Authors:Abubakar Sani Yelwa, Alhassan Mansur, Lawal Ibrahim Sherifat, Shehu Yahaya, Muhammad Haulatu Pages: 1 - 4 Abstract: Mesoporous Co3O4/kaolin as a potential heterogeneous catalyst was prepared by the method of impregnation and its infrared spectroscopic absorption was recorded from 4000 – 650 cm-1 and the resultant peaks obtained were compared with the infrared absorption peaks of the neat kaolin that was used to prepare the former and also the infrared spectra of Co3O4 on various clay minerals found on the related literatures. The result of the analyses indicated two sharp absorption bands at 3688 cm-1 and 3623 cm-1 on both the spectra of the neat kaolin and that of the Co3O4/kaolin. However, the two sharp peaks were observed to have decreased intensities on the spectrum of the latter, probably due to the effect of doping the kaolin with cobalt nitrate hexahydrate and the subsequent thermal treatment it undergoes. The spectrum of the Co3O4/kaolin was observed to have developed a broad absorption band from 3650-3200 cm-1 associated with the bending and stretching vibrations of the hydroxyl groups of the chemisorbed water molecules attached to the Co3O4/kaolin. The peak on the spectrum of Co3O4/kaolin at 1334 cm−1 is associated with the stretching vibrations of C–O and also the medium peak at 739 cm-1 is due to the vibrations of Co(III)-O bonds, and these two peaks confirmed the formation of cobalt oxide kaolinite bond, and this bond between the cobalt oxide and the kaolinite that actually enhances the catalytic ability of the kaolinite and also to have heterogenized the oxides of cobalt that was produced on thermal treatment of the cobalt (ii) nitrate hexahydrate doped kaolin. PubDate: 2023-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Abubakar Sani Yelwa, Alhassan Mansur, Lawal Ibrahim Sherifat, Abdulraheem Rofiat, Bello Zainab Pages: 5 - 8 Abstract: Thermal stability studies between neat kaolin and iron (iii) oxide (Fe2O3/kaolin) dopped kaolin carried out using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in order to determine the stability of the two substances over wide temperature ranges. The TGA curves obtained for the two substances analysed revealed four distinct regions of weight loss as the temperature of the analysis keeps rising with time. The percentage weight losses observed for the neat kaolin are 10%, 55%, 20%, 4%, and 2%. Similarly, the percentage weight losses observed for the Fe2O3/kaolin are 5%, 30%, 40%, 3%, and 3% respectively. Generally speaking, doping the neat kaolin and its subsequent treatments to produce the Fe2O3/kaolin have enhanced the thermal stability of the neat kaolin which is an important property of any given heterogeneous catalyst. PubDate: 2023-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Sadi A. Hassan, Shafau K. Adam, Abubakar A. Abubakar, Idris M. Idris Pages: 9 - 13 Abstract: Health implications to the populace due to consumption of heavy metals contaminated vegetables have been a great concern all over the world. This research is aimed to assess the level of some heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Co, and Cr) in selected vegetables (Garlic, Onion bulb, Onion leaves, Lettuce, Spinach, and Carrot) obtained in Dorayi Babba, Gwale L.G.A, Kano State. In this study, the levels of heavy metals have been determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average concentrations of the metals determined were in the range of 0.685 – 4.312, 0.108 – 1.049, 0.009 – 0.329, 0.002 - 0.018, 0.026 - 0.096 and 0.079 - 0.662 mg/Kg for Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Co, and Cr respectively. Cadmium is not detected in lettuce, this implies that, either its concentration was below the detection limit by the machine or is not present at all. Garlic was found to contain the highest concentration of lead (0.329 mg/kg), while the onion leaves contained the lowest concentration (0.009 mg/kg). The FAO/WHO maximum permissible limit for lead in vegetable is 0.03 mg/kg. The concentration of lead in garlic and carrot were above tolerable limit set by world regulatory bodies. All other heavy metals were within the safety baseline levels/tolerable limits for human consumption. The results obtained were comparable with those available in the literature. PubDate: 2023-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M. Abdurrahman, F.W. Burari, Maje Alhaji Haruna, Aminu I., Abdullahi T., O.W. Olasoji, Shehu M., H.Y. Shuaibu, M.T. Garba, J. Mohammed Pages: 14 - 19 Abstract: Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) and cupric oxide (CuO) furnish a unique possibility to tune the band gap into the middle of the maximum efficiency for solar cell applications and photoelectrochemical (PEC). Photoactive material containing Bi/Cu2O/Bi has been prepared with high constancy and quality by simple, reliable and an economic thermal oxidation method and Powder Vaporization method. These materials have been characterized using FTIR, at which numerous peaks are present in the sample, were evaluated or assess in detail. The current-voltage characteristic curves were plotted, and the maximum power points of Pmax was also noted. An open circuit voltage Voc 7.24V, a short circuit current Isc of 14.45A And the maximum power point of 0.476W were acquired correspondingly. This work throw off more light in improving the photo response property and the optimization of the band alignment situated at an interface of hetero-structure photoelectrochemical solar cell. