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

Role of Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Kano State, Nigeria

This review examines the participation and roles of women within the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Kano state, looking at their direct involvement in fishing and fish production as well as their indirect association with related activities (Marketing and distribution, processing, administration, management and public sectorial work, research, education and training).Women represent approximately 20% of Kano state population and 40% of the labor force. More than, 1000, people were fully engaged in fisheries activities in 2010. Studies have shown that of all the various fishing a sector, participation of women was highest in fish processing (approximately 30%) followed by inland aquaculture. Although there is limited data on women’s roles in the Kano fisheries sector as a whole, women are known to play only a very minor role in fish capture in southern part of Nigeria. This participation is usually in the form of small scale activities on lakes or as support to sea going spouses. Where women are employed in the aquaculture sector (5%), they are mainly involved in hatchery and live food units. Women also play an important role in administration, fisheries research, education and training as reflected by the numbers of female graduates employed in such fields. The marketing of fresh products for local markets was found to be predominantly carried out by men. Women are also temporarily and permanently involved in activities such as fish vaccination and the construction and manufacture of nets. Women play a key and vital role in the Fisheries value chain in Nigeria especially when we look at their involvement in the marine, artisanal and Aquaculture sub-sector of the Fisheries. The women who constitute the greater percentage of the fish mongers/ processors represent the first segment of the fish market chain; buying fresh fish directly from the fishermen; the fish is either sold fresh by the women, or processed by smoking. Keywords: Women, Aquaculture, Fisheries, Kano State, Nigeria

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of the root bark extracts of Neocarya macrophylla

Neocarya macrophylla is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine in Northern Nigeria to treat asthma, skin infections, treatment of wounds, dysentery, pulmonary troubles and a number of inflammations, as ell as treatment of eye and ear infections. In this work, the root back extracts of Neocarya macrophylla were screened for phytochemical constituents as well as the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, an ear infection-causing pathogen. The results revealed that some of the common phytoconstituents are present in most of the extracts. The susceptibility test results gives inhibition range of 13, 13, 13, 14 and 13 mm for the crude extract (NM), methanol extract (NM4), ethyl acetate extract (NM3), chloroform extract (NM2) and n-hexame extract (NM1) respectively against test organism at 50 mg/ml. The test results also showed inhibition range of 12, 11, 11, 12 and 12 mm for NM, NM4, NM3, NM2 and NM1 respectively at 25 mg/ml. Lastly, the results showed inhibition range of 11, 10, 09, 10 and 11 mm for NM, NM4, NM3, NM2 and NM1 respectively at 12.5 mg/ml. This indicates that NM2 is the most active fraction against the organism at 50 mg/ml, and the least active fraction was NM3 at 12.5 mg/ml. The test results also show that the root back extract NM2 has the potentials of providing the active components that could be developed into new antibacterial agents.Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Escherichia coli, Neocarya macrophylla, Phytochemical

Genotypic detection of extended spectrum beta lactamases from selected bacterial isolates in the Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria

There are numerous reported cases of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae in Nigeria, with little effort done on the molecular detection. Epidemiological studies around the world have investigated the prevalence of ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae and they have seen multiple mechanisms of drug-resistance. Our study was designed to detect ESBLs genes such as CTX-M, SHV, and TEM using PCR from clinical isolates in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto metropolis. Clinical isolates from the Microbiology laboratory of the tertiary hospital was collected for 3 months. These isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods. They were tested against 8 antibiotics using the modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Multidrug resistant isolates were screened for ESBL production, and further confirmed by the Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST). Genotypic confirmation was carried out using multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A total of 47 isolates made up of 21 E. coli (44.6%), 13 Klebsiella spp (27.6%), 7 Salmonella spp (14.9%), 5 Proteus mirabilis (10.6%), and 1 Enterobacter spp (2.1%) were obtained from urine, stool, and wound swab. Out of the 47 isolates, (45) 95.7% were multidrug resistant. Twenty-five (53.2%) were potential ESBL producers, while only 5 (20.0%) were confirmed phenotypically using a DDST. PCR results revealed 4 out of 5 of the isolates were possessing ESBL genes. It also revealed that 3 isolates co-produce TEM and SHV at 403bp and 293bp respectively. Only 1 isolate produced CTX-M gene at 569bp. The prevalence of ESBL production in the Gram negative enterobacteriaceae in our study did not indicate a high prevalence as reported by some studies in Sokoto and Northwest Nigeria.Keywords: Molecular detection, ESBLs, Clinical isolates, PC

High Resolution Bathymetric and Satellite mapping of Gubi Dam Bauchi State, Nigeria

There is a global concern about the rate of depletion of water reservoirs due to increase in demand and stagnation of supply amid population increase and climate change. Therefore, understanding and managing dams through strategic planning and sustainable-related policies is necessary. The objective of this paper is to examine the current condition of Gubi Dam and change pattern in relation to causes of the change. The dam was sampled using acoustic side-scan sonar and mapped the bathymetry to compute volume and capacity using Trapezoidal, Simpson’s Rule and Simpson’s 3/8 Rule. Results show astonishing similarity between the three methods, although overestimation in volume with over 1x105m3 was observed with Simpson’s Rule. Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS was used to corroborate these findings. Water surface area shows continuous decline from 2014-2020. The surface area shows similarity to the overall terrestrial surface temperature computed, indicating some level of evaporation. However, recent change in government policy in agricultural has pushed most inhabitants around Gubi Dam and its recharging rivers and streams back to farming. Irrigated farming during the dry season, hence increased usage of Gubi Dam and affected recharge from the rivers. Rural-urban migration to Bauchi metropolis could also increase water usage because the city depends solely on the dam. Annual bathymetric mapping, provision of gauge rainfall data and fixing of water level measurements at both the dam and the recharging rivers and streams are suggested. Sustainability measures relating to core environmental values, issues and threats be examined to guide research and policy thrust. Keywords: Acoustic, Side Scan Sonar, Bathymetry, Landsat 8, Water Surface, Volum