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Morphological Identification of Endophytic Fungi of Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Lafia
Get PDFEndophytic fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that inhabit the internal tissues of plants without causing immediate harm. A study was carried out to isolate, identify and determine the distribution of endophytic fungi in tissues of tomato plants in Lafia. Tissue segments of tomato plant samples about 2 cm2 in size were surface sterilized in 70% ethanol for 2 min, followed 1% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) for three days for the emergence of endophytic fungi. Endophytic fungi were morphologically identified through observation of their macro and micromorphological chracteristics. A total of 15 isolates were identified, two isolates each (20%) belonging to C. rosea, A. niger, P. corticola, A. flavus, and M. ruber, while one isolate each (10%) of A. viridistratum, A. calidoustus, Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp., and Aspergillus sp. were recovered. OmbiAnzaku had the highest number of isolates 6(40.00%), comprising one isolate of A. viridistratum (6.67%), two isolates of A. niger (13.33%), and one isolate each (6.67%) of A. calidoustus, Fusarium sp., and Penicillium sp., followed by Akoko with 5 isolates (33.33%), comprising two A. flavus (13.33%), one Aspergillus sp. (6.67%), and two M. ruber (13.33%). Bakinrijiya and Bukan Kwato had two isolates each (13.33%), comprising P. corticola in Bakinrijiya, and C. rosea in Bukan Kwato. The identification of genera with known biocontrol, bioactive, and growth-promoting properties underscores the potential application of these fungi in sustainable agricultural practices
Energy Pricing, Investments and Economic Growth in Africa
Get PDFAfrica possesses abundant energy resources, yet distorted energy pricing structures and subsidy policies have hindered investment and economic growth. This study examines the impact of energy pricing and subsidy reforms on investment and economic growth across 29 African countries using the Cross-Sectionally Augmented Autoregressive Distributive Lag (CS-ARDL) technique. The findings reveal that energy subsidies, particularly in gasoline, have significant negative effects on investment in the energy sector and overall economic growth. In the short run, subsidies distort resource allocation and create inefficiencies, while long-term analyses suggest that stable governance and consistent policy reforms can mitigate these distortions. The study further highlights that the impact of energy pricing varies across African nations, necessitating context-specific policy approaches. The results indicate that political stability plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, while subsidy reductions can enhance fiscal sustainability. Based on these insights, the study recommends a gradual phase-out of energy subsidies, improved governance, and the implementation of targeted social safety nets to ensure equitable economic progress. Such policy measures can attract investments in the energy sector and contribute to long-term economic resilience and sustainable growth in Africa
Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Porcine Salmonella in Nasarawa state, North Central Nigeria
Get PDFSalmonellosis is among the important zoonosis attracting global attention recently. The burden of this pathogen is rising due to antibiotics resistance threatening food safety, therapeutic outcomes and manpower productivity mostly in developing nations. The aim of this study was to determine the Antibiotic resistance profile of Porcine Salmonella in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 637 freshly voided fecal samples were collected and subjected to culture and isolation according to methods described by Office International des epizooties (OIE). Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined against mostly used antibiotics in veterinary and human medicine. The Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all the isolates were resistant to Erterpenem (100%),some highly resistant to Penicillin G (96.7%) and Erythromycin (90.0%) but susceptible to Cefepime (96.7%), Sulphamethoxazole (83.3%), Chloramphenicol (80.0%), Ceftriaxone (76.7%), Ampicillin (60.0%), Cefoxitin (73.3%), Imipenem (53.3%), Nitrofurantoin (43.3%), Cefotaxime (33.3%), Ciprofloxacin (30.0%), Pefloxacin, Amikacin and Gentamicin (23.3%), Tetracycline and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (13.3%) while susceptibility for Erythromycin and Penicillin G was 3.3%. Intermediate resistance ranged from 43.3% for Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid, 36.7% for Amikacin, 33.3% for Ciprofloxacin, 30% for Nitrofurantoin, 26.7% for Cefotaxime and Tetracycline, 20.0% for Ceftazidime and Gentamicin,16.7% for Ampicillin and Imipenem, 10.0% for Chloramphenicol and Cefoxitin while Sulphamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, Ceftriaxone and Erythromycin had 6.7%. The MAR index ranged from 0.21 to 0.97 indicating high levels of environmental contamination with antimicrobials. This study confirms pigs as reservoirs of resistant Salmonella highlighting the need for One-Health approach to safeguard the health of the populace
