Influence of Geographical Location on Key Nutritional Properties of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Pulp

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) which was only cultivated in Northern Nigeria in the past, is now cultivated in other parts of Nigeria. However, there is no data to show the nutritional quality of C. lanatus as it relates to the location of cultivation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional properties of the pulp of Citrullus lanatus cultivated in four states, representing four geopolitical regions of Nigeria. C. lanatus samples were collected from the northeast, southwest, southeast and south-south geopolitical zones of Nigeria. They were thoroughly washed, then the pulp was separated, homogenized and freeze-dried.  The amino acid profile, vitamins, proximate and mineral analyses of the freeze-dried samples were done by standard protocols. The amino acid profile results showed the presence of varied amino acids in the different zones, with the southwest giving the highest concentrations of the amino acids and the least concentration obtained from the south-south zone. The presence of vitamin C and A, and the minerals: Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Pb, and Mn were detected in the pulp of C. lanatus at diverse concentrations in the various zones, with samples from the southwest zone also giving the highest composition of both vita by mins and mineral contents.  The proximate composition analysis results revealed a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of moisture, protein and fiber from the southwest sample when compared with other zones, and higher (p < 0.05) percentage composition of carbohydrate, ash and fat contents from the northeast samples relative to other zones. Thus, the nutritional value of the C. lanatus samples was in the order: Southwest > northeast > southeast > south-south. Conclusively, the results showed that the location of cultivation affects the nutritional value of Citrullus lanatus fruit

Double-stator switched flux permanent magnet machines having low rotor pole numbers

In this paper, double-stator switched flux permanent magnet (DS-SFPM) machines having low rotor numbers and whose stator teeth and rotor pole numbers are relatively same is investigated. Quantitative comparison of their electromagnetic performance is also given. Two-dimensional finite element (2D-FEA) analysis is employed in the prediction of the developed machines’ performance. It is observed that the open circuit flux-linkage waveforms of the analysed machines having odd rotor poles are both symmetrical and sinusoidal in contrast to its even number rotor pole counterparts whose waveforms are asymmetrical, non-sinusoidal and unbalanced. More importantly, the developed machines with odd rotor pole numbers exhibit higher torque density than its even rotor pole equivalents.Keywords: Harmonics, low rotor pole, PM usage, and unbalanced back-EMF

Assessment of Phytochemical Constituents of Stem Bark Extract of Albizia adianthifolia and its in-vivo Antiplasmodial Activity on Mice infested with Plasmodium berghei

Malaria, one of the most debilitating diseases, has a huge impact on large populations in tropical and subtropical areas. Albizia adianthifolia is a perennial evergreen that thrives in moist tropical forest areas. This study intended to assess the phytochemical constituents of stem bark extract of Albizia adianthifolia and its in-vivo antiplasmodial activity on mice infested with Plasmodium berghei. The plant's antimalarial effects at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt. dosages against the chloroquine-sensitive strain, Plasmodium berghei were examined using the 4-day suppressive and rane's, tests. In this experiment, 25 mice were classed into five groups (3 treatment and 2 control groups, each with five mice). Parasitaemia, existence time, body mass, and packed cell volume were used to assess the antiplasmodial activity of the extracts. In the 4-day suppression investigation, all doses of the crude extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced parasitemia, compared to the negative control, with the strongest suppressive effect of 59.93% obtained at dose 400 mg/kg b. wt. Similarly, the Rane's test revealed significant (P <0.05) curative effect (69.03%) at the highest dose, when compared to the untreated control. According to the findings of the phytochemical screening, the extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, triterpenes, sterols, and saponins. Also, treatment of P. berghei-infected mice with the crude extract in both suppressive and curative tests considerably extended the mean survival time relative to the negative control, notably at the highest dose (400 mg/ kg b. wt.). Thus, this study shows that Albizia adianthifolia stem bark extract possesses antiplasmodial efficacy against P. berghei-infected mice, which may be due to its phyto-constituents

