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Thermal tolerance of Cronobacter sakazakii and Cronobacter pulveris in reconstituted infant milk formula
Get PDFBackground: Cronobacter sspecies are the most significant foodborne pathogen in infant milk formula (IMF). These pathogens have been incriminated in severe forms of neonatal meningitis, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis with a high mortality rate.Aim: This study was performed to elucidate the effect of heat stress on Cronobacter spp. (C. sakazakii and C. pulveris) in reconstituted IMF (RIMF).Methods: The reconstituted formula was inoculated with five C. sakazakii isolates and four C. pulveris isolates separately. The nine isolates of Cronobacter spp. were heated in RIMF at 48°C, 52°C, 56°C, 60°C, 64°C, and 66°C. The D- and z-values were determined by using linear regression analysis.Results: The D˗values of all isolates of C. sakazakii (CS1, CS3, CS4, CS5, and CS6) at 48°C, 52°C, 56°C, 60°C, 64°C, and 66°C were in the ranges 7.29–23.47, 2.77–15.50, 0.62–1.04, 0.62–1.02, 0.62–1.00, 0.62–1.00 minutes, respectively; while, the z˗values extended from 2.50°C to 4.28°C. The D˗ values of C. pulveris isolates (CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4) were in the ranges 7.60–22.32, 1.42–8.45, 0.62–1.08, 0.62–0.78, 0.62–0.78, 0.62–0.79 minutes at 48°C, 52°C, 56°C, 60°C, 64°C, 66°C, respectively and the calculated z-values ranged from 3.33°C to 4.89°C.Conclusion: This study may contribute to improving the understanding of the behavior of C. sakazakii and C. pulveris isolates in RIMF at various heat stress temperatures and may participate in the effective control of these pathogens in infant food production
Ovum Pick up and In Vitro Embryo Production in Boran and Crossbred Dairy Cattle
Get PDFThis study was conducted to study the potential of Boran (Bos indicus) and Boran * Holstein Friesian Crossbred cows for non-stimulated transvaginal oocyte collections and in vitro embryo production. Follicular aspirations were done using a vacuum pressure pump and Aloka SSD Prosound-2 ultrasound device. 266 aspirations were made in Boran (n=148) and Crossbred (n=118) cattle. The mean number of punctured follicles for combined collections was 7.68 ± 0.4 for both genotypes. The mean number of recovered oocytes for all collections was 2.98 ± 0.2 for both genotypes. The mean number of punctured follicles was 7.27 ± 0.4 and 8.22 ±. 0.44 for Boran and Crossbred cattle, respectively. The mean number of recovered oocytes was 2.65 ± 0.22 and 3.42 ± 0.26 for Boran and Crossbred cattle, respectively. Differences were observed (p<0.05) in the mean number of punctured follicles and recovered oocytes between the genotypes. The oocyte recovery rate for the total puncture sessions were 45.8%. There was no difference between the breeds regarding the number of quality oocytes collected. Higher numbers (p<0.001) of GIII oocytes were collected in all aspirations compared to GI and GII quality oocytes. The maturation rate of Boran and Crossbred cattle oocytes was 51.65% (47/91) and 56.8% (50/88), respectively. Cleavage rate of Boran and Crossbred cattle oocytes was 40.7% (37/91) and 31.8% (28/88), respectively. There was no difference (p>0.05) in maturation and cleavage rate of oocytes between the genotypes. A total of 21.5% (14/65) of cleaved oocytes developed to morula stage embryos from both genotypes. Relatively similar patterns were observed in maturation process and embryo development between Boran and Crossbred cattle oocytes. OPU/IVF procedures could be used in local and crossbred heifers as an alternative breeders technology options in animal breeding programs to best exploit the genetic potential of local and exotic breeds.  
