Proceedings of the Nigerian Academy of Science (Journal)
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Assessing the triple helix model for research and development in sub-Saharan Africa
Full text linkThe triple helix model refers to when universities, industry, and government work together to foster economic and social development (Leydesdorff, 2012; Galvao et al., 2019). The concept was first theorised in the 1990s by Henry Etzkowitz and Loet Leidesdorff to underscore the relationship between universities, governments, and industry using universities' research innovations to propel economic development (Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff, 2000). Expanding on the triple helix model, Elias Carayannis, and David Campbell in 2009 added a fourth dimension by highlighting the role of the media and civil society within the framework (Carayannis and Campbell, 2009). Increasingly, the accurate dissemination of scientific innovations derived from university-industry-government collaboration has given the model a pre-eminent place in institutional empyrean (Etzkowitz, 2003)
Isolation of protein isolated from defatted Carica papaya linn. seeds: influence of pH and NaCl on its solubility and functional properties
Full text linkThis work reports the isolation of protein from defatted Carica papaya Linn. Seed (CPS), with the crude protein product containing 88.08% protein. Under its natural conditions, the solubility of this protein isolate is comparable to sweet lupin protein isolate (98.79%). The solubility of the protein decreases with decreasing pH, with the minimum solubility observed at its isoelectric point (pH 4). The water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, foaming capacity, foam stability, emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability were found to be 3.65 g/g, 3.60 g/g, 26.14%, 13.06%, 74.05m2/g, 100.80%. The profiles of functional properties were determined with varying pH values and NaCl concentration, and improved properties were observed in the alkaline pH range and in the presence of NaCl
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE - Biomarker profile of a silver catfish Chrysicthys Nigrodigitatus in heavy metal polluted areas of the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
Full text linkAquatic ecosystems are usually exposed to contaminants including heavy metals from anthropogenic activities and high concentration of these metals may alter physiological function in fish muscle. Assessment of biomarker profile will provide the role of antioxidant defence enzymes in response to metal accumulation. The present study aims to find the relationship between biomarker pattern in fish muscle and the contribution of antioxidant defence enzymes to sustain balance from metal toxicity. Adult fish (Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus), water and sediment samples were taken from five sampling stations, during the wet and dry season in the Lagos Lagoon. Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, zinc, iron) levels, antioxidant defence enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione) and malondialdehyde were analysed in fish muscle using standards methods. Heavy metal levels showed significant difference (p0.05) in fish muscles, water and sediment, with values above recommended standard for aquatic life. PCA showed that elevated activities of antioxidant defence enzymes correlated with increase metal concentrations within the fish muscle, which may indicate possible oxidative stress. Hence, measures should be implemented and sustained in the treatment of effluents before discharging into the aquatic habitat so as to reduce stress and sustained the wild population
Acute toxicity of calcium hypochlorite (65% chlorine disinfectant) on the liver, brain, and gill of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (Burchell, 1822)
Full text linkThe acute toxicity of Calcium Hypochlorite was investigated on the water quality and histopathology of liver, brain and gill of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Fish with average weight and length of 5.5 ± 0.8g and 7.8 ± 0.5cm were stocked at 10 fish per tank and fed with 45% crude protein diets. The experimental fish was exposed to a photoperiod of 12 hours daylight and 12 hours darkness. After the range finding test, the fingerlings were exposed to test concentrations of treatments 0.000 mg/L (A), 0.011 mg/L (B), 0.033 mg/L (C), 0.055 mg/L (D) and 0.077 mg/L (E) and was replicated trice. The Lethal Concentration value (LC50) for the disinfectant was 0.033mg/L. Behavioural changes such as erratic swimming, frequent jumping and gasping for air at the surface was observed in the exposed fish. Histopathology of the brain showed different stages of spongiosis and necrosis; gills showed thickening of the lamellae and necrosis while the liver showed varying congestion in the exposed fish. The observed changes in behaviour and histopathology were normal in the control fish and increased with increase in concentration of disinfectant to the exposed fish. It is therefore essenti
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE - The enhanced photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cell using carbon nanotubes as hole transport material
Full text linkPerovskite based solar cells have enjoyed rapid and an unprecedented evolution over the past decade. These light-harvesting materials are of huge interest to the academic community in order to make more efficient solar cells which are expected to attain swift commercialization. They have attractive properties, most especially their high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) within few years in comparison to other third generation thin film technologies. In This research work, the effect of incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes as the hole-transport layer on the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells was investigated. UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Surface Profilometer, Raman Spectroscopy and Solar Simulator were used to characterize and study the properties of the prepared cells. The reference cell demonstrated a PCE, current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF) of 2.82%, 7.64 mAcm-2, 0.88 V, and 42.00 % respectively. When multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was incorporated, we observed a PCE of 4.30 %, Jsc of 8.47 mAcm-2, Voc of 0.85 V and FF of 60.00 %. The MWCNTs modified device shows an enhancement of 52.48 % in PCE,10.86 % in Jsc, and 42.86 % in FF over the unmodified device. This is due to improved surface area of MWCNTs by acid treatment in generating functional groups that act as conducting bridge in reducing the contact resistance between individual nanotubes
REVIEW PAPER: Emergency Preparedness in Health Institutions in Nigeria: Current Situation and Framework for Action
Full text linkNigeria has faced an increasing number of disasters over the last decade including the outbreaks of infectious diseases, air pollution, natural disasters, communal and ethno-religious crises, and acts of terrorism. While Nigeria’s National Health Policy identifies public health emergency preparedness and response as a major policy thrust, with the goal of reducing the burden of public health emergencies, the 2019 Global Health Security Index shows that Nigeria, with a score of 12.5 out of 100, ranks very low in emergency preparedness and response planning. With the projection that Nigeria will likely experience more disasters in the future, it is important to review her current disaster risk reduction framework with particular reference to the health sector and make suggestions for improving response.The current National Disaster Management Framework provides for a comprehensive multisectoral response and incorporates the health ministry/department at all levels of disaster response; however, it does not appear that the framework is well known or utilized by stakeholders. Furthermore, no specific attention is given to the threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and the associated public health emergencies. Although, the establishment of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has assisted with addressing some of the gaps in this respect, the response at the sub-national level is still sub-optimal as evidenced by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Disaster preparedness and response planning is particularly lacking at healthcare facilities and this article provides a practical guide that will assist stakeholders in the design of an organizational disaster preparedness plan.
