Table of Contents

Evaluations of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Litter for Production of Biogas in

Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria

Y.M. Ngulde and D. Abubakar  …………………………………………………………….…………….…………..…        1- 12

Studies on the Morphology and Taxonomy of some Species of Tricholomataceae

in Zaria, Kaduna State — Nigeria.

Ali, B. D; Khan, A.U and Musa,……………………..………………………………………………            13-25

Antiplasmodial Activity of the Methanol Extract of the Roots of Aristolochia

Albida in Albino Swiss Mice

M. E. Khan, I. Toma, D. Y. Shingu and C..H. Wazis………………………………………………………               26-38

Health Risks of Environmental Pollution by Solid/Liquid Waste, And Cows

Droplets in Nigeria 

 Francis Enifo Oronsaye and Iyoha Osa………………………………………………………….…………               39-42     

Purification and Quality Evaluation of Linamarase (β-Glucosidase) Genetically

1Ikya, J.K,  1Ariahu, C.C.   2Ayatse,  J.O.I…………………………………………………………………….              43-54


PURIFICATION AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF LINAMARASE

(Β-GLUCOSIDASE) GENETICALLY

1Ikya, J.K,  1Ariahu, C.C.   2Ayatse,  J.O.I

1 Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi

2Federal university Dutsin-Ma

Email: aveyina@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Linamarase  (β-glucosidase)  was genetically engineered from genes (chromosomal DNA) and plasmids (circular DNA) isolated from bitter cassava and yeast respectively. Both genes  were restricted and ligated to produce recombinant gene (r-DNA) which was introduced into the nucleus of CaCl2 induced competent Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells which transformed into strains capable of producing genetically engineered linamarase (GELIN). Recombinant otherwise genetically modified yeast ( S. cerevisiae) cells at the stationary phase of growth were harvested, homogenized and centrifuged to obtain crude extracts designated as GELIN0. Carboxy methyl cellulose, diethyl amino-ethyl-sephadex and diethyl amino-ethyl-cellulose were used to purify the crude extracts resulting in GELIN1, GELIN2 and GELIN3, respectively and stored under refrigerated conditions before further study and commercial native linamarase (CNLIN) was used as control.  The physico-chemical characteristics of genetically engineered linamarase  from Saccharomyces cerevisiae as influenced severally by degree of purification, pH and temperature were investigated. The parameters on physico-chemical characteristics of the enzyme extracts such as impurity levels, molecular weights (Mwt), number of isoenzyme, sulphur amino acids (methionine and cysteine), purity fold, yield and the electrical charges were evaluated using standard methods. The ability of the enzyme extracts and a commercial native linamarase (CNLIN) to hydrolyse cyanogenic glucosides was challenged to evaluate optimum pH (pHopt), temperature (Topt), total activity, specific activity and enzyme efficiency.


HEALTH RISKS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION BY SOLID/LIQUID WASTE, AND COWS DROPLETS IN NIGERIA

 Francis Enifo Oronsaye1 and Iyoha Osa2

Department Of Medical lab. Science, University Of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Department Of Medical Microbiology, University Of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City

Email- esayfrankon@yahoo.com, nigeria.emaildrosaiyoha@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Introduction; The problem of environmental pollution is a huge health burden on developing countries of which Africa forms the major group the purpose of this study therefore, was to determine- the environmental health risks posed by cows that are allowed to traffick across Nigeria without adequate control, for the purpose of grazing and commercialization, discharging their droplets indiscriminately where ever they go. The pathogenic microbial contents of the cow. Droplets put the inhabitants of the area where these droplets are deposited at high risk of microbial infections. The analysis of the microbial contents of these droplets will be a useful index in putting up control and intervention measures to check the overall environmental health hazards, to which people in these areas are exposed.  Materials and  methods ;One hundred cows from the field among those trafficking along the majors high ways  were randomly selected for this study., their droplets we collected using sterile cotton wool  swabs and delivered to the laboratory with minimum delay for processing. and were examined bacteriological using routine methods in Medical Microbiology department of University of Benin Benin City Nigeria.  Results; Twenty-six enter virulent Escherichia coli strains belong to serotypes 01,026,015,044,0126,0127,00157,08,0159,044,0148,0159,08,0158 were isolated from the samples. Conclusion; this study shows a high health risks posed by cow droplets which constitute major solid waste in Nigeria among others.

