Comparative bacteriological analysis of frozen and fresh chicken meats sold around old site Bayero University Kano

Foodborne pathogens are serious public healthproblems that greatly affect the cost of food production and healthcare while poultry are often associated with foodborne disease outbreaks. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence and distribution of bacterial pathogens associated with chicken meats sold around Bayero University, Kano old site. A total of twenty (20) meat samples comprised of 10 frozen and ten freshly slaughtered chicken were purchased from different selling outlets around the study area. The samples were processed using standard cultural and biochemical procedures. The results of the study showed the mean aerobic mesophilic bacterial count of 5.93 x 106 CFU/g and 3.12 x 106 CFU/g for frozen and freshly slaughtered chicken meat samples respectively. The coliform counts were 420.1 and 347.7 CFU/100g for frozen and freshly slaughtered chicken meat samples respectively. The distribution of different bacterial species revealed E. coli (26.0%), Klebsiella spp (4.0%), Salmonella spp (19.5%), Campylobacter spp. (14.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (30%) in frozen chicken meat samples while freshly slaughtered chicken meat samples revealed E. coli (21.0%), Klebsiella spp (8.9%), Salmonella spp (30%), Campylobacter spp. (15.0%) and Staphylococcus aureus (24.0%). This showed that frozen chicken meats were more contaminated than freshly slaughtered chicken meats which might be associated with poor handling and storage conditions.

Assessment of lipid profile in-patients with Nephrotic syndrome in Kano Metropolis

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a complex kidney disease associated with numerous complications which can subsequently lead to cardiovascular disease among others. This study was aimed at assessing the lipid profile, serum and urinary proteins of patients with Nephrotic syndrome (NS) in Kano metropolis. A total of 50 NS patients and 25 apparently healthy volunteers(controls) were recruited for the study, made up of 32 males and 18 females with the age range of 4-70 years. Blood and urine sample were collected from the participants. Serum urea and creatinine were determined using urease berthelot’s reaction and Alkaline picrate methods. Serum total protein and albumin were assayed using Biuret and bromocresol green binding method through the manual colorimetrictechnique. Serum lipid profile were measured by an enzymatic spectrophotomeric method and the precipitation enzymatic method was specifically used for evaluating the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Urine protein was determined using sulphur salicylic acid test. SPSS software package version 21 was used for the analysis of data. High frequency of NS of 40(80%) was observed in patients of <18 years while patient of >46 years had a lower frequency of 4(8%). Males recorded higher frequency of 32(64%) and the frequency of NS among females was 18(36%), thus the male to female ratio for NS was 1.78:1. The mean values of serum creatinine, urea, urinary protein (UP), total cholesterol (T.C), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), T.C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL/HDL-C ratio were significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients with NS than the healthy volunteers. Total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin, HDL-C ratio were significantly lower (p<0.05) in NS when compared to healthy volunteers. There was positive correlation between UP and TC, TG and LDL, however, negative correlation was observed between UP and HDL-C with no statistical significance. Dyslipidemia, decreased serum protein and increase serum creatinine, Urea as well as UP were associated with NS. In conclusion, lipid profile and UP analysis may be a useful tool for diagnosis of NS and early diagnosis can reduce the disease morbidity.

Antibacterial activity and toxicological evaluation of Anogeissusleiocarpus and Psidium guajava on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

The study was carried out to determine the antibacterial activities and toxicological evaluation of Anogeissusleiocarpus and Psidiumguajava on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical samples. The plants leaves were extracted using Hexane, Methanol, Ethanol and Water. Various concentrations (50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25mg/ml) of the crude extract of the plants were prepared and their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli was determined using Agar well (Diffusion) method. Toxicity of the plants was evaluated, acute toxicity test, kidney and liver function tests. The result revealed that at 50mg/ml concentration, the leaf extract of Psidiumguajava was active against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli exhibiting the highest zones of inhibition of 19mm and 9mm respectively. Whereas The leaf extract of Anogeissusleiocarpus only inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus recording highest zone of inhibition of 15mm at a concentration of 50mg/ml. The plant extracts were found to be non-toxic as the LD50 was above 5000mg/kg and the biochemical parameters evaluated for both liver and kidney function tests revealed values that are within normal range. Hence the study established that consumption of the leaves of P.guajava for medicinal purpose can be said to be innocuous, as such the plant could be regarded as a potential candidate in the search of potent and harmless plants of therapeutic value.