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Amos I.A., Edward B.A., Maryam I. Pages: 20 - 25 Abstract: Analysis of soils for physical and chemical properties from selected auto-mechanic workshops and transformer installations in Lafia town, Nasarawa State was carried out according to standard methods. The levels of heavy metals concentration in the soil were assessed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES Thermo Fisher ICAP 6300). The results obtained for the physicochemical properties and concentrations of heavy metals in the auto-mechanic workshops and the transformer installations varied according to the sampling locations and the type of metals. It was observed that in the auto-mechanic workshops, the levels of these metals were: Co (0.50-0.72 mg/kg), Fe (1.36-1.96 mg/kg), Pb (0.53-0.69 mg/kg), Cu (1.49-1.79 mg/kg), Cd (0.94-1.12 mg/kg), Ni (0.05-0.10 mg/kg), and Zn (10.14-11.14 mg/kg) while that of the transformer site ranged: Co (0.88-0.96 mg/kg), Fe (1.35-1.77 mg/kg), Pb (0.06-0.08 mg/kg), Cu (0.75-0.92 mg/kg), Cd (0.05-0.11 mg/kg), Ni (0.12-0.15 mg/kg), and Zn (6.00-7.14 mg/kg). The values obtained for the physiochemical parameters of the soil samples varied with the nature of activities taken place where samples were collected. The pH of the soil from the auto-mechanic workshop ranged from: (5.87-6.20), conductivity (77.59-126 s/m), organic carbon (0.63-0.93), organic matter (1.08-1.60), sand (66.14-89.05), clay (4.91-14.95), silt (6.04-22.03), sulphate (2.16-3.14), and phosphate (2.16-4.08). Values obtained for the soil from the transformer installations site showed that the pH ranged (5.55-6.54), electric conductivity (86.22-121.92 s/m), organic carbon (0.46-0.97), organic matter (1.21-1.48), sand (74.14-89.47), silt (6.28-13-33), clay (4.25-12.53), sulphate (3.21-4.16), and phosphate (3.22-4.12), respectively. Although most of the physicochemical parameters of the samples analyzed are in conformity with the standard soil guideline range, the results obtained for heavy metals revealed that soils from some of the sampling locations are impacted negatively as observed in the significant concentrations of some heavy metals which are above the threshold limit for normal agricultural soil. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Amos Idzi Ambo, Ombugadu Patience, Edward Bebe Ayakeme Pages: 26 - 30 Abstract: A study was carried out to evaluate the metal and proximate content of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) commonly consumed in Nasarawa State, Nigeria in order to ascertain its suitability for consumption. The metal concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and the proximate content was determined according to the method described by Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The results obtained varied with the sampling locations. The mean concentration of the metals ranged from: Zn (2.09-2.48 mg/kg), Pb (0.24-0.73 mg/kg), Mn (3.20-8.52 mg/kg), Cu (0.21-0.31 mg/kg) and Ni (0.01-0.23 mg/kg). The values for proximate content showed that moisture content ranged from (1.00-1.45 %), ash content (8.63-8.74 %), crude protein (14.13-14.44%), crude fibre (2.52-2.63%), crude fat (23.02-23.11%) and carbohydrate (50.10-50.59%). The result obtained does not reveal any significant level of contamination by heavy metals as most of the values were within the permissible limits of consumption of vegetables. However, the growing of the plant in locations near pollution sites should be discouraged. As for the proximate content the values obtained are indication that all the samples are rich sources of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates with a high probability of storage due to their significant moisture content. This underscores their nutritive value as a viable option for plant base nutrients for consumption. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Ambo A.I., Abubakar S.A., Mohammed A.M, Alafara A.B. Pages: 31 - 36 Abstract: Investigation of the geological, mineralogical and chemical content of some ore resources in Nasarawa state was carried out using XRD and XRF techniques. The data obtained suggest that the geology of the area is responsible for the deposits and chemical characteristics of the ore. The mineralogy indicated that the ore contained variable concentrations of minerals according to the nature of the ore type. The chemical analysis of the ore showed that baryte samples contained a very high concentration of (60.1-70.1%) as the major metal while the galena from adudu and Nasarawa Eggon contained Pb and Zn (41.2-86.8%), and (1.43-39.11%) as the predominant metals in recoverable quantities. XRD analysis of ore revealed the presence of some other metals that include; Ti, Cd, Mg, and Cu in the minerals in the form of (Ca2AlSiO4)(SiO7)(OH), Zn2AlSiO5(OH)4. A strong occurrence association of other minerals formed as a product of weathering of Zn was observed. Although the major gangue content is silicate, these associated metals could also be considered as gangue or waste based on the economy of mineral recovery. The recovery of the minerals through novel processing techniques will attract economic benefits to the state and country at large. