INHIBITORY PROPERTIES OF CRUDE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF GOSSYPIUM HIRTUSUM LEAVES ON NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS (NDV) IN CHICKS

 Abraham, O. J.¹, Ezeifeka, G.O.⁴, Odiba, P.A.², Yahaya, O.¹, Yusuf, D.², Haruna, I.³, Yahaya-Oruma, U.², Miachi, O.E¹. and Joshua, M.T ¹.    

¹Biology/Microbiology Unit, Dept of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Idah Kogi State.

²Chemistry/Biochemistry Unit, Dept of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State.

³Mathematics/Statistics Dept, Federal Polytechnic, Kogi State.

⁴Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State.

E-mail: josephpyiguh@yahoo.com.

Abstract: Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) causes Newcastle disease in poultry and grows readily in embryonated eggs. Infection of poultry by NDV results in huge economic losses to farmers and prevention is only by means of vaccines which are not assessible and affordable and have also not protected the poultry industry from frequent outbreak of the disease. This necessitated the invention of an alternative control method, thus the antiviral activity of the ethanolic extract of Gossypium hirsutum leaves on NDV was studied using chicks. Extract of the plant was obtained by Soxhlet extraction. Antiviral study was carried out with Forty five (45) 8- weeks old chicks arranged into nine groups of five.  0.2ml of 10^-2 dilution of the LD₅₀ concentration (10^8.7 particles/ml) of the virus (Hertforthshire isolate) was injected into each chick in seven groups. The extract (10mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 150mg/ml, 200mg/ml and 250mg/ml) was fed to seven groups by gavaging. Three groups served as virus, extract and negative controls respectively. The chicks were observed for virus and extract activity for fourteen days. One chick died onday one in the group fed with 10mg/ml, while two deaths were observed on day two in the groups fed with 10 and 20mg/ml of extract respectively. No death was observed in any group afterwards. There was no significant difference in protection (P<0.05) and antiviral activity across the concentrations. The ethanolic extract of the plant was found to be non toxic (p< 0.05) to the chicks. Therefore, the ethanolic extract of G. hirsutum has antiviral activity (p < 0.05) on Newcastle disease Virus and it is safe for use on chicks. Further studies should be carried on the toxicological effect at other concentrations and the plant should also be screened for antiviral activity on other viral diseases.

SOME APPLICATIONS OF ENUMERATIVE TECHNIQUES

FOR k-SEPARABLE AND k-INSEPARABLE ELEMENTS OF SET X

M. Laisin,  O.C Okoli,  Ujumadu R. N.  and Nsiegbe A. N

Department of Mathematics, Anambra State University Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Email: laisinmark@yahoo.com; odicomatics@yahoo.com

Abstract: We considered applications of r-arrangements of elements of the set X, applied various techniques (Listing, counting and mathematical methods) to obtain the total number of the given r-arrangement. Listing become difficult, if the number of elements of the set X are large ( ) as in some applications that we shall solve by applying the results obtain by Moore and et al. We applied listing, counting and the Enumerative techniques by Moore, and et al to solve the applications.

Keywords: k- inclusion, k- non-inclusion, k-inseparable inclusion, k-inseparable non- inclusion   

INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECTS OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS ON HUMAN HEALTH IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

¹Durotoluwa A. O and ²Mogaji, K. O.

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State Nigeria

²Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State Nigeria*

E-mail: mogajikehinde@yahoo.com

Abstract

The increasing volume of vehicular traffic in Nigeria contributes immensely to urban air pollution with its attendant degradation of air quality arising from it. Vehicular emissions generally include oxides of nitrogen, sulphur, carbon hydrocarbon, mercury and leads. The effects of vehicular emissions on human health, vegetation and environments were investigated in three locations of Ondo state (Ondo Town, Akure and Ikare) while, a fourth location (Okeagbe) was used as a control since it has low levels of pollution. The investigation was carried out with the use of questionnaires and laboratory experiments. Experiments were conducted on rainwater collected from each location to determine the level of acidity, pH and presence of dissolved substances such as NO₃, SO₄ and CO₂ in them. Physical effects on vegetation, buildings and structures were also observed. The results obtained from questionnaires show that on the average, 23 %, 18 %, 29 %, 5 % and 24 % were respectively affected by sleeplessness, running nose, heavy eyes, asthmatic attack and headache. The location (distance from the type of fuel, availability of industries, and concentration of traffic) determine the impacts of these emissions on the ecosystem.

COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY BEHAVIOR AMONG INDUSTRIAL WORKERS: ANY EFFECTS OF TRAINING AND LEVEL OF EDUCATION?

¹Okonkwo Ejike A., ²Okoro Chinwendu M., and ³Nwandu Ikechukwu B.

¹Department of Psychology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu,

²Department of Guidance and Counseling, African Thinkers Community of Inquiry College of Education, Enugu

³Department of Public Administration, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu

E-mail: aejyke@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study examined the effects of training and level of education on compliance with safety behavior among industrial workers. Thirty two participants comprising 16 trained and 16 untrained industrial workers between the ages of 24 to 52 years (M= 38.41, SD= 6.19 years) were systematically sampled. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (1998) training manual and Geller (1998) Behavior-Based- Safety (BBS) training guideline were used for the training (treatment). Safety Behavior Compliance Checklist was used for data collection. A Two-Way randomized between-groups factorial design was used while a Two-Way ANOVA F–test was applied as a statistical test for data analysis. The results revealed that training yielded a significant effect on compliance with safety behavior among industrial workers, F (1, 28) = 21.92, p <.05 level of significance while level of education yielded no significant effect on compliance with safety behavior among industrial workers, F (1,28) = .056, p > .05 level of significance. These outcomes were discussed in the light of the practical effectiveness of safety training using behavior-based safety approach. Considering the outcomes of this study, it was concluded that safety training is one of the best approaches to effect behavioral changes in the workplace. Thus, it was recommended that employers of labor should engage in safety training of their workers in order to maximize the benefits therein. The findings also have practical implications for identifying safety training as an effective mechanism for cultivating safety behaviors in the workplace via compliance.

Keywords: Compliance, Safety Behavior, Training, Level of Education, Industrial Workers

ASSESSMENT OF MARKETING TOMATO FRUITS (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM) AMONG WOMEN IN UGHELLI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, DELTA STATE

OKPEKE, MERCY YEMI

Department of Agric. Extension and Management, School of Agric.

Delta State Polytechnic, Delta State, Nigeria.

E-mail: mercyokpeke@gmail.com; okpekemercy@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper examined the marketing of tomato fruit in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State with a view to identify the socio-economic characteristics of tomato marketers, to determine the marketing margin, source of fund and to ascertain the constraints faced by women marketing tomato fruit in the study area. Data were randomly collected with the aid of well structured questionnaire from 40 respondents for the 2013 marketing season. The data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, and gross marketing margin analysis. The result showed that 75% of the respondents used personal savings as source of capital for their enterprises. The study revealed that the average monthly purchasing price was N54,715.75 while the average monthly selling price was N160,478.75 per basket per woman. The gross marketing margin was N120,113.50 per woman per month. The study also revealed that marketing of tomato is a profitable venture but the major constraints were inadequate capital, high cost of loading and off loading the product, lack of storage facilities, low level of sales, high cost of transportation, and high purchasing price. It was therefore, recommended that State and Local Governments should boost agricultural lending to tomato marketers and government policies should be focused on assisting the marketers with credit facilities that can help them cope with challenges of marketing.

Keywords: Marketing Margin, Tomato Fruits, Women, Delta State.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS AND ESSENTIAL OIL OF SPICES (Lemon grass and Holy basil) ON SELECTED HUMAN PATHOGENS

Afuape A.O., Osifeso O.O., and Adewunmi A.R

Department of Science Laboratory Technology,

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere Abeokuta.

