Authors:Ndubuisi; Perpetua O, Micheal, Abberton T, Nwafor, Solomon C, Amadi, Charles.O Abstract: The study assessed factors affecting production and consumption of African yam bean, identified the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assessed factor affecting their production, and consumption of AYB and then identified factors affecting the adoption of African Yam Bean technologies in Imo and Enugu states. All the objectives were achieved using simple descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and means. Mean score were determined using likert point scale measurement. The result revealed that African Yam Bean is cultivated majorly by women and middle aged farmers who are still within their productive age with high level of farming experience in the studied locations. Meanwhile, only a few of the farmers belonged to a cooperative societies of farmers organizations in Imo state while majority of the farmers belonged to farmers organization in Enugu state. Below revealed the factors affecting production of African Yam Bean to include high yielding ( = 4.7); early maturing (=4.2); resistant to disease (= 4.1); soil selection (=4.0); drought tolerant (=4.2); ability to maintain its colour over time (=4.0); high nutritious value (=5.0); accessibility (=3.8); affordability (=4.7); complexity (=3.6); and compatibility (=3.8). Also, factors influencing African Yam Bean technology in the studied area which include high nutrient content (=5.0); simple to process (=3.6); palatability (=4.6); less expensive (=4.5); high markatebility (=3.9); high economic value (=4.6); durability (=4.5); health benefits (=4.7); and it is demand driven (=4.3). Keywords: African Yam Bean, Effect, Production, Consumption DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/13-10-06 Publication date:May 31st 2022 Issue No:Vol. 13
Authors:OKWESILI L. C., OKENWA J. C., IHEGWUAGU N.E., UHAMA K.C., UBANWA E. D., NWAFOR C.S., ONYIA V. C. Abstract: The study was aimed at a comparative evaluation of the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of the rootwood and rootbark of Newbouldia leavis extracts. The powdered samples were explored using two solvents (ethanol and ethylacetate) as extractants. Phytochemical assay of the crude extracts were done following standard procedures. The results of preliminary phytochemical screening of samples revealed that carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics and terpeniods were present in all extracts; saponins and glycosides in ethanol extracts and tannins in all extracts except ethylacetate. The results also show the absence of steroids and phlobatannins in all extracts. The comparative phytochemical evaluation of the ethanol extracts of both the rootwood and rootbark samples showed the presence of these bioactive compounds in varying concentrations. Ethanol proved to be a better extractant for saponins and tannins than ethylaceate and this could be attributed to the difference in their polarities. The antimicrobial activity was carried out using the agar well diffusion method against: Escherichia coli, Staphylococus aureus, Candida albicans and Salmonella typhi. The results of the anti-microbial tests revealed that the rootbark extracts showed a broader spectrum of activity than the rootwood. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the extracts were notably inhibitory against the test pathogens at MIC values of 2.5 – 10 mg/ml as against the MIC values of 1.25 mg/ml obtained for the standard antibiotics. In conclusion, the wide range of inhibitory zone diameter recorded could be as a result of singular or synergistic action (s) of the bioactive compounds present. Keywords: Phytochemicals, Antimicrobials, Newbouldia leavis DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/13-10-01 Publication date:May 31st 2022 Issue No:Vol. 13
Authors:Uduak Unah, Kolawole Daniel Afolabil, Kufre Ekpo, Anietie Daniel Idio, Michael Odoh Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the dietary effect of graded levels of unripe plantain peel meal on the growth performance and internal organs of broiler chickens. One hundred and five (105) day-old unsexed Arbor Acre broiler chicks were used in a56-day feeding trial. The birds were assigned to 5 dietary treatments (T1- T5) with a total of 21 birds per treatment and replicated three times with 7 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). T1 was the control diet which contained 0% unripe plantain peels and 100% palm kernel cake, T2 contained 25% unripe plantain peels and 75% palm kernel cake, T3 contained 50% unripe plantain peels and 50% palm kernel cake, T4 contained 75% unripe plantain peels and 25% palm kernel cake while T5 contained 100% unripe plantain peelsand 0% palm kernel cake. Feed and water were given ad libitum for 