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:H.U. Jamo, U.I. Ismail, K. Yunusa, Sani G. Durimin Iya, E. Tolufase, Olaseni M. Bello, I.Y. Getso Pages: 37 - 42 Abstract: The use of renewable sources of energy such as biodiesel has become one of the solutions towards the problems generated as a result of the use of fossil fuels. Biodiesel can be produced through various methods such as transesterification, micro emulsion and pyrolysis. The influence of egg shell as heterogeneous catalysts on the viscosity of transesterified jatropha oil was investigated. The physical properties of the catalyst were studied using Xray diffraction (XRD) characterizations. The crude Jatropha oil was purified; transesterified and 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.5wt% and 0.5wt% of egg shell were used as heterogeneous catalyst during transesterification process. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) was used to determine the functional group of the samples. Brookfield viscometer was used to measure the viscosity of crude, purified, transesterified and transesterified with 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.5wt% and 0.5wt% of egg shell as catalyst were measured for comparison. XRD characterizations indicate that the catalyst is Calcite with hexagonal crystal system and ð¶ð‘Žð¶ð‘‚3 as its chemical formula. The FTIR indicates the present of ester (biodiesel) on the samples. The viscosity of the samples decreases as the temperature increases but at 0.2wt% shows significant variation at equal range of temperature. This indicated that the egg shell has influence on the viscosity of transesterified jatropha oil. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Ejakpovi S.U., Siloko I.U. Pages: 43 - 47 Abstract: This paper focuses on the modified logistic differential equation model for population growth of organisms in an environment. The situation considered was that of a fish population that were stocked in an environment, with the fact that the environment has a particular carrying capacity and the organisms are increasing as the other factors for their survival are kept constant. We incorporated a condition where the farmer is constrained to stock the same environment with additional fishes and another environment. These constraints led to the modification of the logistic differential equation model whose solution is based on the calculus approach. The results of the modified model demonstrate superiority over its classical counterparts in terms of carrying capacity with increase in the interval and step sizes. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Peter E. Ezimadu, Sophia O. Ezimadu Pages: 48 - 54 Abstract: It is a known fact that a number of market factors determine the provision of trade credit to a financially constrained channel member. It is only recently that credit function was developed to incorporate some of these factors. This paper considers a modification of the credit function in which the retailer-manufacturer credit period ratio determines the amount of credit the manufacturer can give to the retailer. This study considers a Stackelberg game in which the manufacturer who is the channel leader provides trade credit to the retailer through his credit period while the retailer engages in product promotion to sell the product. The work uses backward induction to determine a closed-form solution of the promotion effort, the credit period and the payoffs. The result shows that the promotion effort increases with the manufacturer’s credit period, but reduces with that of the retailer. It also shows that while both players payoffs increase with the manufacturer’s credit period, the manufacturer’s performance is better-off. On the other hand, while the retailer’s payoff reduces with his credit period, the manufacturer’s payoff increases continuously. Thus, it is rational for the retailer to opt for the optimal credit period instead of over elongating the credit period. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:I. Nura, H.U. Jamo, I.Y. Getso, E. Tolufase, Olaseni M. Belo, U.I. Ismail, F.U. Musa, A. Yusuf Pages: 55 - 59 Abstract: The change in climatic patterns, depletion of fossils fuels and environmental issues have led to the search of alternative energy sources. One of these renewable sources of energy is biodiesel. This work investigates the effects of the addition of fly ash on the physical properties of transesterified calabash oil. The physical and chemical properties of fly ash were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Xray fluoroscopy (XRF) characterizations. The crude calabash oil was purified, transeterified and fly ash were dispersed in the trans-esterified oil with concentration ranging from 0.1% to 0.4% in the interval of 0.1% Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FTIR) was used to examine the structures of the samples were ester presence. SEM characterizations indicate the presence of dispersed particles with irregular shape on the nanoparticles. The pour point, fire point and the flash point of the samples were studied. It was found out among other things that small amount of fly ash (0.3%) in the oil could improve the physical properties of the fluid. The Nano fluid with 0.3% concentration of fly ash appears to have optimum physical property. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:H. ⃰Dangana , A.J. Dadah , N.V. Omole Pages: 60 - 63 Abstract: Onchocerciasis is a disease of public health concern in Nigeria caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted by a vector blackfly. The aim of the study was to evaluate the status of Onchocerciasis of some communities in Madakiya, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in five communities of Madakiya with a total of 100 respondents participated during the study. Serological screening was carried out using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RTD) kit with sensitivity of 74.8% and a specificity of 98.6%. Descriptive statistics was used in analysing data with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.00. All the participants (100) were negative with most of the respondents within the ages > 40 years with most involving in farming activities in the Area. Human activities such as the harvesting of crops, washing and swimming as some of the risk factor with no clinical symptoms. The findings of this study concluded that the rate of infection among participants was negative with most of the respondents been farmers within the age 40 years with most to had been bitten by blackflies and treated using Mectizan/Albendazole. There is need for mass testing of individuals in endemic areas and further ensure mass drug administration for complete treatment in order to break the transmission of the disease. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:A. Sagaya, A.A. Abdulrahaman, P.O. Oluwanisola, S.B. Tsoho Pages: 64 - 70 Abstract: Spent engine oil is one of the most common pollutants in the world. Its Disposal has been persistently problematic and adversely affects plant growth. Effects of different levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ml respectively in 5 kg of soil) of spent engine oil application on germination, survival, growth and leaf anatomy of Abelmoschus caillei (A Chev.) Stevels was investigated using completely randomized design in five replicates. Data collected on germination, seedling survival, growth and fruiting were subjected to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analyses version 21.0; while leaf epidermal features were determined using standard methods. Spent engine oil at 200 ml significantly (P<0.05) delayed and reduced seed germination from 4 days to 2 weeks for all plants and by 85.71%; plant height was reduced by 65.74%; number of leaves by 84.74%; and leaf area by 84.41% compared to the control. Number of stomata on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces was increased by 27.99% and 35.02%, respectively; stomata area on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces was reduced by 97.35%, and 95.59 (p< 0.05) respectively. There was no fruiting. Application of high concentration of spent oil in soil affected all the parameters considered in this study. Therefore, soil contamination with spent engine oil should be properly checked in order to ensure sustainable plant productivity. PubDate: 2023-04-22 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:O. Yahaya , H.G. Bishop , I.O. Umar, A.C. Enoch , D.A. Markus Pages: 71 - 74 Abstract: For good human health, substantial amount of vegetables are required in diet. The vegetables must be of good quality, fresh and free from parasites and other pathogens. Consumption of contaminated vegetables can cause infections instead of promoting good health. It is essential that vegetable farmers, distributors, sellers at local markets and final consumers should ensure the safety of fresh vegetables. Aim: This study examined 105 vegetable samples by sedimentation method for intestinal parasites, which were sold in five selected locations within Egah Market, Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: The samples comprised of cabbage (15), carrot (25), cucumber (25), pumpkin (20), and spinach (20). About 25g of each vegetable sample was weighed into 225mL of normal saline and washed gently using the hands with sterile gloves. The wash water was kept for 3-6 hr. to sediment, and the supernatant was discarded until about 15mL was left, which was transferred into a tube and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 min. The final sediment was examined for parasite using the light compound microscope. Results: Seventy-nine (79) out of the 105 vegetable samples had parasites, giving an overall prevalence of 75.2%. Individual prevalence of different parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides 71(67.6%), hookworms 11(10.5%), Trichuris trichiura 10(9.5%), Schistosoma mansoni 5(4.