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SEDIMENTOLOGICAL AND PALEODE POSITIONAL STUDIES OFROCKS WITHIN THE MIDDLE BENUE TROUGH
Get PDFPrevious studies were focused on Albian to Turonian sediments of the middle Benue Trough, which lies within Keana and Awe sheet 232 NW respectively. The present study extends to areas around Lafia town (Sheet 231NW) whose sediments range from Albian to Maastrichtian. Detailed field mapping on a scale of 1:50,000 was carried out and during this exercise, lithostratigraphic successions in the study area was established. Stratigraphic study of the area indicates the occurrence of three formations namely; the fluvial Lafia Formation, the shallow marine Awgu Formation and the transitional Awe Formation. 12 samples were collected for granulometric analysis and 8 samples for Petrographic analysis. The Lafia Formation consists of ferruginous sandstone capping the section, clay and clayed intercalated with sands at the base. Petrography and sieve analysis revealed that the Ferruginous sandstone ranged from fine to medium grain. It is moderately sorted, strongly fine skewed and is subarkosic arenite. More than 60 % of the crystals are monocrystalline which is indicative of igneous provenance. The Awe Formation consists of fine-grained white sandstone, with some intercalations of white clay and laminated shale. The sandstones are fine-grained and poorly-moderately sorted which coupled with the bivariate plot that indicates a transitional condition between shallow marine and fluvial systems. The Awgu Formation consists of sandstones that are fine grained, very poorly sorted and strongly fine-skewed. The presence of ostracodes, echinoderms, and ammonites within the shaley limestone of the Awgu Formation is indicative of marine environment
GROWTH RESPONSE OF RABBITS TO RUMEN LIQUOR–FERMENTED SUGAR BY-PRODUCT MEAL DIETS WITH MULTIGRAIN ENZYME SUPPLEMENTATION
Get PDFThe global demand for animal protein necessitates the exploration of sustainable feed alternatives in livestock production. Rabbit farming is considered a promising avenue due to the high reproductive rate and their ability to thrive on diverse feedstuffs. This study investigated effect of rumen-liquor fermented solid waste product of sugar industry (FSWAPSI) supplemented with enzyme on the performance of rabbits. The experiment used 72 weaner rabbits assigned to a 3x2 factorial arrangement fitted into Completely Randomized Design and replicated four times with 3 rabbits each. Six diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and iso-caloric, supplementing FSWAPSI at 20, 30, and 40 % for weaners and 40, 50 and 60 % for growers, with enzyme supplementation at 0 and 200 ppm. Rumen liquor was used to inoculate SWAPSI and fermented before sun-drying. In the grower phase the result shows that higher level of the test ingredient was tolerated, 20 % FSWAPSI inclusion group showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in final weight (1426.70 g). Enzyme supplementation at 200 ppm significantly (P<0.05) depressed final weight (1240.60 g) as compared to the 0 ppm group (1398.90 g). There was significant (P<0.05) increase in average feed intake (52.61 g) and protein intake (9.5g) due to interactive effects of FSWAPSI and enzyme supplementation in the weaner phase. Conclusively, FSWAPSI can be safely incorporated up to 40 % for weaner rabbits and up to 60 % for grower rabbits. However, enzyme supplementation at 200 ppm proved unnecessary for grower rabbits as the fermentation itself effectively enhanced nutrient utilizatio
EFFECT OF TRADITIONAL PROCESSING METHODS ON THE LIPID PROFILES OF SELECTED FISH SPECIES FROM DOMA RIVER, NASARAWA STATE
Get PDFFish is a vital source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, but traditional processing methods can significantly influence its lipid composition and nutritional value. This study aims to evaluate the effect of smoking, sun-drying and salting-oven dry on the fatty acid and phospholipid compositions of selected three fish species Hyperopisus bebe, Hepsetus odoe and Clarias gariepinus from the Doma River. The sun-drying process lasted eight days under ambient sunlight (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), smoking was conducted using hardwood-fired ovens at temperatures above 70 °C for two consecutive days, while salting involved preservation in a 1:4 salt-to-fish ratio prior to oven drying. Processed samples were ground into fine powder and analyzed. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and phospholipids were analyzed using gas chromatography. The results revealed notable differences across processing techniques. Smoked samples retained higher levels of PUFA, particularly essential fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. Phosphatidylcholine was the most abundant phospholipid detected, with smoking maintaining higher overall phospholipid integrity compared to drying and sun-drying. Among the fatty acids, smoking yielded the highest PUFA/SFA ratio (32.25 %) indicating better nutritional quality. In conclusion, smoking appears to be the most effective method for preserving health-beneficial lipids in fish from the Doma River.
