SEXUAL DIMORPHISM: INVESTIGATION OF THE VARIATIONS IN BODY WEIGHT, HEIGHT, WAISTLINE AND BMI IN A NIGERIAN GROUP

BETWEEN AGE FIFTEEN AND TWENTY

Akinbola, A.S¹ and Owolabi, J.O²

¹Community Health Department, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

²Anatomy Department, Ben Carson Sr. School of Medicine, Babcock University, Nigeria

E-mail: olaowolabi001@yahoo.com, yemson4god@yahoo.com

Abstract: Sexual dimorphism is a term used to describe the phenotypic difference between males and female of the same species. In humans this term describes features that basically differentiate the male and the female sexes morphologically. This investigation was aimed at examining the nature and extent of Sexual Dimorphism relative to weight, height and waistline in the target population. Sexual dimorphism is in the mainstream of biomedical research because of the importance of its applications across several areas of human endeavour. The need for specific data that will accurately and adequately present and represent the nature, pattern and extents of sexual dimorphism in the Nigerian population- a nation that accounts for one of the largest negroid populations of the world is considered paramount to science and its applications. 520 randomly selected volunteers within the target population were considered and data were taken based on relevant parameters. Weights were recorded using the Adult Weight Scale, Platform XH- Model [ZT-150A]; heights with the use of the scale meter rule and waistline size with the aid of the rubber tape rule while taking necessary measures and precautions to ensure accuracy. BMI for each subject was calculated using the values of height and weight obtained (BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]². All calculations were done using the SI units and results were analysed and compared using descriptive statistical methods. It was found that sexual dimorphism was evident and varies with age based on the selected parameters. Sexual dimorphism in forms of weight, height and waistline presents significant variations in the target population.

GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF GYPSUM FROM NAFADA AND

ENVIRONS NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Tabale, R.P.

Geology Department

Gombe State University, Tudun-Wada Gombe, Nigeria.

E-mail: tabalepeter@yahoo.com

Abstract: This research is aimed at determining the geochemistry and purity of gypsum within the Senonian Fika shale Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Arm in Nafada and environs for its industrial suitability. Seventeen (17) fresh samples from different localities were collected and analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) equipment for their oxides: SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, MgO, SO₃, K₂O and Na₂O. The results revealed that gypsum in the study area has high percentage purity of 87.9 – 95.6%. Comparing this result with the British Industrial Standard (BIS) it indicates a high grade gypsum forms that is suitability for different industrial usage (Agriculture, Medical, Pottery and Ceramic, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Paints, Building, Construction etc).

OBSERVATIONS ON THE AGGRESSIVE TENDENCIES OF APIS MELLIFERA ADANSONII

Mohammad Gbate

Science Laboratory Technology Department

The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

E-mail: gbatenda@yahoo.com

Abstract: Aggressive behavior of Apis mellifera adansonii was studied using leather balls. Parameters for measuring aggressive tendencies include; time taken for first sting to occur, time taken to be fierce, distance they follow intruder, number of stings left on the ball and time taken to become peaceful. Result confirmed the age long held believe that A. m. adansonii displays more aggressive tendencies than its European siblings; it followed intruders up to 423.57 meters, stung within 2.67seconds of being disturbed, became very fierce in 4.33 seconds, took 3060 seconds to become peaceful and left 8.7 stings per square centimeter of the ball. This has serious implication for bee keepers who must prepare adequately to harvest the honey store of these bees.

EFFECTS OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PAUSINYSTALIA YOHIMBE (K. SCHUM PIERRE) STEM BARK ON THE RAT’S BONE MARROW:

 A HAEMATOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDY

L. J. Hamidu¹, A.U Ekanem², H. A. Salami¹_,S.H. Garba² and L.N. Nganso²

¹Departments of Human Physiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

²Human Anatomy, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

E-mail: saniwakawa@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of the aqueous stem bark extract of Pausinystalia yohimbe on the histology of the bone marrow and some haematological indices in rats. A total of 50 adult Wister albino rats divided into two batches (I and II) consisting of 25 rats each were used in this study. Rats in batch I were divided into 5 groups with group I serving as control while groups II, III, IV and V were administered 200 mg/kg of the extract for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days periods respectively. Batch II rats were treated similarly, but with a higher dose of 400mg/kg. At the end of the treatment periods haematological analysis and histological studies of bone marrow were carried out using standard methods. The results showed significant (p<0.05) increase in packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) counts at both doses.  Post-treatment values of white blood cell (WBC) counts showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in all the treatments except for the 14 days treatment group where there was marginal increase.  Histological analysis of the bone marrow revealed that at the dose of 200mg/kg there was increased quantity of RBC, while at 400mg/kg there was appearance of fatty tissues and reduced quantity of RBCs, suggesting degenerative effects of the extract on bone marrow structures. The findings of this work corroborate the decrease RBCs and leucopenia reported by previous studies.

