Science World

Alysicarpus ovalifolius (Fabaceae) is an herb used in the preparation of a tea consumed as energy booster. This study was aimed at assessing its acute toxicity profile by determining in mice the LD50 of an aqueous extract of Alysicarpus ovalifolius prepared by decoction. The oral acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Alysicarpus ovalifolius (AO) was determined in mice using the Lorke's method. Animals were observed for signs of intoxication and mortality for a duration of 14 days after which organs of the animals were collected, weighed and processed for histological assessment. The extract did not produce any mortality at the doses administered. No change was recorded in the relative organ weight of isolated organs. No morphological alterations were observed on macroscopic and histologic assessment of systemic organs. The LD50 was estimated to be greater than 5g/kg, therefore the aqueous extract of Alysicarpus ovalifolius may be considered as having low potential to cause toxic effects on acute oral administration.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global public health threat, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the patterns of antibiotic misuse and its association with demographic characteristics, knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviors among 423 adults in North Eastern Nigeria. The findings reveal widespread inappropriate antibiotic use, including self-medication (52.2%), incomplete courses (49.4% reported not usually completing), and sharing of antibiotics (53.4%). Self-medication and incomplete antibiotic use were significantly more prevalent among individuals aged 25-64 years, males, urban residents, and those with tertiary education. Poor antibiotic knowledge and prevalent misconceptions, such as the belief that antibiotics cure viral infections (56% of respondents), were significantly associated with higher rates of misuse. A significant number of respondents (26.0%) believed antibiotics are effective for all illnesses and engaged in self-medication. Furthermore, belief in the acceptability of sharing antibiotics (23.4%) and the safety of self-medication (15.6%) were strongly linked to misuse behaviors. Logistic regression identified self-medication (OR = 0.273, 95% CI: 0.182-0.409, p < 0.001) and sharing of antibiotics (OR = 0.431, 95% CI: 0.290-0.639, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of treatment failure. These findings underscore an urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including tailored education campaigns, stricter regulation of antibiotic sales, and promotion of the One Health approach, to curb antibiotic misuse and mitigate AMR in North Eastern Nigeria.

This paper presents a finite difference analysis of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) effects on convective flow of dusty viscous fluid incorporating viscous dissipation with respect to fluid and dusty particle. The criterion for the existence and unique solution is established and the properties of solution are examined. The dimensionless governing coupled non-linear partial differential equations governing the phenomenon were solved numerically using finite difference scheme. The effects of various parameters on the velocities are shown graphically and discussed. It is observed that both the velocity of the fluid    and dust particles    increases with an increase in Grashof number. Velocity of the fluid decreases with an increase in Magnetic parameter. Increase in Porosity parameter has little effects on the velocity of the fluid and that of the particle. Slight increase in volume faction of dust particles increases the velocity of the particles rapidly and increases moderately th...

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a stable food in many countries in the world including Africa. The present of heavy metals in the environment which are toxics affect the nutritional value of the rice. The accumulation of heavy metals in the body may lead to different health problems such as cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney failure. The study was conducted to access the presence of some selected heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, As, Ni, Zn) in rice sample using atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. Five sample of rice (EX-CHINA, CP, WHEETER-4, ROBBER, and YERMALINTA) which were cultivated in Damashewa village of Kirikasamma local government area were collected. Wet digestion method was used to destroy organic matter in the sample. The result of analysis showed that the concentration of Zinc( Zn) in all the four sample of rice range from (16.50-36.02mg/kg) and that of Cadmium Cd ( 0.05-0.18mg/kg) and that of copper Cu (7.02-22.20mg/kg) which is far below the safety limit of 50-100mg/kg for zinc and 0.4mg/kg for cadmium, and copper is 73.3mg/kg set up by the FAO/WHO (2001), this could lead to anaemia, renal damage, bones disorder and cancer of the lungs. While the concentration of lead Pb (3.57-16.24mg/kg), nickel Ni (2.50-11.24mg/kg) and that of Arsenic As (0.98-4.33mg/kg) is also above the set safety limit of 0.3mg/kg for lead. Based on this research all rice sample were highly contaminated with lead, arsenic and nickel as a pollutant. Thus, the need for physical examination of the consumers and inhabitants within the study area.

Hemorrhagic septicemia is caused by gram-negative bacterium of Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) strains. Most of the current vaccines against P. multocida have shortcomings. Presently, there is increasing efforts towards construction of recombinant clone for vaccine development against P.multocida. In this review an effort is made to look at some strong candidate genes, different protein bands from virulent strains and recent reported recombinant antigens. The possibility of developing a broad spectrum or cross protection vaccine for P. multocida is also discussed. It is hoped that withthe current development of three (3) completed genome sequence of P. multocida, stronger potential immunogens with broader spectrum will be identified. Furthermore whole genome sequence of other P. multocida strains will surely bridge the gap between diagnosis and vaccine development.Key words: Virulent, Vaccine, P. multocida, immunogens

Lassa fever is an animal-borne acute viral illness caused by the Lassa virus. This disease is endemic in parts of West Africa including Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. We formulate a mathematical model for Lassa fever disease transmission under the assumption of a homogeneously mixed population. We highlighted the basic factors influencing the transmission of Lassa fever and also determined and analyzed the important mathematical features of the model. We extended the model by introducing various control intervention measures, like external protection, isolation, treatment, and rodent control. The extended model was analyzed and compared with the basic model by appropriate qualitative analysis and numerical simulation approach. We invoked the optimal control theory so as to determine how to reduce the spread of the disease with minimum cost.

