Search

Assessment of the duration exposure-dependent effect of carbamate treated net on hepatic and renal functions of albino Wistar rats after 30 and 60 days was carried out. Serum ALT, AST and ALP levels were determined to assess liver function while serum creatinine and urea levels were measured for kidney function. Eighteen (18) male albino Wstar rats weighing 138-146g were divided into 3 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 served as control, group 2 animals were exposed to carbamate treated net for 30 days and group 3 animals exposed for 60 days. The results showed that the levels of serum AST and ALT increased in all the experimental groups exposed when compared to the control group. ALT increased significantly (p0.05) in the group exposed for 30 days but decreased in the group exposed for 60 days while serum urea level in the group exposed for 30 days remain unchanged but decreased after 60 days when compared to the control group. Statistically, there was a significant increase (p

Bryophyllum pinnatum is an important enthnomedicinal plant. The study assessed the effect of crude aqueous leaves extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum (CALEBP) on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), antioxidant status, lipid profile, liver and renal function indices in albino rats. The rats were housed under standard laboratory conditions (12h light: 12h dark photoperiod), 23± 2 ºC and were given rat pellets and tap water ad libitum. Twenty four rats weighing 190-232g were randomized into four groups (A-D) of six rats each. Group A (control) received normal feed and water only. Groups B, C and D received orally 180, 360 and 540 mg/kg body weight respectively of CALEBP for 28 days. Serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase, catalase, FPG, lipid profile, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, proteins, malondialdehyde, glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and electrolytes were assessed by standard methods. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and p

Water wells are usually dug by artisans who lack professional skills. Such wells are used at various homes in Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja for domestic purpose, on the assumption that underground water is safe. Thus, the suitability of such well water was assessed. The objectives were to assess their properties and compare with regulatory standard for domestic purpose. Thirty (30) water samples were purposely collected from six wards (Dobi, Ibwa, Paikon-Kore, Tungan Maje, Zuba and Ikwa). Five water samples were randomly collected from each ward for laboratory analysis. Laboratory results were statistically analyzed using range, mean, correlation and multiple determination coefficients. Suitability of water properties for domestic purposes was determined by comparing range and mean values with NSDWQ and WHO standard for domestic uses. Result showed that the concentrations of water properties ranges as follows: temperature (26.59-30.73oC), pH (7.17-8.23), electrical conductivity EC (222-354 μs/cm3), TDS (12.14-21.54mg/l), Turbidity (0.29-0.93NTU) hardness (13.58-39.72mg/l), chloride Cl-(4.29-8.93mg/l), Fe (0.54-0.71mg/l) and Cu (0.02-0.06mg/l).Water samples generally had low electrical conductivity (222-354 μs/cm3), and mineral nutrients but elevated concentration of some heavy metals. The twenty- three water quality parameters tested could explain 96% of the overall water quality leaving only 4% unexplained. All the samples fell short of regulatory standard in terms of EC, Fe and Cu while well water from Ikwa fell short of many heavy metals for domestic purpose. It was concluded that well water in Gwagwalada Area Council are not potable. Thus, treatment before direct consumption and precautionary use of well water were recommended for the residents. Keywords: Water quality, Heavy metals, Water pollution, Well

2-D modeling of high-resolution aeromagnetic data over the area investigated was carried out with the aid of Oasis MontajTM software in order to get the total magnetic intensity map as well as the residual map from where the modeling was carried out. The data was acquired for Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) in 2010 by Fugro international of Netherlands. The specifications of the data were terrain clearance of 80 m, flight line spacing of 500 m and a tie line spacing of 5000 m. The area investigated in this work is located between longitude 120 00' - 130 30' E and Latitude 80 00' – 100 00'N. GM-SYS module of the Oasis montaj was used for this research, with depocentres, structural patterns, basement geometry and morphology as well as estimates of the physical character of the cause to an investigated anomaly determined. The models reveal the horst and graben structures of the basement and the various faults that segmented the area into block patterns. The results revealed sediment thickness in the range of 2-5 km for the models which are in agreement with the results obtained by various researchers in the area. Horst and graben were identified in the models which confirmed the rifting nature of the Benue Trough. The authors of this research are of the view that these depocentres, structural patterns and basement geometry may be a promising site for hydrocarbon traps and reservoirs. Keywords: Aeromagnetic Data, GM-SYS, Modeling, Horst, Graben.