Evaluation of thermal- nuclear effects from pair-creation in the final fate very-massive stars

Thermonuclear conditions found in explosive massive-stars requirethe use of not only efficient, accurate but thermodynamically consistent stellar equation of state (EOS) routines.The use of tables to describe EoS involved in stellar models is very much needed in understanding the final fate of massive stars. Many massive-low metallicity stars end their life as pair creation supernova (PCSN) through the creation of electron-positron pairs.We used thermodynamically consistent EoS tables to numerically evaluate the thermonuclear effects of the electron electron-positron pair creation in rotating 150 and 200 Massive starsat SMC and rotating and non-rotating 500 M⊙at LMC.As expected, the effect of rotationofreducing the oxygen core masshad increasedthe thermal energy within the threshold of the pair-creation instability.Similarly, lower mass loss stars with SMC model produced higher thermal energies,which can cmpletely explode the stars as PCSNe without remnant.On the other hand, the non-rotating 500 M⊙ might have only reached the instability region due to its lower metallicity (compared to solar metallicity) that iscapable of suppressing the mass loss such that the thermonuclear energy maintains certain amount of elements into the pair creation region. At the final explosion of the stars, the helium core mass educed the thermal energies in trying to avoid the pair-creation region. Many implications of these results for the evolution and explosion of massive stars are discussed.

Integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in social interaction spaces of proposed public library Gwagwalada, Abuja- Nigeria

This work focuses on preference of Public Library users on information and communication technology (ICT) facilities that matches user social activities in the library. It also proffers means of integrating such factors in social interaction spaces of proposed Public library Gwagwalada, Abuja to enhance user experience and meet the digital age. Libraries began incorporating ICT facilities since the advent of technology but without considering the facilities that matches user activity in such spaces. The analysis is based on data collected through observation and questionnaire survey addressed to users and staff of three public libraries and analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel analytical software. The results show that Group Creative Collaborative space is more preferred by users while very few users prefer Small Group Collaborative space. Responses indicate that users prefer group studies to interact. Also “Between Individual and Individual spaces”, majority of public library users prefer Internet Facilities which appears to have mean of (3.8371) while very few prefer Video Conferencing with mean of (2.8708). It also reveals that, in “Between Group and Group space” majority of public library users prefer Mailing List with mean of (3.7247) while very few users prefer Video Conferencing with mean of (3.0955) and “Between Group and Object space” majority of the users prefer Digitalized Library Structure with mean 0f (3.6180) while very few users prefer interactive floor (iFloor) with mean of (3.1292).In conclusion ICT has high potential for encouraging social interaction, in public spaces, thus connecting the society and provides access points to information and supports education. The study revealed the current situation on the issues investigated which can be relied on in future studies or decision making. Essentially, the study produced findings that researchers can apply or validate subsequent similar researches.

Influence of compost and irrigation systems on the growth indices and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.)

Field trial was conducted during the 2017 dry season from March to June at Bayero University, Kano and Birji village both in Sudan savannah to determine the effect of compost rates and irrigation intervals on the growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) The treatments were conducted in five rates of compost (0 t ha-1, 5 t ha-1, 10 t ha-1,15 t ha -1 and 20 t ha-1) and three irrigation intervals (5, 10 and 15 days). The treatments were laid out in a split plot design and replicated three times. Irrigation intervals were assigned to the main plot while compost rates were assigned to the sub plot. The gross plot size was 1.5 m x 2.0 m (3.0 m2) consisting of 10 rows of 2 m length. Data on growth and yield parameters were collected, weighed and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Treatment means were separated using Student-Newman-Keuls Test. The result ssize was 1.5 m x 2.0 m (3.0 m2) consisting of 10 rows of 2 m length. Data on growth and yield parameters were collected, weighed and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Treatment means were separated using Student-Newman-Keuls Test. The result showed that compost rates and irrigation intervals had significant effect on cropgrowth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and cured bulb yield. Application of 10 t ha-1 of compost had the heaviest cured bulb yield. Interactions between compost rates and irrigation intervals were significant on all the measured parameters as well as the cured bulb yield of onion at both locations. The optimum rate of compost was 15 t ha1 at both locations, while that of irrigation intervals were 10 and 5 days for BUK and Birji village, respectively. Therefore, these levels were recommended to be used by farmers of the study areas.

Effects of salicylic and benzoic acid on yield and yield components of moisture stressed tomato (solanum lycopersicun l.) at Kadawa Sudan Savannah

Salicylic acid and Benzoic acids are antitranpirants usually used to reduce the rate of moisture loss and increase productivity of irrigated crops. To test antitranspiracy of Salicylic and Benzoic acids, field experiments were conducted during the two successive dry Seasons of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 at the Agricultural Research Station Farm, Kadawa (11̊ 38ʹ 40.3ʺ N,8̊ 25ʹ3.9ʺ E) 498m elevation above sea level. The aim was to study the effects of antitranspirants and moisture stress on crop growth and development stages of tomato. The treatments consisted of two antitranspirants at four different concentrations of 0, 200, 400 and 600 ppm, and three moisture stress stages, vegetative, flowering and fruit setting. Antitranspirants and moisture stresses were assigned to the main plot and concentrations were used as sub–plot treatment. These were replicated three times and laid out in a split-plot design. The gross plot size was 3.6m x 3.0m (10.8m2) consisting of 6 rows of 3m length, while the net plot size was 1.2m 1.8m (2.16 m2) consisting of 2 inner most rows. Data were taken on tomato growth and yield attributes. Data generated were analysed using statistical analytics software (SAS). The results of the study revealed that application of both Antitranspirants enhanced growth and yield components such as fruit diameter, number of fruits plant1, average fruit weight, marketable fruit yield and total fruit yield of tomato. Significant interactions between and among the factors were also recorded for fruit diameter, number of fruits plant-1 marketable fruit yield and the total fruit yield. Application of 200 and 400 ppm of of Salicylic acid at fruit setting produced the highest total fruit yield (6.66 tha-1) which was statistically similar to 600 ppm of Benzoic (6.10 t ha-1) at flowering while the control had the lowest. Total fruit yield was positively and significantly correlated with number of fruit plant-1 and average fruit weight. Number of fruits plant-1 was found to have the highest direct contribution to the yield. Flowering and fruiting stages were found to be the critical growth stages for moisture stress of tomato. Foliar application of 400 ppm of Salicylic acid at fruit setting stage appeared to promote tomato yield in the study area.