Background: The differences in time and geographical locations has significant effect on the mineral and phytochemical compositions of plants. Dacryodes Edulis obtained in June at Idu market, Abuja, FCT Nigeria, is a plant wildly grown in Nigeria especially in the tropical and semi tropical region and humid climate. The proximate, mineral, and phytochemical components of Dacryodes Edulis was examined in this study. Methods: The proximate constituent analysis was carried out using the Association of Official Analytical Chemist method. The mineral and phytochemical analyses were carried out using Flame Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy and standard procedures respectively. Results: The result of proximate analysis showed that Dacryodes Edulis consists of 1.96±0.01% moisture, 4.22±0.27% crude protein, 33.74±0.66% for crude fat, 9.67±0.29% ash and 50.41±0.61% carbohydrate. The mineral constituents showed that Dacryodes Edulis contains 272.0+3.00mg/g Iron, 10072.45+1.00mg/g Potassium, 8.40+0.20mg/g Copper, 4461.95+1.01mg/g Calcium and 756.67+0.90mg/g Magnesium. Conclusion: The results of African pear pericarp showed favorable comparisons in terms of moisture content, crude fat, crude protein, ash content, and carbohydrate content with the African pear seed. The findings indicated that eating enough African pear fruit pericarp could significantly help meet human nutritional needs for healthy growth and sufficient defense against diseases brought on by malnutrition.

The growing challenge of drug-resistant fungal infections necessitates the need for novel and effective therapeutic alternatives. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antifungal activity, and acute toxicity of Vitellaria paradoxa (shea tree) leaf extracts. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were screened for phytochemicals and tested against clinical fungal isolates using the paper disc diffusion method. Acute toxicity was assessed in mice following Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline 423. Both extracts contained alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and phenols; however, saponins were present only in the aqueous extract, while glycosides and carbohydrates were exclusive to the ethanolic extract. The ethanolic extract exhibited stronger antifungal activity (15.0 ± 2.0 mm to 19.0 ± 2.0 mm) than the aqueous extract (12.8 ± 0.3 mm to 15.6 ± 0.4 mm) at 200 mg/mL Microsporum canis showed the highest susceptibility, and the ethanolic extract demonstrated comparable efficacy to fluconazole against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Additionally, the ethanolic extract showed lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) (25 mg/mL) and MFCs (100-200 mg/mL) compared to the aqueous extract (MIC 100-200 mg/mL; limited Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFCs). No toxicity was observed at doses up to 4000 mg/kg in mice. These results highlight V. paradoxa ethanolic leaf extract as a safe and effective antifungal agent with therapeutic potential.

Oil spills are a regular occurrence in the oil industry in Nigeria, a process that results in the release of excess hydrocarbons into the environment, negatively impacting plant and animal species. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted on refined oil impacted and fire ravaged mangrove ecosystem to determine the effect of oil spillage on the edible periwinkle Tympanotus fuscatus. The results showed that recolonisation occurred one year after the pollution. Tympanotonus fuscatus was observed in higher numbers than other organisms that attempted recolonisation. Bioassays carried out to investigate the response of T. fuscatus to the refined oil product showed a 96hr Lc50 value of 104.68ml/L.

As part of the UNIDO/GEF/GCLME capacity development programme in the GC-LME countries, water and sediment samples were collected at some stations off Lagos Bar and off the Niger Delta. The nutrient levels were determined spectrophotometrically after appropriate color development following standard methods. Phosphate levels were relatively higher in the sediments. Phosphate and Nitrate levels in the water samples were higher than natural background levels. However, the phosphate and Nitrate levels obtained were similar to those obtained in previous studies on selected wetlands in Ghana. Nitrate levels were relatively higher in water samples while nitrite levels were generally lower than Nitrate levels.

The present study has undertaken to assess the impact of human activities on physicochemical parameters and nutrient distribution in the surface water of Ayetoro community in Ilaje area, South West, Nigeria. In the study, eight sampling sites along the river course have been chosen based on the objectives of the study and potential source of pollution. The physicochemical parameters-temperature, pH, DO, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolve solid (TDS) were measured in-situ using Hanna HI 9828. Nitrate (NO3 -), phosphate (PO3 2-) and sulphate (SO4 2-) were determined using standards methods and procedures. These were later analyzed using UV/VIS Spectrophotometer (Model-Jenway 6705). A comparison of the measured parameters with the national and international standards set by FAO (1973), FEPA (1991) and . Only TDS and EC concentrations were significantly different (ANOVA, p≤0.05) across the sample stations.

The safety of seafood (fish) from Nigerian coastal waters was studied using heavy metals as index of pollution using finfish samples from four locations (Badagry, Nun River, Sambreiro River, and Cross River). Pb, Cr, and Cd were found to be moderately elevated in 50%, 37.1%, and 35% of the samples respectively. In contrast, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe exhibited no discernable elevation. The distribution of heavy metals in finfish and safety status of the fish samples are discussed.

Tributaries of Lagos lagoon at Oworonsoki and Ebute Meta, known for residential and commercial activities were studied to assess the impact of coastal activities on Lagos lagoon. The mean levels of some parameters at the activity points gave evidences of pollution in the studied areas. The mean values for dissolved oxygen was 2.09 mg/l and chemical oxygen demand was 267 mg/l at Oworonsoki, while at Ebute meta, mean values for same parameters at the activity points were 1.16 mg/l and 786.5 mg/l respectively. The results obtained confirmed that the leachates generated from the activities at the studied locations contributed to the levels of some of the water quality parameters in Lagos lagoon.