REVIEW PAPER: Collaboration of Industry with Academia: The Engine of Industrialisation and Development
Full text linkThis paper examined and illuminated with examples the ways and means of creating the environment for science and technology research to flourish. It underpins the creation of virile industrial production base as the trigger for research to plume; and consequently, prescribes the key to a sustainable research funding and mutually benefiting collaboration and symbiotic partnership between the industry and academia.It is shown, using comparative analysis, that a sine qua non for the creation of sustainable industrial base is urgent completion of Ajaokuta, NIOMCO, ALUMCO and making other metals, iron, steel and machine tools companies functional; as this generates spinoff industries, promotes beneficiation of local raw materials, expands manufacturing companies in magnitude and number; thereby create wealth to fund government budget and hence, research. It is further established that having correct policies, institutional and governmental, which include pertinent tax regime with rebate rights; and getting every company of specified grade to have a Research Unit locally in the country, provides needed framework for research and collaboration. It is also noted the effect in reducing cost and saving forex for infrastructures (e.g. rail lines, power, dams, etc.); as such, freeing money to fund intensive research, education, health and municipal services. Hence, unleash the benefits accruable to Industry, Academia, citizens; and the consequence on human development index (HDI) and the country at large.It is concluded, that the issue with Nigeria is not dearth of proficient researchers to do quality cutting-edge research, but lack of environment, wherewithal: industrial production base, policy, legal framework, weak political will and discipline to drive any policy. Ways to obviate these barriers to engender research and collaboration with industry beyond the usual concept of local content are elucidated in the paper
Antimicrobial potency of Euphorbia heterophylla against selected clinical isolates
Full text linkReports on the antimicrobial potentials of Euphorbia heterophylla are scanty globally. This study investigated the antimicrobial effects of E. heterophylla against microorganisms of clinical importance. Cold water, hot water, chloroform and methanol extracts of the leaf, stem and fruit of E. heterophylla were obtained. The phytochemical properties of the plant parts were determined, and antimicrobial analyses of extracts investigated against sixteen clinical isolates, in accordance with standard procedures. The microorganisms tested were nine clinical bacterial strains which included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 950, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli NCIB 86, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus NCIB 8588, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens, and seven fungal strains which were Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Trichoderma viride, Trichophyton rubrum, and Malassezia furfur. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses of extracts revealed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and carbohydrates at varying concentrations. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 950 and Candida albicans were sensitive to the cold water and hot water extracts of the plant’s parts while chloroform and methanol extracts did not show antimicrobial activities against any of the organisms. The MIC of the extracts ranged from 6.25 – 25 mg/mL. This study revealed that E. heterophylla is a promising plant species that could be employed in the treatment of infections caused by P. aeruginosa and C. albicans
COMMENTARY: Nigeria: Playing Poker with Public Health
Full text linkFor a proper understanding of the discussion on the topic, Nigeria – playing poker with public health, it is essential to define the words poker, public and health or rather public health. I assume there is no need to define public and Nigeria, although not defining Nigeria may be debatable. According to Williams, (2016), the experts in the game of poker depend on three combined characteristics of gambling, strategy, and luck. It is a card game of bets, bluff, and skill. A poor poker player focuses on one or two of the characteristics gambling, and luck, forgetting strategy. A poor poker player bets and bluffs without skill. This write up describes Nigeria’s approach to public health as more of bluff and gamble than skill, a very good example of a very poor poker player. Nigeria depends on gambling and luck, underutilizing her skills in disdaining and despising strategy. Nigeria is full of untested, unverified and unimplemented strategies, but she is too impatient to see through the full course of strategy implementation
EDITORIAL - COVID-19 in Nigeria: Presenting Opportunities for a New Normal in Healthcare Delivery
Full text linkThe COVID-19 pandemic has now involved nearly all countries and territories of the world, with no definite treatment or vaccine yet available. In this special edition of the Proceedings of the Nigerian Academy of Science, the flagship journal of the Nigeria Academy of Science (NAS), we present several research papers and commentaries that elucidate some experiences of the virus in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. Specific papers in this issue of the journal present some of the most salient features of the COVID-19 in Nigeria including: 1) the history of the evolution of the virus in Nigeria, and its summary national epidemiology within the first 100 days of its discovery in the country (Olorunda Fatusi, 2020); 2) clarification of the biological differences and similarities between the virus in Nigeria, and the first specie of the virus that was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 (Mackenzie Smith, 2020); and 3) the potential for the use of mouthwashes for diminishing the consequences of the virus in individuals who may have been exposed (Oyeniyi, Bosun-Arije Jaiyesimi, 2020)