher values were obtained in sample B with sample C having 80.35%.Percentage moisture and ash content decreased after malting and fermentation in sample A and B except in sample C. The mean scores of sensory evaluation revealed that the formulated malted/fermented and fortified foods were liked very much compared to the unmalted/unfermented foods which are moderately and slightly liked.Keywords: Fermentation, bacteria, malting, cereal weaning foods, mould

Problems affecting fishers' livelihood and fisheries development in Kainji Lake Basin

This paper examines some critical factors related to fishers' livelihood, resource sustainability and development of fisheries sub-sector in Kainji Lake Basin (KLB). Based on empirical study the findings identified some major problems to include, lack of access to finance, deflation of resources, increase in fishers' population, extinction of some important fish species and gross lack of development activities etc. These arrays of problems form the complex nature of artisanal fisheries sub-sector, which impede substantial income generation well-being of the fishers' and development of the sector. The paper made some policy recommendations to serve as guide to relevant authorities in addressing the fishers' problems

Aquaculture investment in Nigeria: a case study of New Bussa

Hunger and malnutrition have remained amongst the most devastating problems facing the majority of Nigerian poor. These challenges and other social and economic objectives are the main forces driving aquaculture development to augment for food deficient, in particular fish, which is the cheapest source of protein. However looking at the aquaculture potential and the demand for fish, more needs to be done in aquaculture sub-sector. Unfortunately, despite the increase awareness, many people still remain skeptical about returns in aquaculture investment. This backdrop prompted the study, which empirically analyzed the situation based on two (2) semi-concrete ponds at NIFFR. The results which were extrapolated for five years shows a cost benefit ratio of 1.8, which indicated worthy investment. The results would essentially serve as guide to practitioners and intended fish farmer

Evaluations off heavy metals in fish from Lake Geriyo Yola, Nigeria using x-ray fluorescence technique

The evaluation of Cr. Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn,As and Pb concentrations in Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus from Lake Geriyo Yola,Adamawa, Nigeria using X - ray fluorescence (XRF) technique is discussed. The analytical samples are irradiated with high energy electrons of 109Cd to produce fluorescent X-rays was produced which passes to the Silicon-lithium detector through Mo target as a source of monochromatic X-rays. The spectrum of energy generated on the detector was processed by a Multi- Channel Analyzer to obtain analytical data. The intensity of the fluorescent X-rays on the detector is proportional to the concentration of the individual element of interest in the sample. This method can identify up to 30 or more elements at the same time. The results showed varying levels of heavy metals in the fishes. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Cu, and Ni in the fishes were much higher than WHO and PEPA maximum permissible limits, while the concentrations of Zn and Pb were lower than the standards. The results suggest that the lake is polluted with Cr, Mn, Cu and Ni and the consumption of fishes of the lake is life threatening to man

Effect of aqueous tamarind pulp extract on semen quality and testicular morphometry of Noiler Cocks in a hot dry environment

The effect of aqueous tamarind pulp extract on semen quality and testicular morphometry of Noiler cocks in a hot dry environment was studied. Tamarind fruit was soaked at concentrations of 20, 30 and 40 g per litre of water for 24 hours and then sieved to obtain the tamarind pulp extract (TPE). Twelve Noiler cocks, 28 weeks of age and of similar initial body weight were divided into four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. Drinking water containing 0, 20, 30, and 40 g TPE/L was offered ad-libitum and designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. A total of 144 semen samples were collected by abdominal massage technique and semen volume, colour, pH, motility and concentration were determined. Data on testicular morphometry and gonadal sperm reserve were also collected on all the cocks. Result showed that the semen volume was 0.22, 0.28, 0.42 and 0.40ml for control, 20, 30 and 40g/L TPE respectively. Cocks given 30 g/L TPE had the highest (P<0.05) mass activity (4.39) and motility (87.11%). Percentage of abnormal sperm cells was lowered by TPE. Means for testicular parameters were all similar across the dietary treatments. Paired testicular sperm reserves were 5.07, 5.08, 4.88 and 4.63 (×109) for 0, 20, 30 and 40g/L TPE respectively. The study concluded that aqueous tamarind pulp extract does not influence the gross testicular morphometry of cocks but exerts its effect on semen volume and sperm motility. Noiler cocks reared under a hot dry environment and given 30 g/L TPE will have improved semen quality

Perception of the environmental impact of chemical fertilizer application by vegetable farmers along River Ngadda of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

There is an increasing global concern on the current agricultural practices that are not sustainable owing to adverse impact of chemical fertilizer application on environment. This study identifies types of fertilizer applied, examined farmers knowledge on fertilizer application and assessed farmers perception of the impact of fertilizer on environment along river Ngadda in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were generated through field observation and anonymous structured interview questionnaire were used, while the secondary data was obtained from relevant literature. Through purposeful sample, 120 farmers were selected for the study. Findings revealed that farmers applied NPK fertilizer were 31.9%, Urea fertilizer 27.1%, Phosphorus 19.4% and those applied combined Urea and NPK were 21.5%. The study revealed farmers knowledge on fertilizer application, 50.8% have no formal training, 28.3% trained by extension workers and 20.8% were trained by World Food Program. Findings also revealed that 6.0% of the respondents perceived fertilizer pollute air, contribute to climate change were 2.7%, contaminate soil 25.7% while 3.8% perceived fertilizer build-up heavy metals in soil. Those perceived pollute groundwater were 12.0% and causes eutrophication 21.9%. The study concluded that chemical fertilizer increases plant growth and vigor, hence meets the food security of the world, but its continuous use degrades the soil and environmental pollutions. We recommended that opting organic farming and biofertilizers will create a healthy natural environment for the present as well as future generation