Background: Ethnic characteristics of individuals are best described with the skull. Cranial index is one of the most important variables for determining sexual dimorphism and of course racial differences. Parameters used in establishing cephalic index vary considerably depending on the age, sex, geographical habitat, ethnic background of the individuals involved and the methods employed. Such has not been documented in Calabar, especially with the use of advanced imaging modality such as the Computed Tomography (CT) scans. This is the rationale of the study. Objective: To determine the cephalic index of Nigerians residing in Calabar using CT scan. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 cranial Brivo 385 16 slice CT scan images of Nigerians aged from 18 to 87 years were obtained from the Asi-Ukpo Diagnostic Medical Centre Calabar. A simple random probability sampling technique was employed. Variables measured were the Maximum Cranial Length (MCL), Maximum Cranial Width (MCW), Bizygomatic Length (BZL) and the Orbital Length (OBL). The cephalic index was obtained by measuring the ratio of the maximum head width (MCW) or the Biparietal Diameter (BPD) to maximum head length (MCL) or the antero-posterior diameter then multiplied by 100. Results: Cranial length was 182.9 ± 0.657mm in males and 178.53 ± 0.09mm in females. Cranial width was 138.59 ± 0.56mm in males and 137.21 ± 0.65mm in females. The orbital length was 34.35 ± 0.31mm in males and 33.37 ± 0.29mm in females while bizygomatic length was 130 ± 0.31mm in males and 127.54 ± 0.84mm in females. Cranial index was 76.09mm in males and 75.81mm in females. No significant difference between males and females of the study population as the subject appears to be largely mesocephalic (p

This study was carried out to estimate and evaluate the growth performance and carcass yield of the black and pearl guinea fowl and their crosses. The following three mating groups were established: Pearl male X Pearl female (PXP), Black male X Black female (BXB) and Black male X Pearl female (BXP), from which a total of 317 guinea fowl keets were obtained in six hatches and used for the study. There were 100 PXP, 118 BXB and 99 BXPkeets. Growth parameters estimated were body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Carcass traits studied include live weight at point of slaughter, slaughter weight, dressed weight and dressingpercentage. Carcass traits were taken at 14 weeks of age. All the growth performance traits studied did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) across the genotype groups, except body weight at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age. Birds of the PXP pure line were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 10-14 weeks old than the other two genotype in this respect. The average bi-weekly body weight gains (g/bird) were 149.34, 126.78 and 124.24g and average daily body weight gains were 9.33, 9.06 and 8.87g for birds in the PXP, BXP and BXB genotypes respectively. The average daily feed intake were 47.92, 47.15 and 47.18g for the PXP, BXB and BXP genotypes respectively while average feed conversion ratios were 5.14, 5.22 and 5.32 for the PXP, BXP and BXB genotypes respectively. Significant differences were not observed among the genotype groups in all the carcass traits. The dressing percentages were 75.83, 75.17 and 74.50 for the BXB, PXP and BXP genotypes respectively. It was concluded that the genotype groups did not differ significantly in their growth performance and carcass traits due to a probable genetic relatedness among the ancestors.Keywords: Weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio, Slaughter weight, Dressing Percentage

The chemical profile of the Endocarp and Exocarp of yellow monkey cola (Cola lepidota) were investigated using chemical analysis. The results of proximate analysis showed that the endocarp has the following compositions: moisture (20.00+0.10%W/W), ash (4.00+0.11%DM), crude fibre (36.00+0.12%DM), crude fat (16.00+0.11%DM), crude protein (22.84+0.12%DM), available carbohydrate (21.16+0.12%DM) and the energy value (320.00+0.01kcal/100g) while the exocarp contained moisture (22.00+0.12%W/W), ash (8.00+0.11%DM), crude fibre (7.00+0.11%DM), crude fat (12.50+0.10%DM), crude protein (1.58+0.11%DM) available carbohydrate (70.92+0.11%DM) and the energy value (402.42+0.10 kcal/100g). The endocarp mineral elements analysis revealed that sodium (0.033+0.21 mg/100g), lead (0.004+0.12mg/100g) cadmium (0.002 +0.11mg/100) calcium (78.35+0.12 mg/100g), zinc (55.32+0.12mg/100), phosphorus (0.068+0.12mg/100g), iron (47.45+0.11 mg/100g) and manganese (0.09+0.31 mg/100g) while the exocarp mineral elements analysis revealed that sodium (0.011+0.11 mg/100g), magnesium (0.02+0.11 mg/100g), lead (0.02+0.12mg/100g), cadmium (0.03+00.12mg/100g), zinc (12.16+0.12mg/100g), potassium (17.21+0.12mg/100g), calcium (22.55+0.11mg/100g), iron (11.21+0.32mg/100g) and manganese (0.003+0.12mg/100g). The mineral element concentrations of cobalt, nickel and mercury were not detected in both endocarp and exocarp of cola lepidota. The toxicants composition analysis of endocarp revealed that hydro-cyanide, soluble oxalate and phytic acids contents were 0.54+0.01, 8.65+0.12 and 5.50+0.12 mg/100gDM respectively, while the exocarp revealed 0.09+0.12, 0.01+0.11 and 4.00+0.11 mg/100gDM respectively. The results of phytochemical screening of water extract (WE) of both endocarp and exocarp of cola lepidota shows the presence of polyphenols, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and saponins and the absence of phlobatannins, tannins, anthranoids and anthraquinones. The petroleum ether extract (PEE) revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and reducing sugars and also the absence of alkaloids, tannins, phlobatanins, anthranoids and authraquinones.KEYWORDS: Cola lepidota, Proximate Composition, Minerals, Nutritional and Anti-nutritional