Understanding the Relationship between Unemployment and Inflation in Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between unemployment and inflation in Nigeria from 1980-2015. The model specified unemployment as a function of inflation, money supply % GDP, total government expenditure % of GDP. The statistical tests used were causality test, VECM test, co integration test. Based on the above tests carried out, the study found out that: (i) Inflation significantly impacted unemployment in Nigeria both in the long run and short run within the period under review.(ii) There exist a significant causal relationship among the variables in the model. Based on the results, the study recommended that government should use discretionary policy that would reduce unemployment by boosting government expenditure and maintain stability in money supply. Keywords: Unemployment, Inflation, Philip’s curve, Nigeria, Co integration, Granger causality

Performance Evaluation of Alaoji Thermal Power Plant

Electricity supply in Nigeria is epileptic and characterized by extensive outages. The new NIPP plants constructed have not improved the power situation in the country. The performance of Alaoji Thermal Power Station being one of the new NIPP plants with an installed capacity of 504.4MW (consisting of 4 X 126.1MW GE frame-9EA gas turbines) was studied. The study evaluated the performance of the plant for the period of January to December, 2016. The key performance indices involved were CF, PUF, LF, and AF. The required data for the analysis were obtained from the plant\u27s operational records and personal interview of the relevant staff. The results of the study are shown in Table 1 – 2 and figures 1 – 7 for running hours, energy generated, load factor, availability factor, shortfall in energy generation and plant use factor respectively. When the obtained values were weighed against the International best practice of 80% (LF), 50 - 70% (PUF) and 95% (AF). Shortfall in energy generation ranged from 1.4% to 90.5%, this is in excess of 5 – 10% average acceptable value. The Average PUF was 20.1%, indicating that the plant was grossly underutilized during the study period. The plant had a capacity factor ranging from 7.1 - 37.5% with an average CF of 20% for the review period. It was evident from the results that the plant performed poorly during the period under review. This was attributed to grid restrictions, insufficient gas supply and unavailability of spare parts for maintenance. It is suggested that the management should address the challenges so as to enhance the performance of the plant

Acalypha wilkesiana (Copper leaf) Leaves Alters Acute Cyanide Induced Hepatoxicity in Wister Rats

The aim of this investigation is to ascertain the possible ameliorating potential of Acalyphaw ilkesiana (subsp. macrophylla) methanolic leaf extract on cyanide induced hepatotoxicity and haemato toxicity in Wister rats. A total of 35Wister rats weighing between 100 and 150g were apportioned into 7 groups at random, each containing 5 rats. Group 1: negative control, received no treatment; group 2 and 3 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of A. wilkesiana crude extract respectively; group 4: received cyanide only (positive control); group 5: received cyanide and 660 mg/kg sodium thiosulphate (standard group); group 6 and7 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of crude extract of A. wilkesiana respectively. The result indicates that methanolic extract of A.wilkesiana irrespective of the concentration significantly reduced ALT, AST, and ALP activities in the rats induced with cyanide when compared with the positive control. However, Albumin and Total Protein concentrations were significantly increased in the treated Groups when compared with the positive control. In conclusion, Acalypha wilkesiana leaves were able to ameliorate cyanide induced hepatotoxicity comparable to standard cyanide antidotes in Wister rats

Lithofacies and Pebble Morphogenesis: Keys to Paleoenvironmental Interpretation of the Nkporo Formation, Afikpo Sub-Basin, Nigeria