Aba Epo in Ona Ara local government of Oyo State. The river flows through the thick forests of Idi Ose, Aperin, and finally into Omi. The river used to be clean until when the dumpsite located at Aba Epo polluted it from the influx of leachate runoff. The river under study was divided into three regions for sample collection. The upstream (US), point of discharge (POD), and downstream (DS). The collection design used was such that two (2), one (1), and three (3) samples of both water and sediment were collected at upstream, point of discharge, and downstream respectively. The selection of these points was influenced by accessibility to the river course. The condition of the river in wet season was also studied to know the impact in the worst case scenario. The distances of these points from the point of effluent discharge were measured. Composite sample of the leachate was also collected along the channel of discharge for analyses. The design was to enable the determination of the pollution potential of the leachate. Using the upstream portion as the background conditions, both the variation and impact of the leachate downstream were evaluated. Water samples for heavy metal determination were acidified in pre-cleaned plastic containers on the field. Each sample was collected in an acid-cleaned polypropylene bottle, which was rinsed three times with the sample water prior collection. Samples for nutrients were filtered with Whatmann GF/C, 1.2 mm pore size filters immediately to remove any large particles, plankton and bacteria. Poisoning with mercuric chloride (1 drop saturated solution per 100mL of sample) was also used to further aid in the preservation of the samples. Oxygen was fixed according to Winkler's method using Manganus sulphate and

Technology on semantic web services nowadays addresses only the synthetic services. These therefore provide limited sets of rigid services that cannot adapt to present contemporary changing environment. In this work, we propose an approach that would automate semantic service location, however, some conceptual model and assumptions that lead to identifying the solutions were defined. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of what a service means, various levels of abstraction and assumptions made on various elements that are involved in the location process were made. This was to ascertain the steps and kinds of descriptions that would be implemented to provide efficient and usable automated approach to web services. Additionally, we analyze the matching techniques that are of interest in locating services that would fulfil the requester's goals. However, the proposed model those not impose any restrictions on how to implement it for specific application but some useful approach for providing such implementation.

Mining is the removal of topsoil and vegetation in order to extract minerals found beneath the earth's crust. This can cause negative or positive impacts on bird species diversity depending on the extent of the activity (Botkins & Keller, 1989). It also changes the physical landscape, natural vegetation structure and composition, and may alter the wildlife species present in that area . Mining causes habitat fragmentation which is suggested to be an important factor causing declines in bird populations and the disappearance of the species (American Bird Conservation, 2008). Mining could encourage habitat heterogeneity where new ecological niches are created such as the wetlands and species richness is increased .

Mining is the removal of topsoil and vegetation in order to extract minerals found beneath the earth's crust. This can cause negative or positive impacts on bird species diversity depending on the extent of the activity (Botkins & Keller, 1989). It also changes the physical landscape, natural vegetation structure and composition, and may alter the wildlife species present in that area . Mining causes habitat fragmentation which is suggested to be an important factor causing declines in bird populations and the disappearance of the species (American Bird Conservation, 2008). Mining could encourage habitat heterogeneity where new ecological niches are created such as the wetlands and species richness is increased .

Monitoring the distribution of bird species across a landscape provides information on habitat occupancy and utilization. This study determined the distribution of the five sunbird species (variable sunbird, scarlet-chested sunbird, green-headed sunbird, copper sunbird and pygmy sunbird) known to exist within the Amurum Forest Reserve. The distribution was determined both within and outside the Amurum Forest Reserve and across the habitat types in the area (gallery forest, savannah scrub, and rocky outcrop) and anthropogenic scales (roads, houses, and farmlands). The study was conducted between September and October 2014 using presence and absence data. A total of 60 sample points was selected using stratified random sampling. The presence or absence of the candidate bird species was determined across all points after two visits. The study revealed the variable sunbird, Cinnyris venustus, as the most widely distributed of the five sunbird species; this sunbird species also occurred across all habitat types equally as compared to the scarlet-chested sunbird, Chalcomitra senegalensis, which was more skewed in distribution toward the rocky outcrop areas of the reserve. The sunbirds also appeared to utilize areas of anthropogenic disturbance when outside the reserve perhaps due to the presence of several green areas outside of the reserve. The uneven distribution of the bird species across the landscape could be a result of niche partitioning to avoid competition. Also, the lack of presence of the other sunbird species throughout the period of study was linked to their migratory behavior as reported in some literature studies. This study re-emphasizes the importance of the Amurum Forest Reserve as a good refuge for birds in the area.

Purpose-Identify the best model/method to accurately forecast the Value-at-Risk (VaR) and the Expected Shortfall (ES) of position. Methodology-The dynamic of each retained return series was estimated with one of retained GARCH-type model combined with one of retained probability distributions (normal, fat-tailed, and skewed) in each retained sub-periods (window). In each window (sub-period), the 1-day ahead VaR and ES were forecasted by using the best selected GARCH-type model. More than 4000 1-day ahead VaR and ES were forecasted with each retained model/method. Based on 252-day rolling-window, forecasted VaR and ES with each retained model/method were backtested around 3750 times. Findings-Our results revealed that the best fitting GARCH-specifications combined with skewed Student or GED distribution enable to accurately forecast VaR more often. However, the best methods based on the best fitting GARCH -specifications combined with the best fitting probability distribution do not improve the frequency of acceptance of the null hypothesis stating the accuracy of the method. The accuracy of models tends to deteriorate during crises periods. Modeling and forecasting the dynamic of retained series with skewed probability distributions (skwed student or wked GED) improve the forecasting accuracy of a parametric or semi parametric model. A performan model in sample may not perform well o ut sample. Forecasted VaR should be complemented with Stressed VaR or ES.