Keywords: Droplets, Solid Waste, Environmental Pollution.


ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITY OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF THE ROOTS OF ARISTOLOCHIA ALBIDA IN ALBINO SWISS MICE

*1M. E. Khan, 1I. Toma, 1D. Y. Shingu and 2C.H. Wazis

1 Department of Chemistry Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria

2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

e-mail: emamulu@yahoo.com 

ABSTRACT

 Biological investigation of the efficacy of the methanol extract of the roots of Aristolochia albida, locally used in forms of decoction / concoction for the treatment of malaria, diarrhea and other related diseases  in kaltungo LGA of Gombe State and Gwoza LGA of Borno State, both in North Eastern Nigeria.  Here, the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of the methanol extract of the roots of Aristolochia albida was evaluated in plasmodium berghei berghei infected mice. Oral acute infection, prophylactic effect against residual infection and the mean survival time using chloroquine sensitive plasmodium berghei berghei NK65 infected mice. The Oral median lethal dose of the extract in mice was determined to be about 5000mg kg-1 body weight. The extract at doses of (100, 200 and 400mg kg-1b.w.) used, produced significant (P< 0.05), dose dependent activity against the parasites in the suppressive, curative and prophylactic tests. The results suggest that the methanol fraction of Aristolochia albida possesses antiplasmodial activity and thus lends credence to its ethno medical, folkloric, and its tropical African indigenous usage for the cure of malaria.

Keywords: Aristolochia albida, Plasmodium berghei berghei, in vitro, prophylactic-test, Swiss Mice


STUDIES ON THE MORPHOLOGY AND TAXONOMY OF SOME SPECIES OF TRICHOLOMATACEAE IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE — NIGERIA.

Ali, B. D*1; Khan, A.U2 and Musa, H2

1Department of Biological Sciences, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa  

2Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna

E-mail: lammababs@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

A detail morphologocal description of six taxa belonging to the family Tricholomataceae was carried out. The taxa were described and identified using conventional keys, as Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca, Pleurotus sp, Ompholatus olivascens, Cantharellus infundibuliformis,Cantharocybe gruberi (A. H. Sm) H. E. Bigelow & A. H Sm. and Clitocybe alexandri. This is the first report on Tricholomataceae from Northern Nigeria. The species were deposited in the herbarium of the Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Keywords: Morphology, Taxa, Tricholomataceae, Nigerian Agaricales.


EVALUATIONS OF NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA) LITTER FOR PRODUCTION OF BIOGAS IN MAIDUGURI, NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

1Y.M. Ngulde and 2D. Abubakar

1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

2Department Pre-ND, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Nigeria

E-mail: yunusanguldemaina@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Energy has been an important aspect of man’s needs in his daily life. As the demand for energy is excessively increasing, there has been a relentless search for the different forms of energy that will meet up with his needs. Biogas from biomass source is currently being recognized globally as renewable energy source help militate against climate change while providing a renewable cheaper source of domestic energy/lighting source. The study evaluated the availability and viability of Neem litter as a raw material for biogas production within the study area (Maiduguri city).Three study sites were delineated for this study, namely University of Maiduguri campus, Ngaranam and Umarari ward. Neem litter were collected from a quadrats with a dimension of 50 x 100 meters in replicates of three within each of the study sites over a period of three months from January to march, 2012 and was packed in sacks and weighted. The total volume of neem litter collected for University of Maiduguri campus, Ngaranam, and Umarari ward were, 10238kg, 841.9kg, and 845.3kg respectively. The study also determined the proximate composition of the Neem litter to ascertain their organic element status in mg/l and it was found that Neem litter from Unimaid campus has the higher concentration of organic elements. Furthermore, 328.2 kg of Neem litter collected from each of the study sites were fed into the biogas generating set in batches to determine the volume of cumulative biogas that could be generated for each of the study sites. The study showed that neem litter from university of Maiduguri campus produce (8.08×10-6m3) of biogas, Ngaranam (2.89×106) and Umarari (1.25×10-6M3) respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also computed and it was found that there was a significant difference among the volume of biogas produced from the three study sites. The present investigation revealed that Neem litter is not rich enough to produced substantial amount of biogas unless it is blended with a supportive medium like animal dung’s due to its high lignin and wax content; coupled with its acidic nature which tends to suppress the viability of anaerobes within the anaerobic digester. Biogas technology can be used as an effective way of wastes treatment/management strategy in recycling organic wastes into energy.