E-mail: afuapeolajumoke@yahoo.com

Abstract: Aim is to ascertain the effectiveness of lemon grass and holy basil extracts with their essential oils against five human pathogens. The ethanol extracts and essential oils were screened against four gram-negative organisms viz: E.coli, klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and one gram- positive organism viz: Staphylococcus aureus. Essential oils were obtained through steam distillation. The MIC/MBC of extracts was tested using agar dilution method at 50/100mg/ml concentrations each, active component of the oils were tested by photochemical screening. Essential oils of the species showed antibacterial activity on all pathogens but significant activity shown similarly on both Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus followed by E. coli and Klebsiella pneumonia while Shigella dysenteriae showed least inhibitory activity. Although ethanolic extracts and oil of both spices showed promising antibacterial activity on all pathogens, the broadest activity was verified on their essential oils; being good preservative, can also be good sources of antibacterial agents.

AN EVALUATION OF STUDENTS PERCEPTION OF HOSPITALITY AS A CAREER CHOICE IN NIGERIA

Muntari Ado Matazu

Department of Food Science Catering and Hotel Management

College of Science and Technology Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic Katsina, Nigeria

E-mail: adomukhtar@gmail.com

Abstract: The students’ perception of hospitality is expected to move from negativity to positivity. To date the enrolment into hospitality and related courses are still debatable and below expectation. This study examines and evaluates the effect of personality traits, socio-economic status and employment status on choosing hospitality as a career with the aim of finding solutions to why students develop negative perception of hospitality programme and to improve students’ enrolment into hospitality and related programme. After reviewing related literature, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed to 200 students, out of which 60% were from hospitality courses and 40% from hospitality related courses. The participants were selected through purposive random sampling. The data collected were analyzed using mixed strategy i.e. quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that the effect of personality traits and employment status have a strong influence on students’ negative perception of hospitality while socio-economic status has mild influence. The research finds students positive perception due to five motivational factors as provided by the industry. The motivational factors include self-actualisation, job opportunity, field attractiveness, ease of study and scholastic achievement. On the other side the study also out line some of the reasons for negative perception as long hours out of the normal work schedule and relatively low pay, low status, low employee retention, job dissatisfaction, poor employment conditions and absence of motivating factors and high turnover that appear common in the industry as the major causes of setback in the industry.

EFFICACY OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA A. JUSS LEAF AQUEOUS EXTRACT AGAINST BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM THE GUTS OF IXODID TICKS IN MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA.

¹Biu A. A., ²Gulani I. A., ¹Nkechi O. P., ³Jajere S. M., ²Yakaka W., ¹Zango M. K. and ³Mustapha F. B.

¹Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

²Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

³Department of Veterinary Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

E-mail:  biuvet@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Azadirachta indica leaf aqueous extract against the bacterial isolates from the gut of ixodid ticks of small ruminants viz Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus spp. and Amblyomma spp. in Maiduguri Metropolis, Nigeria. Four bacteria were isolated from these ticks comprising three Gram positive: Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. and one Gram negative: Proteus spp. The efficacy of the leaf extract at various concentrations of 1000mg/ml, 800mg/ml, 600mg/ml, 400mg/ml and 200mg/ml, was compared with standard antibiotics using disk diffusion methods on Mueller – Hinton Agar (Oxoid^®). In both tests, the diameter of the inhibition zones were measured in millimeters and recorded. No zone of inhibition was observed for all concentrations of the tested extract among the bacteria isolates. However, the antimicrobial sensitivity testing revealed highest inhibitory zones of 30mm each on ciprofloxacin by Corynebacterium spp., and Proteus spp. and by Streptococcus spp. on augmentin  Complete resistance was observed with Cotrimoxazole, Cloxacillin and Clindamycin and pockets of partial resistance with Erythromycin and Cefraxone for the Gram positive isolates. In conclusion, this study revealed that the aqueous extract of A. indica leaf was not effective against bacteria isolated from hard ticks of small ruminants in Maiduguri.