Resettlement pattern model of internally displaced persons due to insurgency

In this paper, the derivation and analysis of a model is considered for resettlement pattern of internally displaced persons due to insurgency. In the derived model, a number of homeless people at some initial time after the insurgency attack are considered. The flow of the population to a temporary state until their final resettlement is analyzed. The analytic solution for the stability analysis is obtained using Routh Harwitz Criterion and the behavior of the model is obtained numerically, using MATLAB R2010a. The result obtained indicates that majority of displaced persons get resettled after a long period of time.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals from pesticides use in Plateau State, Nigeria

Heavy metals bioaccumulation in agricultural crops fumigated with pesticides has growninto a major concern globally. This study assessed heavy metals concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn) in commonly consumed crops and their corresponding soil from agricultural farm lands in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the studied crops ranged from 0.17-100.75, 0.17-54.33, 0.83-28.75, 0.17-5.50, 0.5-0.5mg/kg for Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd respectively. The trend of heavy metals in the crops were in decreasing order of Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd and their concentrations varied in different parts of the crops. The mean concentration of Cd, Pb, and Cr in the studiedcrops were above the WHO, (2019) permissible limits and therefore a call for concern. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the soil varied from 0.5-0.5, 2.50-13.83, 3.67-5.75, 11.83-26.33, and 41-89.50 mg/kg for Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn respectively and were below the UNEP, (2013) permissible limits for agricultural soil. The result showed that Pb had the highest transfer factor (1.91) in (Capsicum annuum) and Zn had theleast. Similarly, the result revealed high Pollution index value for Pb compared to other metals. Hazard quotient and Hazard index of all the crops were less than 1; thus the consumption of these crops is unlikely to pose health risks to the target population. However, the result showed health risk from daily intake of some of the studied crops for Pb ((Brassica oleracea, Lactucasativus, Zea mays, Spinaciaoleracea, and Capsicum annuum). Hence, regular monitoring and screening of pesticides for heavy metals should be employed by government agencies.

Assessment of selected heavy metals concentrations in Mairua Reservoir, Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria for fishing purposes

An assessment of selected heavy metal concentrations for fishing purposes was conducted at Mairua Reservoir, Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria. This study aimed at assessing the selected heavy metal concentrations to enable the and sustainable use of the reservoir. Fishing is the major activity of the dwellers throughout the year, but there is less attention in considering the water quality in the reservoir. Eating fish harvested from polluted aquatic habitats could endanger the health Eating fish harvested from polluted aquatic habitats could endanger the health of the consumer. As such, there is the need of this research now if not continuously.Water samples were taken in five sampling points and the procedural plan was the monthly sampling of the water from February-April and June-August 2020. The heavy metals include Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb). Laboratory procedures include sample digestions in preparation for spectrophotometric analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test and related with FAO standard for fishing. The finding shows that most of the parameters like Cd, Zn and Pb are more in concentration at SPIII (downstream), i.e. the outlet of the water in the reservoir. It can also be seen that two parameters Fe and Ni are more concentrated at SPIV (middle towards east) and only Mn is higher at SPI (upstream). Furthermore, the analysis of variance revealed no significant difference (p >0.05) in the values of all the parameters across the five sampled collection points. The results of this study show that with the exception of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), the heavy metal concentrations in water did not exceed FAO (2006) standards. However, Cd and Pb exceeded the FAO standard. The level of heavy metal concentrations was compared based on seasons (wet and dry) using independent t-test at the 0.05 level of significance. The result shows no significant difference at 0.05 between the wet and dry season values of Fe (P value 0.106), Cd (P value 0.614) Zn (P value 0.700), Mn (P value 0.950), and Ni (P value 0.937). Study on Pb concentrations revealed that the metal was affected by seasonal variation (P value 0.047). Dumping waste very close to the reservoir should be discouraged. Farmers around the reservoir should be enlightened on the negative effects of their activities into the body of the water. More studies should be carried out on physico-chemical, microbial and other heavy metal concentrations in order to provide baseline information on the ecological status of the reservoir. In line with the finding, it is recommended that for effective fishing activities in the reservoir, the use of agrochemicals and dumping municipal waste very close to the reservoir, which could be the possible sources of Cd and Pb, should be discouraged.