The Nkporo Formation in the Afikpo Subbasin, Nigeria, is dominantly shaly but contains two sandstone members within it. These sandstones host vein quartz pebble beds and dispersed clasts which have been used for pebble morphometric analysis. As independent functions and dependent variables, pebble morphometric indices of Coefficient of Flatness, Elongation Ratio, Maximum Projection Sphericity, Oblate-Prolate Index, Roundness and Form suggest deposition of the sandstones in fluvio-deltaic to littoral settings. Lithofacies analysis identified six lithofacies, grouped into estuarine delta and marine offshore lithofacies associations. These include trough cross-bedded sandstone, ophiomorpha burrowed, wave/rippled and planar cross-bedded lithofacies, Inclined heterolithic lithofacies, fine grained, silty sandstone, lignite/coals, shales/mudstone, interbedded with limestones and oolitic ironstones lithofacies. The estuarine lithofacies association shows a tripartite subdivision into meandering estuarine and tidal point bars overlain by estuary funnel tidal creek sandstones, carbonaceous beds; and estuary mouth tidal and barriers bars and shallow marine shales in a drowned incised valley. The fining upwards lithofacies pattern suggests deepening and transgression of the sea in a tidal estuarine setting. Keywords: Lithofacies, Lithofacies association, Pebble morphogenesis, Paleoenvironments, Tidal estuar

Effect of Sunlight, Temperature and Time on the Physicochemical Properties of Sachet Water in Yola Metropolis, Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine effect of sunlight, temperature and time on the physicochemical properties of sachet water packaged within Yola Metropolis Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard techniques before and after subjecting water samples to the different storage conditions for a period of 42 days. The analysis gave pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids(TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and turbidity values that ranged from (6.0 -7.9), (26.24 - 42.81) μS/cm, (12 -25.08) mg/L, (2.07 - 3.51) mg/L, (11.40 - 48.0) NTU respectively, all within the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit except turbidity. The significant changes detected indicated the migration of organic material from the polyethylene material into the water.  The samples stored in a water bath at elevated temperatures showed the highest level of change in conductivity, pH, and TDS values, while the water samples exposed to sunlight showed the highest level of change in turbidity and COD values. Wherein, conductivity, TDS, COD, and turbidity values increased, and pH values decreased overtime. However, chloride and nitrate remained mostly constant. The water samples stored at room temperature (25°C - 35°C) experienced the least change in physicochemical properties. Gas Chromatography analysis at week 5, showed the presence of organic materials in the water samples exposed to direct sunlight

Tide-generated Sedimentary Structures, Lithofacies and Particle Size Distribution: Proxies to the depositional setting of the Ajali Sandstone in the Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria.

Herringbone cross stratification, mud draped foresets, reactivation surfaces, tidal bundles, flaser beddings, ripple and horizontal laminations were identified on the Ajali Sandstone studied. The biogenic structures occur as dominantly vertical to sub-vertical and u -tubed burrows of the Skolithos ichnofacies commonly Skolithos verticalis and Ophiomorpha nodosa. Occasional Thalassinoides and Teichichnus isp burrows of the Cruziana Ichnofacies also occur. Three lithofacies were identified and these include; the medium to coarse grained cross bedded sandstone lithofacies, Fine grained cross bedded sandstone lithofacies and the mudstone lithofacies. The paleocurrent pattern from cross bed azimuths shows a bimodal – bipolar pattern indicative of tidal process. The grain size frequency histograms indicate both unimodal and bimodal asymmetrical patterns with shifting modes. The cumulative frequency curves suggest traction, saltation and suspension as the mechanisms of the sediment transport. The bivariate plots of the discriminant functions (Y1, Y2 and Y3) for the sands suggest deposition in a shallow agitated marine environment. Intertidal to subtidal shallow marine depositional setting is proposed for the Ajali Sandstone. Key word: Tide, Sedimentary structures, Particle size, Lithofacies, Subtidal, Depositional settin

Multiyear Satellite Total Ozone Column Dimension within West Africa

Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS*) mechanisms have been flown on NASA/*GSFC satellites more than 20 years. They present close to realdnine ~o/.?one data pro Atmospheric Science Research. As elemental of preface energy structured to build up a Lidar base in Nigeria for monitoring the atmospheric ozone and aerosol stratum. The monthly mean TOMS* total column ozone measurements amid 1978~1999 have been evaluated. The tendency of the total column ozone illustrates a spatial and sequential dissimilarity with cryptogram of the Quasi Biennial Oscillation (QBO) all through this 21-year research epoch; The standards of TOMS* total ozone vertical, over Nigeria (4-15o