COMMON NON-ARTICULAR SYNDROMES AMONG NIGERIANS

¹Oguntona S.A., ²Adelowo O.O. and ¹Edunjobi S.A.

¹Rheumatology Unit Department of Medicine Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu,Ogun State. Nigeria

²Arthrimed Specialist Clinic Ikeja, Lagos

E- mail- oguntonasa@yahoo.com

Abstract: Background- non-articular pain syndrome forms a broad spectrum of health problems. Most of the conditions are poorly defined according to diagnostic criteria. The impact of these conditions on health care and society is high. Aetiological factors are poorly understood, however, many physical, psychosocial and work related factors are implicated. Lack of good knowledge on the risk factors does not allow for a good prevention strategies. Methods- this is a prospective study of all the patients seen in the rheumatology clinic over a period of three years (July 2009 – June 2012). Detailed history and examination were carried out to rule out articular problems. Those with articular disease and past history of injury or trauma to the affected joint region were excluded from the study. Results- sixty patients were diagnosed with non-articular pain syndrome out of a total of 336 that presented within the study period. Upper limb non-articular syndromes were the commonest. Generalized non-articular syndrome was predominantly found in females and the condition was positively associated with psychosocial disturbances. Conclusion- non-articular pain syndrome is very uncommon among the adolescents. Non-articular pain disorders are diagnosed based on clinical grounds. Imaging and laboratory testing is usually not necessary unless the diagnosis is in question. Most non-articular pain syndrome can be managed conservatively and rarely is surgical intervention necessary.

THE CURSE OF OIL; THE UNSPOKEN ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEVASTATION IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Ferdinand Daminabo and Owajionyi Frank

Department of Architecture, Rivers State

University of Science and Technology Npkolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

E-mail: ferdydaminabo@yahoo.com

Abstract: In his 2006 State of Union address, the former US President, Gorge W. Bush described America’s severe case of oil addiction. 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana, and four years later, a massive explosion occurs on the 20th of April 2010 on Transocean Deepwater Horizon rig spilling 210,000 gallons of crude every 24 hours into the sea sparking off a massive clean up with an estimated $20 billion escrow fund by shell to tackle the menace; the worst environmental disaster in US history. However, in the Niger Delta region an ecological and environmental nightmare is occurring with little or no intervention by Shell or government with total devastation to ecology and the environment with communities sacked and economic means destroyed. The Department of Petroleum Resources estimated 1.89 million barrels of petroleum were spilled into the Niger Delta between 1976 and 1996 out of a total of 2.4 million barrels spilled in 4,835 incidents (approximately 220 thousand cubic metres). A UNDP report states that there have been a total of 6,817 oil spills between 1976 and 2001, which account for a loss of three million barrels of oil, of which more than 70% was not recovered 69% of these spills occurred off-shore, a quarter was in swamps and 6% spilled on land. Some spills are caused by sabotage, however most are due to poor maintenance by oil companies such as Shell in a vast wetland of about 20,000 Km² comprising of 40 ethnic groups. This paper seeks to bring to a sharp focus the plight of devastated centres far from the Gulf of Mexico to global attention and the need to promote the use of alternative and renewable sources of energy instead of concentration in the use of fossils. While the developed countries with their relatively small population have produced most of the carbon dioxide which produces global climate change, they also have the benefits from the production of carbon dioxide and the resources to protect themselves from the consequences of the resulting climate change. The developing countries, on the other hand, with their large and rapidly growing populations, have less responsibility for causing global climate change, have received fewer benefits from the production of carbon dioxide, and have fewer resources to protect themselves from the consequences of the resulting climate change, a scenario that plays out in oil exploration and exploitation as in the Niger Delta and like Mexico requires global attention.

Keyword: Oil, Environment, Niger Delta, Nigeria