Stream sediments of Obudu Plateau were investigated with a view to elucidating their geochemical features, mineralization potentials and element concentrations. Stream sediment samples were collected from Southern Obudu Plateau area and analyzed for 22 elements, comprising major and trace elements, using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The data obtained were statistically treated. Ba, Sr, Nb, Co, Pb, Ta and Na show moderate to high concentrations, when compared with threshold values of these elements. The concentrations of these elements in sediments of Southern Obudu show low mineralization potentials of pegmatites of the Obudu Plateau. The elements in Obudu stream sediments show perfect, strong, moderate and weak correlations among themselves, indicative of variations in their mobility.Keywords: Correlation matrix, Major and Trace Elements, Stream sediments, Threshold

In order to function in the increasingly complex healthcare environment, every nurse is required to have basic computer competencies, be able to access, use and evaluate relevant nursing information and possess information management skills. Nurse Faculty, Nurse/Midwife educators are vested with the responsibility of producing the crop of nurses who have the capabilities to fit into the current trend of nursing practice. Literature has shown that comprehensive informatics content is lacking in the nursing curricular at all levels of nursing education in Nigeria. There is preponderance of evidence showing that training in NI is critical in the delivery of safe and quality patient care. This paper examines the current state of nursing informatics education and use in Nigeria and proffer solutions for its future expansion. It is recommended as follows: Nursing programme accrediting bodies in Nigeria (National University Commission [NUC] and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria [NMCN] should modify their requirements to reflect the value of NI. NI should be incorporated into the nursing curricular at all levels. Nursing administrators such as Deans, Heads of Department, Director of Nursing Services and Principals as well as Nursing associations like National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives [NANNM] and Nigerian Association of University Nursing Programme [NAUNP], should create opportunities for faculty members, Nurse/Midwife educators to develop knowledge & skills required to teach nursing informatics. Faculty members & Nurse/Midwife educators should acquire informatics training and advocate for curricular changes that incorporate informatics and collaborate with colleagues in the clinical settings to provide opportunities for nursing students to utilize informatics tools.KEY WORDS: Nursing informatics, Nursing informatics education, Competencies, Health informatics.

Technology, especially that offered by Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), brought about by computer technology, has become one of the most popular avenues for transformation in every aspect of human endeavour. Information and Communications Technologies had equally reformed and transformed the world of education by presenting both learners and instructors with spices of motivators onto effective learning and teaching possibilities. This paper therefore examines one of these possibilities by the development of Instruction Delivery Expert System for Teachers and also the need and benefits of the proposed expert system. KEYWORDS: Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), Expert System, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Base, Inference Engine, Working Memory.

Measurements of key performance evaluation indices of telephone networks such as answer bid ratios, answer seizure ratios, call completion ratios, bids per circuit per hour, seizures per circuit per hour, per cent over flow, mean holding time per seizure and traffic carried in Erlang were made in Kaduna and Kano metropolises at determined peak hour periods. Their results show that there is poor quality of service as depicted from the low values of answer bid ratios, answer seizure ratios, call completion ratios and that challenges exist in service diversification, congestion, handoff, blocking and disparity in interconnection rates. This research work has also shown that although Nigeria has witnessed spectacular growth in the mobile telecommunications environment rising from one of the lowest mobile telephone markets to one of the fastest in the world, there is inadequate number of telecommunication operators and lack of sufficient transmission bandwidth and backbone infrastructure. Keywords : Key, performance, indices and telephone traffic, bids, traffic Global Journal or Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (4) 2008: pp. 467-472

No Abstract. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Physics Vol. 14 (1) 2008 pp. 9-12

No Abstract.GJPAS Vol. 13 (4) 2007: pp. 527-531

No Abstract.GJPAS Vol. 13 (4) 2007: pp. 537-539

No Abstract.Global Journal of Pure and Applied Science Vol.13 (1) 2007: pp.89-93

Pasting properties (gelatinization temperature gelatinization time, viscosity, ease of cooking and starch stability) of cassava, plantain and banana flours have been found to be affected by processing. Roasting and boiling, reduced peak viscosities drastically. Boiling reduced the peak viscosity of cassava from 1575 to 65Bu, decreases which ranged from 335 to 105Bu and 165 to 105Bu were also observed for banana and plantain respectively. Gelatinization temperature decreased with steeping time but increased with time of boiling while gelatinization time increased with steeping time from 21 to 23mins, 25 to 28mins and 25.3 to 35.Smins for cassava, plantain and banana respectively. Steeping also increased viscosity on cooling to 500C for plantain and banana only. All boiled samples had unstable starches while steeping enhanced the stability of banana and plantain flours but reduced the stability of banana and plantain flours but reduced the stability of cassava starch. Key words: Pasting properties, cassava, plantain and banana. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2003 9(4): 517-522)