This study examines the changes in the urban growth of the city using empirical methods. First, the population growth was analysed to track changes between 1978, 1991, and 2016. Secondly, the city's physical, structural expansion was assessed from 1990 to 2016 using earth observation satellite images over the two epochs on supervised classification and the maximum likelihood criterion. The study generated digital maps of land use/land cover changes of the two epochs. Results showed that the developed area had increased from 8.93 % in 1990 to 22.1 % in 2016. Most expansion took place at the periphery of the town. Considering population indices, from 1978 to 1991, there was 9.6% growth and a tremendous growth between 1991 and 2016 of 227.6%. Considering population growth and spatial land cover change increase, there is over 200% growth of both indices. The study recommends the need for the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA to continuously monitor urban growth and compliance with the Master plan using similar empirical methods developed in this study.

Background: Hyperlipidemia represents several different disorders of lipid metabolism related to increased production, delayed degradation of atherogenic lipoproteins particles, or decreased synthesis. Such metabolic arrangements of lipoproteins are associated with serious health consequences including increase risk of atherosclerosis and its related disorders. Digitata extract has ability to reduce the hyperlipidemia this due to presence of pectin fiber, which is fermented in colon. Pectin may help lower plasma and liver cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL either by inhibition of cholesterol and bile acid absorption or due to increase excretion of this natural and acidic sterols. This study aimed to see the effect of Adansonia Digitata extract on lipid level in experimental Albino Rats. Methodology: It is experimental study performed on 25 albino rats weigh 150 -200 gm. 20 of them where induced for hyperlipidemia by cholesterol powder mixed with butter for two weeks. Adansonia Digitata extract in 70% ethanol, used as hypolipidemic herb in hyperlipidemic Albino rats. Different concentrations of it used including; high dose 3.75 g/ kg, medium dose 2.5 mg / kg and low dose 1.25 mg/ kg. A group of hyperlipidemic rats treated with the hypolipidemic drug (atorvastatin 10 mg), other group of rats used as negative control. Samples were collected after 12 hours of fasting from hyperlipidemic rats treated with extract of A. Digitata and the control groups. Lipid profile measurement after standardized meal, doses of Digitata extract, and hypolipidemic drug performed. Result: Adansonia Digitata reduce level of lipids with different doses. The high dose 3.75 g/kg shows highly significant decrease in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (P. values = 0.001, 0.039, 0.000

Wetlands are among the world's most valuable ecosystems, and changes in land use have an impact on their distribution, health, quality, functions, and provision of services. This study assessed how land use change and socioeconomic activities drove wetland conversion in Kaduna Metropolis from 1986-2023. Landsat images (189/053) and SRTM DEMs were obtained from the USGS. The index-based classification was used to identify and map the wetlands in the study area and was also used for land use/land cover analysis classification via eCognition 9.0. A land change modeler on Idrisi Terrset was used to carry out land use/land cover change detection and transition analysis. The analysis of the results revealed an overall accuracy of 92% (0.93 Kappa) for the 1986 classification and 90% (0.88 Kappa) for the 2023 classification. The LULC analysis revealed that built-up areas and vegetation increased by 194.9 km 2 and 60.9 km 2, respectively, whereas bare land decreased by 136.5 km 2. With respect to wetland dynamics, marshlands lost a total of 15 km 2 , riparian vegetation lost 28.6 km 2, and water bodies declined by 2.6 km 2. The study concluded that settlement expansion and agricultural activities are the primary drivers of wetland changes in Kaduna metropolis. The study therefore recommends the creation of buffer zones around the wetlands to prevent further encroachment.

This study assessed climate variability in Lere by examining the seasonal and annual variability and trends of rainfall and temperature, as well as the trends of meteorological drought. Temperature and rainfall data were obtained from NASA Power Data Access. The variability was examined using the Coefficient of Variation (CV), the trend was analyzed using the Mann-Kendall trend test, and the drought was examined using the Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The coefficient of variation revealed moderate variability in rainfall (18%) and low variability in temperature (minimum: 13%; maximum: 2%). The Mann-Kendall trend detected significant increases in minimum (Z = 3.014, p < 0.05) and maximum temperatures (Z = 0.23, p < 0.05), while rainfall exhibited a non-significant decreasing trend (Z =-1.431, p > 0.05). Seasonal trends showed significant increases in minimum and maximum temperatures (tau = 0.18, p < 0.0001) and a significant decline in rainfall (tau =-0.11, p = 0.004). Monthly trends mirrored seasonal results, with significant increases in minimum and maximum temperatures but non-significant decreases in rainfall. Drought analysis revealed durations of 25 and 30 months for SPEI-3 and SPEI-12, respectively, with maximum intensities of-2.762 and-1.975. All droughts exhibited significantly decreasing trends, underscoring the increasing climate variability in the study area. The study concluded that meteorological droughts are decreasing, even though seasonal and annual rainfall are decreasing. The study recommends that stakeholders should improve climate-smart agriculture practices while boosting afforestation activities to reduce the impacts of rising temperatures