Serum Glutathione Peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase Levels in Young Adult Active Smokers and Non-Smokers in a Southwest Based Tertiary Institution
Get PDFCigarette smoking is still a major public health issue, as it is the primary cause of various preventable diseases and premature deaths around the world. Previous studies have shown that tobacco components aggravate respiratory burst thus increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This case-control study is to examine glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels among young adult active and non-active cigarette smokers at a tertiary institution in South West, Nigeria. This descriptive comparative study was carried out to compare the levels of serum glutathione peroxidase by Paglia and Valentine method and Nebot method of superoxide dismutase estimation in young adult active smokers and non-smokers in Ogun state based tertiary institution, between February and June, 2021. There was a significantly higher level (p = 0.000) of glutathione peroxidase in the case (55.39 ± 2.87) compared to the control (42.59 ± 2.41). There was no significant difference in the level of the measured antioxidants at different categories of years of smoking among the group of smokers. There was no significant difference in the level of the measured antioxidants at different quantities of cigarettes smoked by the participants. This study revealed that there was no significant difference in the level of the measured antioxidants at different categories of years amd quantity of cigarette smoked among the group of smakers. Prolonged exposure and quantity of cigarette smooke by smokers did not cause depletion of antioxidants among active smokers. However, smoking was associated with a higher level of oxidative stress marker
Assessment of the Contribution of Environmental Attributes to Residential Property Rental Value in Abuja
Get PDFThe contribution of environmental attributes in residential price determination is premised on the issue relating to inefficient attributes pricing. The study analysed three environmental attributes such as structural, neighbourhood and natural attributes of the environment with a view to determining its hedonic value upon which residential property price is derived. In order to achieve the aim of the study, a sample size of 2401 was drawn out of 104166 properties using estimation method; 50% estimation rate and precision range of ±4 were adopted in estimating the sample size. The study administered two set of structured questionnaires; one to Estate Surveyor and Valuer firms to collect data on rental values (2008-2019) and second questionnaires were administered on the respondents to collect information on condition of environmental attributes using the census and simple random sampling method technique. Hedonic regression was employed to analyse the data. Environmental attributes were scored based on current condition and ratio scale was used alongside the average property value. The result revealed that neighbourhood attributes contributed between 60.3% -71.6%, natural attributes contributed between 60.3%-71.7% while structural attributes contributed between 66.8%-75.1% in determining the property values across the selected areas. The result of mixed regression analyses further revealed that environmental attributes contributed about 70.1% in determining the value of property in the selected areas. Environmental attributes such as natural and man-made water supply, road, quality wall-structure and floor, landscape, bathroom and streetlight contributed significantly in the determination of property values across the study areas. The study therefore concludes that the value of environmental amenity should be captured in the price of residential properties close to it. It is recommended that every stakeholders in the built environmental advocate for quality and even distribution of common environmental facilities that are key to development of property market in Nigeria
CT features, Pathological findings and Clinical data of Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma in the Mediastinum: Case Report and Literature Review : Clinical and CT features of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma
No full textFollicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDC sarcoma) is an uncommon neoplasm with few reported cases. We investigated the Computed Tomography (CT) appearance and pathological findings in a 43years-old lady diagnosed with mediastinal FDC sarcoma using pathological tests. It's usually confused with lymphoma. The literature was reviewed for previous FDC sarcoma reports. FDC sarcoma should be considered in asymptomatic patients with mediastinal lymph node lesions with a diameter of more than 1 cm and appear as an ill-defined mass with an arborizing pattern of necrosis. CD21(+) is a specific immunohistochemically marker for determining the pathological diagnosis of FDC sarcoma
Relationship between teachers’ work load and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools in Irepodun Local Government, Kwara State, Nigeria.