Keywords: Neemlitter, Cumulative Biogas, energy search and organic elements.


Table of Contents

Impact of Insurance Practices on Economic Growth in Nigeria

Chude, Nkiru Patricia, Chude and Daniel Izuchukwu……………………………………..…………………                    1-12

Counterpart Funding and Sustainable Rural Development in Nigeria

Stephen, Makoji Robert………………………………………………………………………………………………………….                 13-24

Causes of the January 2012 Removal of Oil Subsidy in Nigeria: Panacea for Sustainable

Development of Nigeria

Odoh Patrick Abutu……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………                  25-31

The Role of Entrepreneurship Education Using Cefe Methodology Towards Economic

Transformation of African Countries (A Perspective of Nigeria)

Ibrahim Abubakar Mikugi; Usman Baba Umar and Hauwa Daniyan Bagudu……….……….          32-40

Small Business and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria: A Perspective

Umeora Chinweobo Emmanuel…………………………………………………………………………………………….                  41-47

The Challenges of Transition of Research to Enterprise In The Development Of The Economy

Ominigbo O. Edafe


TAX ADMINISTRATION AND REVENUE GENERATION OF LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT, NIGERIA

1John A. Enahoro and 2Olabisi Jayeola

1Department of Accounting Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria

2Department of Financial Studies Redeemer’s University, Ogun State, Nigeria

E-mail: jayeolaolabisi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The study examines the overall effectiveness of the Lagos state tax administration in relation to assessment, collection and remittance of tax. A total number of 130 questionnaires were administered to analyse the opinion of civil servants directly connected with tax administration in the five Local government areas of Lagos state (Somulu, Mushin, Ikeja, Kosofe and Surulere)out of which 125were properly filled and returned. The hypothesis was tested on the relationship that exists between tax administration, tax regulation and revenue generation. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was adopted to analyse the questionnaire and Kendall measure was used to test the hypothesis. It was discovered that the tax administration in Lagos state is not totally efficient. For example, adequate information is not available and where it is available is not comprehensive. Hence, tax administration affects the revenue generated by the government and that there is a significant relationship between tax administration, tax policies and tax laws. The study therefore recommends that Lagos State Government should put in place a rigorous tax system that can enhance better administration of tax systems and tax collections should be left in the hands of private organisations.

Key- words: Taxation, Administration, Revenue and Tax laws


TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA:

CAUSALITY ANALYSIS

Onikosi-Alliyu S.O.

Department of Economics

Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The main aim of this study is to establish if there is a causal relationship between transport infrastructure and economic growth in Nigeria over the period 1970-2010.  Granger causality test was adopted and it showed that both instantaneous and past values of transport infrastructure have explanatory power on economic growth in Nigeria while the opposite could not be established. The study therefore concluded that infrastructural led policy should be pursued to ensure economic growth in Nigeria.


IN DEFENSE OF TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF STOCK MARKET BEHAVIOUR

1Henry O. Osazevbaru and 2Felix Enaibre Ighosewe

1Department of Accounting, Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria

2Department of Accountancy, Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro, Nigeria

E-mail: felixighosewe@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Adherents of efficient market theory have historically dismissed technical analysis because of its perceived inconsistency, with their theory. They tend to give support to fundamental analysis as an alternative tool for analyzing stock market behaviour. This paper shows that there  is actually no disagreement between efficient market theory and technical analysis at least from empirical studies and that both can co-exist. It provides a theoretical framework to rationalize the use of technical analysis and brought out the shortcomings of fundamental analysis which its supporters (the academics) have consistently ignored.


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