Purpose: This study aimed at analysing the perceptions of the local population and the impact of their activities on the conservation of vultures. Methodology: This study was conducted at the periphery of Manda National Park (MNP) in the province of Moyen-Chari, in southern Chad. Semistructured questionnaires were administered in 24 villages and involving 300 people belonging to 7 different ethnic groups (Sara, Gouleye, Mbaye, Ndaye, Ngambaye, Peul and Sarakaba). A stratified random sampling was carried out for this purpose. Chi-square test was used to compare the different levels of local population perception. Findings: This study found that six (6) species of vultures were encountered in the study area, all belonging to the family Accipitridae, Order Accipitriformes with a predominance of Hooded Vulture, Necrosyrtes monachus (52.33%). Agricultural (70.32%), logging (24.4%) and pastoral (19.32%) practices were mainly prevalent in the local populations. The main threats to vulture populations in the study area include: food scarcity (95%), deforestation (57.33%), poaching (9.33%), use of vultures in the tradition (fetishes, cultural events) (7.66%) and the consumption of vultures (7%). This study made it possible to show the attachment of the population bordering the MNP to certain species of vultures in particular the white-headed vulture, Trigonoceps occipitalis and N. monachus of the study area through the totem, the myths and other clan or religious prohibitions; a factor that contributes to good humanbird cohabitation. This study also made it possible to assess the impact of human activities on vultures and offers opportunities to improve vulture conservation methods by involving local populations in conservation plans. The local populations of the PNM should be sensitized by the authorities in charge of wildlife management, on the importance of vultures in cleaning the environment, essential for health, and on the ecological importance of this taxon.

Purpose: This study aimed at analysing the perceptions of the local population and the impact of their activities on the conservation of vultures. Methodology: This study was conducted at the periphery of Manda National Park (MNP) in the province of Moyen-Chari, in southern Chad.  Semi-structured questionnaires were administered in 24 villages and involving 300 people belonging to 7 different ethnic groups (Sara, Gouleye, Mbaye, Ndaye, Ngambaye, Peul and Sarakaba). A stratified random sampling was carried out for this purpose. Chi-square test was used to compare the different levels of local population perception. Findings: This study found that six (6) species of vultures were encountered in the study area, all belonging to the family Accipitridae, Order Accipitriformes with a predominance of Hooded Vulture, Necrosyrtes monachus (52.33%). Agricultural (70.32%), logging (24.4%) and pastoral (19.32%) practices were mainly prevalent in the local populations. The main threats to vultur...

The haematological changes in Sarotherodon melanotheron exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of 2, 2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) were investigated. A total of 180 (mean length 14.81±3.66cm; mean weight 102.99±11.99g), were exposed using static renewal assay to different concentrations (0.00-control, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mg/L) of DDVP for 15 days. The experiment assessed the sub-lethal effects of the exposure on some haematological parameters such as Haemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), and differential counts such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and oxygen carrying capacity (OCC). The results obtained indicated a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the values of Hb, RBC, PCV, lymphocytes, MCHC, and OCC, with increasing concentrations of the chemical. However, exposure of S. melanotheron to DDVP resulted in significant (P<0.05) increases in the values of WBC, neutrophils, monocytes, MCV and MCH when compared to the control values. Exposure of this specie to sub lethal levels of this chemical distorted some components of its haematological parameters, which may lead to abnormal metabolism of the fish. Therefore, there is need for proper disposal of domestic wastes containing chemicals into the aquatic environment.

This manuscript investigates the complex interplay of electrical conductivity, free convective flow, micropolar effects, and chemical reactions in immiscible fluid flow within a vertical channel. A comprehensive mathematical model is formulated, incorporating conservation equations for mass, momentum, angular momentum, energy, and species concentration. The numerical solution is obtained for solving the complex set of coupled partial differential equations, analytical approach such as the differential transform method (DTM) will be employed to analyze the behavior of immiscible fluids under these combined phenomena. The study provides valuable insights into multiphase fluid dynamics and offers practical implications in various engineering and environmental applications. Our results hold good with Prathap Kumar et al. [1] in the absence of micro rotational term.

Mean Sea Level (MSL) is the average height of the sea for all stages of tide over 19 years; and it is obtained through tidal analysis. This research work aims at determination and assessment of the MSL for the Bonny port. Tidal data of 1980, 1994 and 2018 years of observation were employed using the Least Squares Adjustment method with MATLAB programming codes for data processing. The results of the monthly analysis were compared and subjected to statistical analysis (Mean, standard deviation, t-test and Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The difference between the computed 1980 yearly mean and that of 1994 is 3.0 mm; while that of 1994 and 2018 is 5.1 mm. The yearly variation for 1980 to 1994 is (3.0/14) mm = 0.20 mm; and for 1994 to 2018 is (5.1/24) mm = 0.21 mm. The variation for 1980 to 2018 is (0.20-0.21) mm. The results show gradual rise in MSL for the period of 1980 to 2018 as further explained by the month and the year variables. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a gradual rise in sea level of about 0.01 mm for the period of study in Bonny which does not take into consideration the subsidence phenomenon. Although, the rate is low, however, the results suggest that the relative sea level could be much higher because there is a lot of fluid extraction.

Malaria is one of the most important of infectious diseases in the tropics and sub-tropics. The search for antimalarial compounds has been necessitated by P. falciparum resistance to almost all antimalarial drugs. In this study, the in vitro antimalarial activities of the aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts of Vernonia amygdalina , a plant used by traditional healers to treat malaria and other diseases, was evaluated against 14 fresh isolates of P. falciparum from Damboa, Borno State, Nigeria. Acute toxicity test and antiinflammatory activity of the extracts were also determined. There was a significant inhibition in schizont maturation relative to control (P = 0.05). Ethanolic extract exhibited higher antimalarial activity of 78.10 %, IC50 of 11.2 μg/ml and aqueous extract had an activity of 74.02 %, IC50 of 13.6 μg/ml. Both extracts showed moderate antimalarial activity. The extracts exhibited negligible toxicity in rats and showed a good measure of anti-inflammatory activity. Th...