No full textThe study examined the relationship between workload of teachers and academic performance of students in some selected secondary schools in Irepodun Local Government. The study adopted correlational research design. One hundred and twenty respondents were picked at random from twelve secondary schools (six public schools and six private schools). The data was collected from respondents via questionnaire and Achievement Test in Biology. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to evaluate the data collected between private and public secondary schools; Pearson's Product Moment Correlation and t-test Analysis were used to determine the impact of instructors' workload on students' academic achievement. According to the findings, there was a strong negative relationship between teacher workload and student academic performance. It was further discovered that there was a considerable disparity between students’ academic performance in public and private secondary schools. The findings also suggested that science teachers (Including biology) should only teach in accordance with the directive of 1:35 teacher-students ratio by National Policy of Education, as a result, teachers will be able to manage with the workload's stress. It was also recommended that government and other proprietors of Kwara state under the education ministry should employ teachers adequately as likely to conquer the problem in public schools and also to advance the value of teaching-learning development in secondary schools
Sustainable leadership skills needs of brick/block-laying and concreting (BBC) students for self-reliance in government technical colleges of Kano State
No full textThis study determined the sustainable leadership skills need of brick/block laying and concreting students for self-reliance in technical colleges of Kano State, Nigeria. Two research objectives, two research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study had a total population of 1,344 respondents with a sampled size of 302 respondents using stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for gathering data for the study was a structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha statistical tool was used to determine the reliability coefficient of 0.88. A total of 302 copies of the instrument were administered to the respondents, however, 296 copies were returned filled. This brings the percentage return rate to 98%. Mean and standard deviation statistical tools were employed to analyze the research questions. While t-test statistical tool was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that Brick/Block Laying and Concreting (BBC) Trade students of the study area need sustainable leadership skills that will enable them to coordinate, supervise, budget, maintain good financial records, work together as team and implement policies in their prospective place of work, to enable them fit into the world of work effectively. It was therefore recommended that government should ensure that appropriate policies that will facilitate the training need of BBC students in the area of sustainable leadership skills that will enable them fit into the construction industry should be duly emphasized in the curriculum of Brick/Block Laying and Concreting Trade
3D Printed Composite Structures for Bone Repair and Drug Delivery Application
No full textDue to the increase in traffic accidents, industrial contingencies, and natural disasters, there is a high demand for bone regeneration biomaterials. Although bone can regenerate and self-repair, it is difficult to do so when the defect area exceeds the critical repair area due to trauma, tumour resection, or congenital diseases. The traditional methods for bone repair are autograft, allograft, and xenograft. However, these methods have flaws and limitations, such as complications in the donor bone area, a limited number of donors, rejection, and infectious diseases. However, in recent years, the use of additive manufacturing technologies in bone tissue engineering has increased. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is gaining popularity among the various technology options due to its ability to directly print porous composite with designed shape, controlled chemistry, and interconnected porosity. Some of these inorganic composites are biodegradable and have proven ideal for bone tissue engineering, with the ability to deliver growth factors or drugs to specific sites. The purpose of this study is to discuss recent advancements in 3D printed bone tissue engineering composite, as well as current challenges and future directions
Supply creating its own Demand in Ghana’s Urban Transportation: Economic Analysis of Motor Tricycle Transport System in Kumasi
No full textThe booming motor tricycle transportation system in urban areas in Ghana offers far reaching insights for policy reform. The freedom to choose one’s means of transportation had for a long time been partly hindered through state regulation. Given the option, many urban dwellers in Ghana have chosen to switch from the traditional means of urban transport to motor tricycles. This paper assesses the economic incentives responsible for the booming motor tricycle transportation in urban Ghana. It employs a quantitative approach to analyse a survey of owners, drivers and passengers of the tricycles, to ascertain the role of supply in the creation of the current demand. A probit regression technique was used to model and analyse the likelihood of owners supplying additional tricycles and to also assess factors that determine the choice between motor tricycles and traditional modes of urban transport in Ghana. The study found that owners of tricycles who had reliable riders were 96% more likely to acquire additional tricycles than invest in some composite commodity. Also, commuters chose the tricycle above the traditional modes of urban transport because it significantly reduced their travel time. In addition, riders of the tricycles obtained gainful employment, with monetary rewards worth more than 300% of what minimum wage earners receive in Ghana. Thus, the study validates Say’s Law at the microeconomic level. Therefore, the government of Ghana would need to formally legalize the use of the tricycles for urban transportation, and institute favourable regulations, which will sustain the demand for their services
Nigerian National Theatre and the New Economy
No full textThe cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have become very contributory to the development of most economies, both in the developed and the developing worlds. They form the bedrock of the economies of modern societies. The contribution of national theatres of nations across the world, in the component of the creative industry and its contributions to the 21st century economy or new economy is expectedly, immense. More so, as the institution represents a critical phenomenon in the arts and culture sectors. It is against this background that this paper examines the quintessential role of the national theatre (NT) in Nigeria in the overall involvement of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) to the 21st century economy, with a view to establishing how impactful the institution has been in the dispensation of such roles, identifying its challenges and making helpful recommendations. One-on-one in-depth interviews, focused group discussions and archival resources are largely relied upon, and data obtained subjected to content analysis. Indeed, the national theatre of Nigeria represents, like its counterpart in the developed nations of the world, an iconic pedestal for the CCIs and, therefore, contributes immensely to the Nigeria’s economy