PREVALENCE OF CARBAPENEM-RESISTANT AND METALLO-BETA-LACTAMASES PRODUCING GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIAL FROM CLINICAL SAMPLES IN NIGERIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Get PDFCarbapenem is a class of antimicrobial agent reserved for infections cause by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This review, using a public health focused approach, aimed to understand and describe the current status of CR in Nigeria in relation to common causes of infections and drugs recommended in WHO treatment guidelines. Assessment of the prevalence of Carbapenemase-resistance Gram-negative bacteria is necessary in Nigeria. This article reviewed the previously published literature on the Prevalence of Carbapenemase-resistance Gram-negative bacteria. There were 100 % isolation of Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. Citrobacter spp., Proteus spp., Serratia spp., Enterobacter spp., Morganella morganii, Providenciae spp. and Acinetobacter baumanii in all the studies reviewed. Veronna integrin-encoded, New Delhi methallo, New Delhi methallo-1, New Delhi methallo-5, Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase, Guiana extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, Oxacillinases-48, Oxacillinases-181, Dhahran Hospital in Saudi Arabia b-lactamase were some of resistance mediated genes observed in some of studies in Nigeria. Exhaustive search for recent articles (2011–2024) was conducted using PubMed, Google search engine, AJOL and other relevant databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Article retrieval and screening were done using a structured search string and strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Carbapenem-resistant in Gram-negative bacteria is a clear and present danger in Nigeria, which needs strong surveillance to curb this menace. Public health departments must monitor carbapenem resistant isolates
NUTRITIVE ATTRIBUTES OF COCONUT FRUIT JUICE AS ADDITIVE TO YOGHURT
Get PDFThe enhancement of yoghurt quality and nutritional attributes through additives is increasingly important in functional dairy products. This study evaluated the phytochemical contents of coconut fruit juice (CFJ) and its effect on the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of yoghurt. Fresh cow milk was inoculated with standard yoghurt starter cultures (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) and treated with five CFJ inclusion levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ml per 100 ml yoghurt) in a Completely Randomised Design. Parameters assessed included physicochemical, proximate, vitamin, and fatty acid properties. Results showed that CFJ is rich in phenols, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, and anthocyanins, with phenols most abundant. Proximate analysis indicated that moisture and crude protein increased significantly with higher CFJ inclusion, while crude fat, carbohydrate, fibre, and ash decreased (P < 0.05). Physicochemical evaluation revealed progressive reductions in titratable acidity and free fatty acids with CFJ addition (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that CFJ fortification improves yoghurt’s nutritional balance by lowering fat and enhancing protein and hydration, while providing antioxidant phytochemicals with potential health benefits. The 15 % CFJ inclusion level achieved the best balance between nutritional enhancement and product stability. Beyond macronutrient improvement, CFJ incorporation is expected to confer antioxidant protection, improved hydration, reduced fat, and enhanced protein availability, aligning with consumer demand for healthier dairy products. In conclusion, CFJ fortification is a promising strategy for producing value-added yoghurt with improved nutritional quality and functional benefits, with 15 % inclusion recommended as optimal for production and processing
Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Selected Livestock from Awe, Nasarawa South, Nigeria
Get PDFThe analysis and Health risk Index of organochlorine (OC), and pesticide residues in Cow, Goat, Pig, and Ram meat samples in Awe sourced directly from the major feeding abattoir was carried out. Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective and Robust (QuEChERs) Extraction method was employed for sample extraction. Instrumental analysis was performed on a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS). In all Meat samples varying concentrations of OC pesticide residue were detected. 20 OC pesticide was run across all Livestock samples. 17 pesticide residues were detected in Cow meat, 14 pesticide residues detected in Goat sample, 12 pesticide residues in Pig meat, and 15 pesticide residues were detected in Ram samples. Among the pesticide residues detected the most prevalent OC pesticide ranges from Endrin, P,P\u27 – DDD, Endosulfan II, P,P\u27 – DDT, Endrin Aldehyde, Endosulfan Sulfate, Methoxychlor, Endrin Ketone. Banned pesticides in Nigeria are found in the meat samples in Awe, though they do not exceed the maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) set by FAO/WHO. The Chronic Health Index values of the various meat samples are below 1. CHI value lower than 1 indicates no potential health risks while more than 1 CHI value indicates a potential health hazard. Continuous monitoring and stricter enforcement of pesticide regulations are recommended to ensure food safety and minimize potential long-term health impacts
Cosmic Radiation Exposure and Health Risks for Passengers on Flights Over Nigeria