Medicinal drugs of low-quality likely due to microbial contamination can result in increased morbidity and mortality thereby reducing the human population and may also result in emergence of resistant strain organisms in the environment. Studies suggest that there are a lot of counterfeit and substandard anti-tuberculosis drugs in circulation especially in Africa that are used for the treatment and control of tuberculosis whose damage on public health were mostly underestimated. Research on microbiological quality of anti-TB drugs is regrettably inadequate and scarce with most of the researches focused only on determining the active pharmaceutical ingredients of the drugs. This research aimed at assessing the microbiological quality of the anti-TB drugs used at DOTS Centres and Pharmacies within Kaduna metropolis, specifically to determine the total aerobic microbial count, total combined yeast and mould counts, the presence of indicator organisms; Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as the susceptibility of the isolates to standard antibiotics. A stratified random sampling was used. A total of fifty-two (52) samples comprising of Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Isoniazid, Ethambutol and 4FDC were collected for the study. Methods specified in the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP, 2019) under the test for specified organisms and enumeration test were adopted for this research work. The study conducted established that the anti-TB drugs used at DOTS centres and Pharmacies within Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna, Nigeria do not contain any of the indicator organisms but some of the selected anti-TB drugs are contaminated with other strains of microorganisms with some not meeting the requirement for total aerobic microbial count and total yeast and mould count. The microbial contaminants found include species of; Bacillus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Penicillium, Fusarium, Alterneria, Curvularia, Aspergillus, Candida and Sporotricum. Some of the selected isolates obtained from the selected anti-TB drugs were not susceptible to the standard antibiotics used; Augmentin, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Amoxicillin and Ofloxacin, with highest resistance recorded in Amoxicillin for all the bacterial isolates. However, all the Candida species were susceptible to the antifungal drugs; Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, Clotrimazole and Itraconazole.

Rapid Assessment Method (RAM) were carried out to assess the current situation of Onchocerciasis after repetition of annual community directed distribution of Ivermectin in Zainabi and Ririwai of Doguwa Local Government area of Kano State. Certain manifestations, like nodules, leopard skin and blindness, were used to measure the endemicity level in the community. The subjects of 30 -50 years who are engaged in rural occupation, resident in that community, were examined for the presence of nodules, skin lesion and blindness. The common manifestation in both communities is nodules with 3 (3.40%) and 2 (3.44%). Leopard skin and blindness were found in Zainabi with 2 (2.27%) and 2 (2.27%). The manifestation of Onchocerciasis was found in older age groups of 49 -70 and 50 -69 respectively, which give an indication that the disease was eliminated in the community due to mass distribution of Ivermectin in the previously known endemic community. We recommend mass distribution of Mectizan in other identified endemic foci.

The resistance status of Anopheles gambiae s.l. Giles, 1902 and Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762 collected from different breeding habitats in southern guinea savanna of Kaduna State was investigated. The larvae were collected from swamps, rock and mountain pools, reared and fed with baker's yeast and grounded biscuits in separate containers to adulthood. Susceptibility test was conducted on the adult mosquitoes using 0.75 % permethrin impregnated paper embedded in World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic test kit following standard procedure. Knockdown rate was recorded at 5 min interval for 1 hr and the final mortality was determined at 24 hr post exposure time. Fifty (50) and ninety five (95) percent knockdown times (KDT50 and KDT95) were evaluated using the probit analysis. The result shows that the knockdown for all mosquitoes collected from the three breeding habitats were 100 %. The percentage mortalities for Anopheles from swamps, rock pools and Aedes from mountain pools were 100 % while 98.7 % was obtained for Anopheles from mountain pools. Fifty (50) and ninety five (95) percent knockdown times were between 10.72-12.45 minutes and 21.38-24.56 min respectively. The results show that all mosquitoes tested are susceptible to 0.75 % permethrin which suggest that the insecticide can be used effectively for the control of these vectors in the ecological zone.

Background: This study was carried out to determine the blood pressure changes in experimentally Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected Wistar albino rats and diminazene aceturate-treated rats. Methods: Twenty-four rats were purchased and divided into four groups consisting of six rats each. Control group (CON) received 0.5 mL of distilled water, i.m., infected but not treated group (INF) received 2×106 trypanosome/mL i.m., infected but diminazene aceturate-treated group (INFDIM) received 2×106 trypanosome/mL, 3.5 mg/kg, i.m.) and non-infected but diminazene aceturate-treated group (DIM) received 3.5 mg/kg, i.m. and served as negative control. The blood pressures were measured using a CODA 2® non-invasive blood pressure monitor (Kent Scientific, USA). The results were compiled and statistical analysis was done with significance set at p≥0.05. Results: The values of the blood pressure readings of the Trypanosoma-infected INF (137.0±2.0 mmHg) and diminazene-treated rats INFDIM (125.0±7.5 ...

Crinum jagus, Icacina trichantha and Solanum erianthum are used in ethno-medicine for the treatment of cancer. This study screened different parts of these plants (leaves and bulb of C. jagus; leaves and tuber of I. trichantha; and leaves and stem of S. erianthum) for cytotoxicity. Dried samples of these plant parts were extracted successively with hexane, ethylacetate and methanol using the maceration method and concentrated to dryness using a rotary evaporator. Cytotoxicity studies on the extracts were carried out using the brine shrimp assay at concentrations of 10 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL (in triplicates). The response of the nauplii to different concentrations of the extracts was observed after 24 h. The LC50 value was used as a measure of the toxicity of the extracts. The LCc50 values for the different extracts of the leaves and bulb of Crinum jagus ranged between 0.251 μg/ml and 10.280 μg/ml. Values ranging between 9.992 μg/mL and 192.602 μg/mL were obtained for the le...