EFFECT OF SPROUTED PIGEON PEA (CAJANUS CAJAN) ON PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND SENSORY VALUE OF TUWO

¹Adenekan, M.K, ¹Oguntoyinbo, S.I, ¹Odunmbaku, L.A and ²Nupo S.S

¹Food Technology Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

²Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

E-mail: adenekanmonilola2011@gmail.com

Abstract: This study was aimed at investigating the possibility of producing acceptable “tuwo” from maize flour and sprouted pigeon pea flour blends. Blends of the two were produced and subjected to sensory evaluation to determine consumer acceptance with respect to quality attributes such as: appearance, texture, aroma, taste and mouth feel. Proximate analysis of the flour blends shows that all samples except the control sample which was the 100% maize flour recorded significant (P>0.05) higher amount of protein, fat, ash and crude fiber as the pigeon pea substitution level increases. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) recorded in the moisture content of all the samples and the carbohydrate content decreases with increase in pigeon pea level. The result of the sensory analysis shows that the tuwo produced from 80% maize and 20% sprouted pigeon pea flour blend was the most acceptable among others. The overall result has shown that it is possible to produce acceptable tuwo from the combination of maize and sprouted pigeon pea flour blends.         

EFFECT OF BLEND RATIO ON DYE UPTAKE OF DIFFERENT BLENDS OF FLAX/COTTON WOVEN FABRICS

Sule, A.T.¹, Lawal, A.S.² and Giwa, A.²

 ¹Department of Textile Technology and Fashion, Kano State Polytechnic, Kano-Nigeria

 ²Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria

E-mail: amirgetso@yahoo.com

Abstract: In the textile industries Wool/Cotton blend is no doubt the oldest fibre combination of all, however, the wool is not readily available and is very expensive. In the long run it is anticipated that Flax/Cotton blend will address the raw material crisis in wool/cotton blend. Since flax and cotton have similar physical and chemical properties, chemical processing and dyeing of the blend may pose less problems. Furthermore cost of production will be reduced. Four different blends of flax/cotton woven fabrics (10/90, 30/70, 50/50 and 70/30) and 100% cotton woven fabric for control and comparison, were desized scoured, bleached and mercerized using normal methods for pretreatment of cotton fibre. The five samples were dyed with Solophenyl Brown direct dye and dye uptake and related dyeing kinetics measurements were done based on visible light colourimetry using a UV- Visible spectrophotometer. The highest percentage dye exhaustion was recorded by Sample D (50/50 F/C) at 80^OC. Also the flax/cotton blends exhibit maximum diffusion coefficient at a lower temperature (80^OC) than that of the control (90^OC). Generally, the diffusion coefficient was found to increase with increasing flax content in the blend while the reverse is the case with activation energy.

ANALYSIS OF WATERMELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS)

MARKETING IN NNEWI METROPOLIS OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Isibor, A.C. and Ugwumba, C.O.A.

*Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Anambra State University, Anambra State, Nigeria

**Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State

E-mail chinweann@yahoo.com.

Abstract: The study examined watermelon marketing in Nnewi metropolis of Anambra State, Nigeria. Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to select five daily markets and 100 respondents respectively. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and multiple regression. Watermelon marketing in the study area was dominated by men (80%) at the whole sale level and women (90%) at the retail level. About 46% level of inefficiency existed in the marketing system operationally, the wholesalers, were more efficient (0.69%) than the retailers (0.75%) in watermelon marketing. Positive net marketing incomes of N43,320,000 and N3,057,700 for the wholesalers and retailers respectively, proved the enterprise profitable. Net marketing income was statistically and significantly determined by marketing cost, product price and house hold size, high purchase cost, low patronage, high transport cost, high product price and lack of capital hindered watermelon marketing in the area. Local production should be encourage in the state, provision of soft loans, modern storage facilities and cheap mass transport system would mitigate the problems and ensure enterprise sustainability.