8 weeks the experiment lasted.Resultsshowed that at the starter phase diets had a significant (P<0.05) effect on live weight, daily weight gain, and daily feed intake. During the finisher phase replacement of palm kernel cake with unripe plantain peels hadno significant (P>0.05) effect on daily protein intake, protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion. The performance of birds at both the starter and finisher phases decreased as the level of unripe plantain peel meal (UPPM) increased. Unripe plantain peels did not show negative effect on the liver, bile volume and the caecum but all other parameters for internal organs were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the diet. In conclusion, unripe plantain peel meal (UPPM) could conveniently replace 25% of Palm kernel cake in the diet of broiler chickens without any deleterious effect and is recommended. Keywords: Unripe plantain peels, Broiler Chicken, Palm Kernel Cake, Internal organs, Growth Performance DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/13-10-02 Publication date:May 31st 2022 Issue No:Vol. 13
Authors:Babajide Olufemi Elemo, Oluwatosin Benedict Adu, Olasunkanmi Kayode Awote, Gbemisola Morounke Saibu, Olabisi Olufunmilayo Ogunrinola, Adesegun Gideon Adeyemo, Olusegun Omolade Fajana, Muhammed Sheriff Yekini Abstract: Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce swellings and pains caused by inflammation but, long term use of these anti-inflammatory drugs results in the damage of human biological system such as the liver, gastrointestinal tract, etc. Hence, there is need for safer, potent, anti-inflammatory drugs. Hence, the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol leaf extract of Thaumatococcus danielli on iodoacetamide treated rats was investigated. Forty-two (42) rats were divided into seven groups of six rats each. Group 1 (positive control) received 1ml of 1% CMC; Group 2 (negative control) received 1ml of 1% CMC and 1ml of 0.1% iodoacetamide; Group 3 received 50mg/kg of extract (low dose) and 1ml of 0.1% iodoacetamide; Group 4 received 100mg/kg of extract (high dose) and 1ml of 0.1% iodoacetamide; Group 5 received 50mg/kg of extract (high dose) and 1ml of 1% CMC; Group 6 received 100mg/kg of extract (high dose) and 1ml of 1% CMC; Group 7 received 1ml 1% iodoacetamide and 2.14mg/kg diclofenac. Treatment with T. danielli extract showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in all groups in lymphocyte, RBC, granulocyte, platelet, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin count but, a significant reduction in all groups was observed in ESR. Moreso, a significant decrease was observed in WBC in the high dose group, and a significant increase in group administered diclofenac. Ethanolic leaves extract of Thaumaococcus danielli possess an anti-inflammatory potential, possibly due to its embedded phytoconstituents. Keywords: Thaumatococcus danielli, Anti-inflammatory activity, Hematological studies, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Nitric oxide concentration DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/13-10-03 Publication date:May 31st 2022 Issue No:Vol. 13
Authors:Aigbe O. Sunday, Suleiman I. Abubakar, Isah O. Oshiobugie Abstract: The application of crop production and protection materials is a crucial component in the high productivity of American agriculture. Agricultural chemical application is frequently needed at specific times and locations for accurate site‐specific management of crop pests. Piloted agricultural aircraft are typically used to treat large, unobstructed, continuous acreage crops and are not as efficient when working over small or obstructed plots. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously based on preprogrammed flight plans, may be used to make timely and efficient applications over these small area plots. This research developed a low volume spray system on a fully autonomous UAV to apply crop protection products to specified crop areas. This article discusses the development of the spray system and its integration with the flight control system of a fully autonomous, unmanned vertical take‐off and landing helicopter. Sprayer actuation can be triggered by preset positional coordinates as monitored by the equipped Global Positioning System (GPS). The developed spray system has the potential to provide accurate, site‐specific crop management when coupled with UAV systems. It also has great potential for vector control in areas not easily accessible by personnel or equipment. Keywords. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Autonomous flight, Spray system, GPS. DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/13-10-05 Publication date:May 31st 2022 Issue No:Vol. 13
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