Vultures are highly effective scavengers but face numerous threats that increase their extinction risk. Globally, vulture populations are declining due to various anthropogenic factors that impact their abundance and distribution. Despite large declines, most populations of vultures remain unassessed, especially in Africa. We assessed the abundance and spatial distribution of the critically endangered Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) across urban and rural areas of the Cape Coast metropolis in southern Ghana. We conducted Hooded Vulture counts at verified permanent roosts and feeding sites simultaneously during the wet and dry seasons. We found an average of 50 6 10 (SD) and 50 6 13 vultures in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, at the selected study areas. Vulture counts did not vary with season, but did differ by age. Adults outnumbered immature birds in the study area by a ratio of 3:1, suggesting possible population viability issues in the future. We investigated spatial distribution using past and present vulture occurrences from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility dataset and observations from this study. Using maximum entropy modeling, we investigated the influence of eight environmental variables on spatial distribution. Distance to food sources and roads-key proxies and indicators of human activitywere the most important factors influencing vulture distribution. We also found five permanent roosts and eight feeding sites in the study area. This study provided valuable baseline data for future conservation and monitoring. We recommend additional research and focused conservation initiatives, particularly targeting stakeholders around sites of the local vulture populations.

Weed is one of the main reason for getting less production in agriculture field. At present, farmers are using herbicides to control the weed but it's having negative impact on crop production. To increase the crop production, farmers want to reduce the usage of herbicides. One of the machine learning algorithm, convolution neural network used to classify the weed and crop with high accuracy. CNN gives the best performance in some critical situations also, such as collected images of different lighting conditions, identification of plant species, overlapped crop with weed and designing an autonomous patch sprayers. This review article presents a brief overview of some significant research efforts in weed detection system by using image processing techniques and convolution neural network in machine learning algorithms. Not only CNN, this article reviewed different successful machine learning techniques of supervised and unsupervised learning approaches such as support vector machines, random forest and artificial neural network. This paper aims at providing different challenges and imperatives of various convolution neural network algorithms used in weed detection. Finally, compared different convolution neural network architectures and finds the best CNN architecture used for weed identification system with respect to accuracy.

This study explores the modelling performance of EGARCH-X using the skewed student's t, normal, and student's t innovations. The aim of the study was to determine the innovation that best captures the asymmetry and kurtosis exhibited by the returns on financial data. The descriptive statistics revealed that the distributions of returns on the stock prices were skewed and leptokurtic. The unit root test was carried out using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test. The result of the unit root test reveals that the returns on the series were stationary. The ARCH LM-test detected the presence of ARCH effects. The mean equation was estimated, and the EGARCH-X (1,1) model was fitted to the data, incorporating three exogenous variables (daily opening price, daily low price, and daily high price). The goodness of fit of the models was tested using Akaike Information Criterion, Bayesian Information Criterion, and Log-Likelihood. The models' performance, based on Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), and Log-Likelihood, revealed that EGARCH-X (1,1) with skewed student's t innovation performs better than EGARCH-X (1,1) with normal and student's t innovations. The findings of the study further revealed that volatility persists longer in the models with Student's t innovations, suggesting a slower mean-reverting process pertinent for an appropriate forecast of the financial market.

This study aimed at the determination of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from herbal drugs hawked in Onitsha Anambra State. The microbiological purity and antibacterial characteristics of six Nigerian herbal remedies with the stated efficiency of healing all manners of microbial infections were evaluated. The herbal remedies were discovered to be contaminated with Original Research Article the following microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus sp, Salmonella spp and E. coli. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the herbal remedies revealed the presence of saponin, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinone and cardiac glycosides which suggest possible antimicrobial effect. The maximum activity of the herbal remedies in the test isolates was observed on Staphylococcus aureus, which showed clear zones of inhibition with diameters ranging from 7.00 to 13mm for the six herbal drugs respectively while it had low activity on E coli, with clear zones of inhibition of 6.00mm, to 14.00mm. The herbal extracts have shown appreciable antimicrobial activities comparable to the currently prescribed modern drugs tested. As a result, additional investigations on clinical efficacy trials, safety, toxicity, and affordability analyses must be initiated as soon as possible in order to proceed to the final step of synthesizing precursor molecules for novel effective antimicrobials.

The radioactivity analysis of gross alpha concentrations were comprehensively carried out in portable drinking sachets water samples collected from sixty different locations in Abuja province, Nigeria. Using the low background gas free proportional counter (MPC-2000B-DP model) detector, the gross alpha activity concentrations values measured in the drinking water samples ranged from (0.0025±0.0001)mBqL to (0.0969±0.0001)mBqL. The computed mean gross alpha activity concentrations and mean effective equivalent dose of alpha emitters were (0.0338±0.0001)mBqL and 0.0145mSvy respectively. The obtained results revealed that the overall average effective doses for all the measured portable drinking water samples were much below the limit value of 500mBqL and reference level of 0.1mSvy recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and poses no significant radiological health concerns.