This research was to conduct a chemical test to ascertain the percentage content and suitability of periwinkle shell wastes for glass industry. Results of the study show that periwinkle shells contain a high percentage (38.4%) of calcium oxide (Ca0). Other important oxides which were also found in substantial percentage were silicon iv oxide (SiO2): 0.014%; magnesium oxide (MgO) 18.70%; Aluminium trioxide (Al2O3): 0.211% and Iron oxide (Fe2O3): 0.019%. The result is discussed with particular reference to the glass industry. Key words: Periwinkle shells, calcium oxide, mollusc, glass industry. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2003 9(4): 491-494)

Moisture content, proximate composition and some functional properties (Water binding and Oil absorption capacities, pH and amylose content) of raw, steeped, boiled and roasted plantain (Musa paradisiacal) flours were analyzed. Results showed that properties like protein, pH and crude fibre content decreased remarkably with steeping time. For instance, protein content decreased from 1.43 to 1.17 percent while crude fibre content decreased from 0.48 to 0.35 percent. A decrease of 33.3 percent in crude fibre was observed due to boiling. Over a 100 percent increase was observed in the water binding capacity of the boiled sampled. Water binding capacity was affected in the order boiled > roasted > steeped > control. No significant change was observed for oil absorption capacity of the processed samples when compared with increase observed in water binding capacity. Key Words: Plantain, proximate composition, functional properties and processing (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2003 9(4): 503-510)

Pasting properties (gelatinization temperature gelatinization time, viscosity, ease of cooking and starch stability) of cassava, plantain and banana flours have been found to be affected by processing. Roasting and boiling, reduced peak viscosities drastically. Boiling reduced the peak viscosity of cassava from 1575 to 65Bu, decreases which ranged from 335 to 105Bu and 165 to 105Bu were also observed for banana and plantain respectively. Gelatinization temperature decreased with steeping time but increased with time of boiling while gelatinization time increased with steeping time from 21 to 23mins, 25 to 28mins and 25.3 to 35.Smins for cassava, plantain and banana respectively. Steeping also increased viscosity on cooling to 500C for plantain and banana only. All boiled samples had unstable starches while steeping enhanced the stability of banana and plantain flours but reduced the stability of banana and plantain flours but reduced the stability of cassava starch. Key words: Pasting properties, cassava, plantain and banana. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2003 9(4): 517-522)

This research was to conduct a chemical test to ascertain the percentage content and suitability of periwinkle shell wastes for glass industry. Results of the study show that periwinkle shells contain a high percentage (38.4%) of calcium oxide (Ca0). Other important oxides which were also found in substantial percentage were silicon iv oxide (SiO2): 0.014%; magnesium oxide (MgO) 18.70%; Aluminium trioxide (Al2O3): 0.211% and Iron oxide (Fe2O3): 0.019%. The result is discussed with particular reference to the glass industry. Key words: Periwinkle shells, calcium oxide, mollusc, glass industry. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2003 9(4): 491-494)

The problems that often arise in any business or commercial organisations are profit maximization and operating cost minimization. This work develops a heuristic framework, using computer science technology in Operations Research (OR) problems, as a contribution to the use of different techniques and/or models in combination (i.e. Coherent Pluralism). Three OR techniques are considered, and a computer high level language (QBASIC) is used to design a computer program (referred here as a computer model) that integrates these techniques. Typical data from a paint manufacturing factory are analysed. On the whole, the need for the implementation of OR techniques in management operations is emphasized. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(3): 347-356)

The high cost of seed yam is a serious constraint to water yam production. Therefore a two-year field trial was conducted at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm to evaluate dry matter accumulation and partitioning among various plant parts in water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) minisetts as influenced by portion of tuber planted and time of harvesting. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement. The main-treatments were portions of tuber planted (head, middle and tail) and the sub-treatments were time of harvesting (90, 180 and 270 days after planting – DAP). The results showed that portions of tuber planted had no significant effect on dry matter accumulation within leaves, vines, roots and tuber. Early in the season (i.e. 90 DAP), leaves, vines and roots collectively accounted for 67, 62 and 57% of the total plant dry matter for the head, middle, and tail portions, respectively; thereafter the dry matter content declined. However, as the plant matured, the partitioning ratios decreased for leaves, vines and roots, but increased for tubers. Similarly, dry matter accumulation differed significantly (p Key Words: Water yam, Minisett, Dry matter accumulation. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(3): 287-294)