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis 5(4.8%), and Entamoeba histolytica 4(3.8%). The order of parasitic contamination of the vegetable types was carrot 21(84.0%), cucumber 20(80.0%), spinach 15(75.0%), cabbage 11(73.3%) and pumpkin 12(60.0%). Schistosoma mansoni was significantly found in cabbage and pumpkin samples (P=0.015). There were highly significant occurrences of the parasites at wholesale points compared to retail points within Egah Market. Conclusion: The fresh vegetables sold within the market are unsafe if eaten raw, or in salad. Such vegetables will require proper washing with clean and germ-free water, peeling or cooking before consumption to avoid parasitic infections. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Bright Obidinma Uba, Genevieve Onyinye Obiefuna Pages: 75 - 82 Abstract: To demonstrate the potential use of myco - synthesized silver nanoparticles in the nano -bioremediation of hydrocarbons contaminated soil and water using diesel oil as a model pollutant, a laboratory study with the objective of evaluating enhanced aerobic nano – bioremediation of diesel oil contaminated soil and water using was performed. The myco - synthesized silver nanoparticle was physico – chemically characterized using standard nanotechnological procedures. Soil and water samples were artificially contaminated with diesel oil and exposed to 5-, 10- and 15-mL concentrations of the myco - synthesized silver nanoparticle under ambient conditions for 60 days treatment periods. The results revealed that the physicochemical and spectral outcomes obtained confirmed the particle to be silver nanoparticle (AgNPs). The degradation of diesel oil residue after each treatment periods was evaluated spectrophotometrically. The result showed the ten and fifteen millilitre concentrations had the highest percentage degradative values of 93.40 % and 92.90 % after 60 days while the same concentrations had the lowest percentage degradative efficiency values 88.00 % and 84.90 % after day 1 in diesel oil contaminated water and soil, respectively. The exposure of AgNPs at different doses to waste diesel oil contaminated water and soil does not significantly (P > 0.05) quicken the nano - degradation of waste diesel oil. The reactions kinetics satisfactorily followed either first - order or second - order kinetics while the rate constant increases with a corresponding decrease in half -life time. Therefore, the study showed that myco - synthesized silver nanoparticle could be effective in the rehabilitation of diesel oil polluted environment. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:F.B. Abubakar , S. Ibrahim , R.O. Moruf Pages: 83 - 89 Abstract: Current aquaculture practices have a detrimental impact on the environment, in particular due to the release of high concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus that can induce eutrophication. To avoid these harmful impacts, phytoremediation could be employed. The phytoremediation of aquaculture wastewater with microalgae has great potential due to its high nutrient removal efficiency and low cost. In microalgae-based bioremediation, algae fix carbon dioxide and release oxygen by photosynthesis and increase biological oxygen demand in contaminated water. It is the use of microalgae to remove pollutants from the environment or to convert them into harmless form. Furthermore, aquatic animals require protein in large quantity, in which microalgae are excellent requirement to solve this need. They are required for larval nutrition either for direct consumption as used for mollusks and shrimp or indirect consumption as in case of live prey fed to small fish larvae. The aim of this review is to converse the role of microalgae in aquaculture and bioremediation of aquaculture wastewater PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:D.O. Makanjuola , Z. Labbo , D. Sidi , C.S. Egbulefu , R.O. Suleiman Pages: 90 - 96 Abstract: Nitrogen fixation in legumes takes place in the root nodules. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of Glomus spp. on root nodule number of four cowpea varieties grown on Alectra vogelii inoculated soil. The heat sterilized soil used for this experiment consisted of a mixture of top soil and sand in ratio 1:1 (v/v). Glomus deserticola and Glomus clarum were applied in five rates: the control without Alectra, control with Alectra, 10, 20 and 30 g/pot. A constant quantity of Alectra (3.3 g/pot) was maintained. Four cowpea seeds were planted per pot but later thinned to two seedlings per pot. Cowpea plants were sampled for root nodule number at 5, 7 and 9 WAP. The ANOVA of the three years data based on Glomus deserticola treatments showed that the control plus Alectra resulted in a significantly higher root nodule number (64.50) than the other treatments. Also, 30 g/pot Glomus clarum treatment resulted in significantly higher root nodule number (68.98). Both Glomus spp. treatments resulted in higher values in cowpea variety SAMPEA 7. From this study, Glomus clarum treatment at 30 g/pot, is recommended for increased nodulation of cowpea varieties on an Alectra vogelii infested soil. