The Change In Physico-Chemical Properties Of Blended Oils Of Palm Origin With Soyabean Oil

The wax content of some vegetable oil brands and the effect of blending soyabeans oil with oils of palm origin have been investigated. The brands of vegetable oil namely: KF-KOFA, soyabean oil, MZ – MAZOLA, maize (corn) oil, SN – SUNOLA, cottonseed oil, FS – FERDINAND SUPER, palm oil, FT – FERDINAND TRUST, palm kernel oil and TK – TUREY, palm oil were used for various tests. The physico chemical properties considered were (i) cold stand, (ii) cloud point, (iii) saponification number (iv) iodine number. KF – KOFA, soyabean oil had the highest wax content and with a value of 6.44ppm while SN – SUNOLA, cottonseed oil had the least and with a value of 3.44ppm. The seed oils, except for SN – SUNOLA, cottonseed oil, had higher wax content than the oils of palm origin. The physico-chemical properties of the oils of palm origin were changed. The blending of oils of palm origin with soyabean oil had an inhibitory effect on the cloud formation of oils of palm origin as the cloud points reduced from 15 – 17oC for FS pure sample, to 9 – 10oC for KF/FS blend and from 21 – 23oC for FT, pure sample, to 13 – 15oC for KF/FT blend and from 18 – 20oC for TK, pure sample, to 11 – 13oC for KF/TK blend. The blending increased the carbon chain length and also the degree of unsaturation of the oils under investigation. The saponification numbers reduced from 243.41 for FS pure sample, to 217.38 for KF/FS blend and from 278.26 for FT, pure sample, to 220.19 for KF/FT blend and also from 328.01 for TK, pure sample, to 263.14 for KF/TK blend. The iodine numbers increased from 34.26 for FS, pure sample, to 84.43 for KF/FS blend and from 18.36 for FT, pure sample, to 81.76 for KF.FT blend and also from 34.26 for TK, pure sample, to 85.13 for KF.TK blend. Keywords: Vegetable oil, Crystallization, Wax, Crystal Inhibitor, BlendingGlobal Journal or Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (4) 2008: pp. 397-40

Cataract burden and uptake of cataract surgical services: Results from a population-based survey.

Background: Global estimates suggest that approximately two thirds of the blind population are females. Cataract accounts for over half of all blindness worldwide. Surgery is curative. However, in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, people have limited access to services. We estimated the burden of “operable cataract” and assessed for any gender inequality in the uptake of cataract surgical services.Method: Using a multi-staged stratified random sampling with probability proportional to size, three local government areas in Plateau state were selected. The study instrument was the Rapid Assessment of Cataract Surgical Services (RACSS) Proforma.Results: 4115 persons were examined (coverage: 98%). Prevalence of “operable cataract” (VA <6/60 in the better eye) was 3.3%, more among females 78 (3.6%) than males 57 (2.9%). Prevalence of unilateral “operable cataract” was 7.2%. The Cataract surgical coverage (persons) was 43.8%, among males it was 49.1% and for females 39.1% ( p>0.05.) The burden of cataract would have been reduced by 28.1% if the CSC was equal for both genders.Conclusion: The burden of cataract is high; uptake of services is low especially among females.Keywords: Epidemiology, Africa, Surgery, Gender, Ocula

Use and cultural significance of Raphia palms

The genus Raphia (Palmae / Arecaceae) contains 22 species and represents a major multiuse resource across tropical Africa and Madagascar. Raphia species provide goods that range from food to construction material and medicine. Its species play a vital cultural role in African societies. Despite its importance, the taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany of this genus remain poorly understood. Here, we review the multiplicity of uses, products and cultural importance of Raphia species across its distribution. We provide a near exhaustive list of all products derived from Raphia species, classified by species and major use categories. We record nearly 100 different uses, traded and commercialized at local, regional, and national levels. Most species have several uses. Raphia wine is the most important product, followed by grubs and fiber extraction. Our review improves our understanding of the uses and cultural importance of Raphia species. If Raphia resources are managed responsibly, they will contribute to alleviate poverty, fight against hunger and conserve tropical biodiversity, especially in Africa