This research work evaluates the performance of advance GARCH family models in modeling and forecasting of petroleum pump price in the event of extreme data outlier and volatility in Nigeria by addressing the problems related to extreme outliers and asymmetric shocks in traditional methods. The study compares EGARCH for leverage effects, Robust-GARCH with MM-estimators/GM-estimators for outlier resistance and traditional GARCH and FGARCH models using monthly data from 2000 to 2023. The predictive capability of Robust-GARCH(GM) reaches its best level (lower MAE and RMSE) through its ability to reduce extreme values such as the 2023 price spikes which is supported by Diebold-Mariano tests at p = 0.01. The most critical step in parameter estimation relies on logdifferencing because it transforms data and eliminates erratic fluctuations that prevent stable variance results. The research provides reliable practical methodology to policymakers and energy analysts in utilizing the Robust-GARCH (GM) for market price predictions during crisis times and EGARCH for volatility analysis regarding subsidies. The findings develop a reliable approach to volatility analysis for commodity-based economic systems which supports risk management as well as energy policy creation strategies.

Canned tomatoes are widely consumed, but microbial spoilage can compromise their quality. This study aimed to identify the microorganisms responsible for spoilage in various brands of canned tomatoes from West Africa. Six popular brands were purchased from markets in Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana. Microbiological screening involves culturing, morphological, and biochemical techniques to identify spoilage organisms. Total bacterial counts observed in the study were Salsa (3.4 ± 0.22 × 10³), Gino (4.2 ± 0.31 × 10³), Sarah (5.8 ± 0.35 × 10³), Ginny (3.0 ± 0.34 × 10³), Derica (2.1 ± 0.14 × 10³), and Tasty Tom (2.2 ± 0.21 × 10³). Fungal counts include: Salsa (2.4 ± 0.30 × 10³), Gino (2.3 ± 0.51 × 10³), Sarah (2.4 ± 0.21 × 10³), Ginny (5.8 ± 0.12 × 10³), Derica (2.3 ± 0.13 × 10³), and Tasty Tom (4.1 ± 0.10 × 10³). Bacterial isolates included Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Clostridium spp., with Bacillus spp. (30%) being the most prevalent and Streptococcus spp. (10%) being the least bacteria. Fungal isolates comprised of Saccharomyces spp., Candida spp., Mucor spp., Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium spp., with Aspergillus niger (33%) being the most common while Mucor spp. (10%) being the least fungi. The study revealed significant microbial contamination in all canned tomato brands. High microbial counts indicate potential public health risks. Further research is crucial to understand the source of contamination. Implementing effective sanitization measures during production is essential to minimize spoilage and ensure food safety

Sugarcane production is threatened globally by smut and red rot diseases, which farmers in the study area take for granted because they see the diseases as natural calamities associated with large-scale cultivation of sugarcane. Incidence of smut and red rot diseases of sugar-cane in the study area was assessed between October 2016 and June, 2017. Thirty-two sugarcanes (800 per farm) were assessed on forty farms randomly selected from 16 towns/villages in Southern part of Niger State. Each of the sugarcanes aged between 6 and 10 months were observed visually for symptoms of the diseases. Number of infected sugarcanes was used to determine the percentage incidence of the diseases on each farm. Percentage incidence of smut ranged from 25.0 to 35.0 (Bida LGA), 20.0 to 22.5 (Gbako LGA) and 20.0 to 30.4 (Lavun LGA), while percentage incidence of red rot ranged from 5 to 6.5 (Bida LGA), 6.1 to 12.0 (Gbako LGA) and 5.4 to 9.3 (Lavun LGA). Significant pairwise differences at p≤0.05 existed ...

Ascaridia columbae is a parasitic nematode commonly infecting domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), leading to significant health issues and economic losses in avian populations. From April 2018 to March 2019, 130 domestic pigeons from Gharbia Governorate, Egypt, were examined, with 20.7% found to be infected. The high prevalence of infection may be attributed to the selection of weak, lethargic, and poorly growing pigeons. Morphological features of adult worms were studied both macroscopically and microscopically, with a focus on diagnostic traits such as body size, sexual dimorphism, anterior and esophageal structures, and reproductive organs. Detailed morphometric measurements were provided to support species identification. For molecular characterization, DNA was extracted from individual worms, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR amplification produced a fragment of approximately 900 bp in size. An 897 bp segment of the ITS rDNA sequences was submitted to GenBank with accession numbers OP215354 and OP215355. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the A. columbae samples from the current study are extremely similar to other A. columbae sequences, particularly those from Egypt and China. The genetic distinction between A. columbae and A. galli is evident, supporting the view that they are separate species with unique evolutionary paths despite sharing most morphological features. These findings provide new insights into the morphological and molecular characteristics of A. columbae, contributing to a better understanding of its epidemiology and genetic diversity in Egypt.

The recent surge in Diphtheria outbreaks across various regions underscores the imperative for proactive measures. This study delves into the effectiveness of examinations in controlling the transmission dynamics of Diphtheria. Through mathematical modeling techniques, we explore the impact of early treatment and other different parameters on the spread of Diphtheria within populations. Employing the next-generation matrix method, the basic reproduction number 0 () R is computed, revealing that the disease-free equilibrium state is locally asymptotically stable when 0 (1) R . This suggests that containment of diphtheria is achievable within a human populace where 0 () R remains below one (1), yet it transitions to an endemic state when 0 () R exceeds this critical value one (1). Sensitivity analysis provides crucial insights into the model's behavior and identifies influential factors driving the results. Simulations analysis demonstrates that measures targeting the early treatment and detection of infected asymptomatic individuals significantly reduce the transmission of diphtheria. The study contributes to the understanding of disease dynamics and provides valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare authorities in formulating effective strategies for diphtheria control.