Get PDFThis study calculated the absorbed dose and effective doses of cosmic radiation at an aviation altitude of 12 km over Nigeria. We considered galactic cosmic rays (GCR), solar energetic particles (SEP), and atmospheric cosmic rays (ACR). The results indicate that dose rates increase with altitude and latitude, reaching a maximum of 1.93 μSv/h during solar minimum and 1.63 μSv/h during solar maximum. The calculations show that a passenger flying 200 hours per year between Abuja and Lagos would accumulate 0.39 mSv/year of cosmic rays. Although this is less than the recommended dose of 1 mSv/year for non-radiation-exposed persons, passengers travelling at the same rate would accumulate 1.55 mSv in four years. This long-term exposure could be detrimental to health, potentially leading to tissue degenerative diseases and cancer. The results of this study provide insights for assessing and mitigating radiation exposure risks in aviatio
Effect of S-glass Fibre and Nanoclay on the Tensile Properties of Epoxy Composites: A Comparative Study
Get PDFIn this research work, the effect of S-glass fibre and nanoclay loading on the tensile properties of epoxy material are comparatively studied. Two groups of composites were fabricated, glass fibre/epoxy composites A, B, C, D, E, and F, which contains 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt.% S-glass fibre reinforcements respectively and nanoclay/epoxy composites A, B, C, D, E, and F with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt.% nanoclay content, respectively. Tensile property of the all the composites fabricated were analysed and findings reported. Glass fibre/epoxy composite E, which contains 60 wt.% epoxy, 40 wt.% glass fibre was found to be the overall best performing composite. It possesses the following qualities: 98.93 MPa tensile strength, 1336.90 MPa tensile modulus and 0.072 strain at break whereas the best result on the tensile properties for nanoclay/epoxy group composites was obtained from composite E, which contains 4 wt.% nanoclay and 96 wt.% epoxy. It has the following behaviour; 60.837 MPa tensile strength, 845.00 MPa tensile modulus and 0.072 strain at break. The composite fabricated are suitable for wide range of applications such as aerospace industry for aircraft panel and body parts, marine for ship and vessels body parts, automobile industry for car bumper and body parts and civil engineering or structural engineering for high rise building frames etc
Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Luffa (Luffa cylindrica) and Banana (Musa acuminata) Fibre Reinforced Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene (rLDPE)
Get PDFIn response to the environmental concerns posed by low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pollution, this study explores the potential of natural fibers—specifically banana and luffa fibers—as reinforcements in recycled LDPE composites. Composites were fabricated by blending post-consumer rLDPE with banana and luffa fibers at weight ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30%. Mechanical properties: tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break, and impact resistance tests were evaluated. Results showed that banana fiber composites exhibited an increase in tensile strength from 12.4 MPa to 13.99 MPa with increasing fiber content (10%–30%), The flexural strength decreases from 125.9 MPa at, 105MPa, and 92.74 MPa at 30% of fibre loading, while elongation at break, the elongation increases from 14.51% at 10% to 35.31% at 30%. However, both flexural strength and impact resistance decreased with increased fiber loading, likely due to poor fiber-matrix interfacial bonding. Optimal performance for banana-reinforced composites was observed at 30% fiber content for tensile strength, and at 10% for flexural strength. In contrast, luffa fiber composites showed a decrease in tensile strength from 11.84 MPa to 10.07 MPa as fiber content increased, attributed to weak interfacial adhesion. Flexural strength increased from 10MPa to 57.78MPa fiber loading. Elongation decreased from 44.62%-25%, but slightly increased 25%-28% as fibre loading increases due to poor fiber-matrix interfacial bonding. Overall, banana fiber demonstrated more consistent and favorable mechanical performance than luffa, particularly in tensile properties, highlighting its potential as a sustainable reinforcement material in rLDPE composites to mitigate plastic waste and reduce environmental impact.
A Phenomenological Study of the Place of Human Autonomy and Agency in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Get PDFArtificial intelligence has greatly influenced our modern society and is being incorporated into almost all facets of human life. The capabilities and possibilities of AI are endless but its use and safety has raised a lot of ethical questions. There are also concerns that AI will negatively impact humanity if it is not designed and used ethically. Ethical considerations in the design and use of AI is a recent and pertinent issue which designers and producers of AI need to consider because of the possibilities of its tremendous impact on humanity. The dilemma of the place of human autonomy and agency in this new age of artificial intelligence is a notable ethical issue which the paper seeks to address; will human dependence on AI lead to the reduction of human autonomy and agency in the future? Will our preference for efficiency and optimization lead to the replacement of humanlike traits with machinelike traits? Employing the existentialist framework, this paper sets out to explore the place of human autonomy and agency in the age of artificial intelligence, it identifies the impact of the adoption and use of AI on human freedom, it also advocates for a future without total reliance on AI. Adopting the phenomenological method, it seeks to establish that humanity must maintain control over AI to ensure its safety and that AI must be designed and produced in a way that it augments humanity and not made to replace humanity. This must be done to ensure that humanity does not become over dependent on AI in the future. The paper recommends that AI must be designed to align with human values to ensure the preservation of human autonomy and agency in a world that is increasingly becoming dependent on AI