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:I. Shehu , S.B. Sanusi, H.K. Saka Pages: 97 - 100 Abstract: This study was designed to determine the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) seed at varying concentrations; against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp and Pseudomonas sp. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the S. aromaticum extracts was done using standard analytical methods. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of S. aromaticum were evaluated for antimicrobial activities against the isolates using agar well diffusion and broth dilution assay. The results of the phytochemical components revealed the presence of Alkaloid, Flavanoid, Tannin, Saponin, Glycosides, Terpenoid and Phenol in the extracts. Ethanol extract of S. aromaticum displayed antibacterial activity against all the tested organisms with highest activity (27mm at 100mg/mL concentration) on Salmonella. The aqueous extract of clove was found to be less active, though, it was active against all the organisms tested, with highest activity on Salmonella sp (24mm at 100mg/mL concentration). Both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed MIC at 6.25 mg/mL on all the tested isolates with the exception of aqueous extract against E. coli that showed MIC at 12.5 mg/mL. MBC was only observed on ethanolic extract against Salmonella sp. and S. aureus both at 6.25 mg/mL. The results provide a scientific basis for the centuries-old traditional usage of S. aromaticum. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:H.D. Kabiru, K.B. Ahmad, N.M. Bello, S.O. Paul Pages: 101 - 105 Abstract: Herbal preparations, usually containing highly concentrated crude drugs of plants materials have been used traditionally to treat various disorders in developing countries including Nigeria. In this work, herbal preparation in form of hydrogels containing Moringa oleifera leaf extract were formulated and evaluated for phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities using standard procedures. The result obtained shows the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the M. oleifera leaf extract to be 288.59±34.18 mg GAE/g and 242.19±32.40 mg GAE/g respectively. The result of the antioxidant activities revealed that HG2 (10%) hydrogel possesses higher scavenging activities compared to HG1 (5%) hydrogel at different concentrations. The antimicrobial activity of the hydrogels was found to be higher for GH1 (5%) in most bacteria across various concentrations while Candida albican showed higher sensitivity to HG2 (10%). Hydrogels are excellent drug carriers that ensure controlled release of active ingredients. An uncontrolled release of active component of herbal preparations and lack of proper dosage may contribute to adverse side effects recorded for traditional herbal preparations. Development of carrier systems that control the release of active ingredients of herbal drugs is strongly recommended in order to minimize the negative side effect of these preparations. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:A.O. Olaniyi Pages: 106 - 113 Abstract: Globally, mangrove forest covers approximately 84,000km2 in 105 countries. In Nigeria, mangrove forest cover an area of 10,500km2 making it the largest in Africa and the third largest in the World. Mangrove is important as a source of construction, energy and industrial raw materials as well as ecosystem services. Despite these benefits,, there have been large scale degradation of the mangrove forests across the globe. Mangrove forest resources in Nigeria were analyzed for the dynamics in aerial extent with the aim of providing scientific evidence for the adoption of state specific restoration policies. Spatial datasets of national and sub national mangrove forest were disaggregated from the global mangrove forest datasets using Spatial Analysis module in ArcGIS 10.6. Results of the analysis showed that in 1996; Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states had the largest mangrove forest resources (40.94%; 25.30 % and 25.12%) while, Lagos, Ondo and Edo had the least (0.46%, 0.37% and 0.28%) respectively. However by the year 2016; Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta had 40.76%; 25.37% and 25.22%. Whereas Lagos, Edo and Ondo had 0.44%, 0.28% and 0.26% respectively. Between 1996 and 2016, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states have lost 8,274 ha 4,824 ha and 2,281 ha of their mangrove forests at the rates of 413.7; 241.2 and 114.1 ha/annum respectively. The variation in the annual rate of loss in mangrove per state gave indications for the need of state specific mangrove restoration and protection policies at sub national levels. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:K. Abdulfatai , S.B. Sanusi , A. Usman, S.M. Lawal , H. Idris Pages: 114 - 119 Abstract: This study determines the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among women with urinary tract infections attending antenatal care in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital Kaduna, Nigeria. A total of 230 mid-stream urine samples were collected and the organisms were identified using cultural (MacConkey agar and Cetrimide agar respectively) and biochemical methods. Antibiotics susceptibility test was performed using commercial disc. The overall UTIs prevalence was 22.17% (51/230) among which 14.78% (34/230) were Klebsiella pneumonia and 7.39% (17/230) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Klebsiella pneumonia was most sensitive to Augmentin, Ciprofloxacin (100% susceptible to the isolates respectively), and Amoxicillin (88.24%). It was moderately sensitive to chloramphenicol (67.65%), Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (44.17%), Gentamycin (38.24%) and Pefloxacin (29.24%), while being least sensitive to Sparfloxacin (26.41%), Streptomycin (26.41%) and Ofloxacin (Tarivid) (11.76%). The highest susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in Amoxicillin (94.12%) followed by Ciprofloxacin (84.35%) and then Augmentin (76.47%), while being least susceptible to Chloramphenicol (41.18%), Sparfloxacin (35.29%), Pefloxacin (23.53%) and Tarivid (14.23%). On the other hand, isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from the urine cultures exhibited intermediate susceptibility to Streptomycin (70.59%), Septrin (64.71%), and Gentamycin (58.82%). In conclusion the uropathogens examined were 100% susceptible to Augmentin and Ciprofloxacin for Klebsiella pneumonia and Amoxicillin was more sensitive to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Health education among women, especially pregnant mothers, on the risk, transmission and prevention of infection with uropathogens should be embarked upon by relevant authorities. Furthermore, health care personnel should be proactive in taking steps to prevent nosocomial transmission of these pathogens during antenatal visits of expectant mothers. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Daniel Elisha, Daniel H. Isaac, Muhammad S. Abubakar, Kure Nicodemus, Peter Anthony, Sarki H. Sunday Pages: 120 - 124 Abstract: This paper is aimed at estimating Radio Frequency (RF) radiation absorbed by humans around Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) within Kaduna metropolis. RF radiation absorbed by humans from forty two (42) selected (BTS) tagged M1 to M42 of the four major network providers (MTN, 9mobile, Airtel and Globacom) within Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria within radial distance intervals of 20 ð‘š to 100 ð‘š from the foot of each BTS were estimated. The Average Power Density (ð‘ƒð·ð´ð‘£ð‘’.) and Specific Absorption Rate (ð‘†ð´ð‘…ð´ð‘£ð‘’.) of data obtained from these BTS were computed, and the results indicated that the average amount of SAR for the selected forty two (42) base transceiver BTS facilities were within the range of 16.9−331.7×10−9 ð‘Š/ð‘˜ð‘” and 0.648– 10.659×10−6 ð‘Š/ð‘š2 respectively. These values are lower than the recommended limit by International Commission on Non Ionization Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which is 0.08 ð‘Š/ð‘˜ð‘” for the human body. This study has shown that RF radiation absorbed by people either residing or transiting the study area has negligible effect on their health. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:M.B. Saidu , M; Kasim , M.K. Maharazu , A. Isa Pages: 125 - 132 Abstract: In an effort to close the financial gap between the banked and unbanked Nigerian population, mobile money services have been introduced. The alternative banking provides access to financial services for individuals who do not own bank accounts, thereby promoting a cashless society in the country. It provides a platform for small savings for low earners, especially the rural populace, and also facilitates the transfer and receipt of money and payments for goods and services in a more convenient manner. However, many studies have revealed low user acceptance for this alternative banking service in Nigeria. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the determining factors for the acceptance of mobile money services in Nigeria using the self-service technology acceptance model. An online questionnaire was shared among online users of smart phones across the country using survey methodology, from which three hundred and eighty-nine responses were analyzed for the study. The result revealed that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have significant influence on user acceptance of mobile money services in Nigeria, while need for interaction and perceived risk of mobile money acceptance were found to have insignificant influence on the acceptance of alternative banking services. The study will guide policymakers regarding mobile money service implementation strategies. The study emphasizes the recommendation that mobile network operators and financial institutions increase their efforts to make mobile money platforms more user-friendly and valuable. It further suggests future research consider more determinants like ethnicity, literacy, trust, security, and others. PubDate: 2023-04-23 Issue No:Vol. 18, No. 1 (2023)
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