3 Point Block Backward Differentiation Formula with Multiple Off-Step Points for the Solution of Stiff Problems
No full textIn this study, a three-point block backward differentiation formula (3PBBDF) method is derived for solving first-order stiff initial value problems (IVPs) of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The newly proposed method is analyzed for its key properties and is found to be A-stable, zero-stable, and effective in handling stiff IVPs. To evaluate the performance of the 3PBBDF method, several stiff IVPs are solved, and the results are compared against existing numerical schemes. The comparison, based on tabulated results and plotted graphs, demonstrates that the proposed method offers superior accuracy in terms of error scaling over three competing methods and also outperforms two methods in terms of execution time. Consequently, the proposed 3PBBDF scheme proves to be an efficient tool for integrating stiff IVPs in ODE
Antibiotic Resistant Patterns of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Clinical Stool Samples in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Get PDFSalmonella infections is a major public health concern, resource limited area such as Nasarawa State in Nigeria were the prevalence of drug resistant strains is in the increase. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of Salmonella serotypes obtained from clinical stool samples of patients from selected health facilities in Nasarawa State. A cross sectional study design was used in this study. A total of four hundred and fifty (450) stool samples were collected from patients showing symptoms of salmonellosis. Samples collected were cultured on selective media, and the isolates were identified and serotyped using biochemical tests and agglutination reactions respectively. The study identified 18 positive cases, with Salmonella enterica accounting for 94% of infections and S. bongori representing the remaining 6%. Eight distinct serovars were detected, with S. ser. Typhimurium (33%) and S. ser. Enteritidis (22%) being the most prevalent. Other serovars included S. ser. Typhi (11%), S. ser. Heidelberg (11%), S. ser. Agona, S. ser. Paratyphi B, S. ser. Huaian, and S. bongori (6% each). Serovar diversity was higher among male patients, while infection prevalence peaked among individuals aged 41–50 years. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to Augmentin and erythromycin, while cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and gentamicin demonstrated efficacy against most isolates. These findings indicate the need for continuous surveillance of Salmonella serotypes and antibiotic resistance patterns to guide treatment and control strategies. This study provides critical epidemiological data for managing Salmonella infections in Nasarawa State and informs public health interventions
Morphological Assessment of the Protective Effects of A. muricata Seed Extract Against Potassium Dichromate Stomach Poisoning in Wistar Rats
No full textThis study investigated the protective effects of Annona muricata seed extract against potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) stomach poisoning in Wister rats. Seeds were extracted with ethanol, and 20 rats were divided into five groups. Group I received distilled water, Group II received 200 mg/kg extract, Group III received 20 mg/kg K2Cr2O7, Group IV received 20 mg/kg pbw of K2Cr2O7 followed by 200 mg/kg pbw of extract, and Group V received 200 mg/kg pbw of extract followed by 20 mg/kg pbw of K2Cr2O7. Group I showed normal liver and stomach morphology. Group II showed normal stomach morphology. Group III showed stomach damage, disruption of surface epithelium, and leukocyte infiltration. Group IV showed normal stomach morphology, while Group V showed no pathological lesions. Annona muricata seed extract protects against K2Cr2O7 stomach poisoning in Wistar rats, suggesting its potential against stomach poisoning in humans. Further molecular investigation is needed to understand the mechanism of action
IMPACT OF ALPHA SPIN NANOPARTICLES ON GENETIC DIVERSITY OFNIGERIA SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) GERMPLASM
Get PDFAn experiment was carried out during the cropping season of 2025 in the Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology of Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State-Nigeria to investigate the influence of Alpha spin nanoparticles on the Genetic diversity of sesame. The seeds were exposed to Alpha pin Nanoparticles at 20min, 40min and 60min alongside the untreated (control). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on the basis of plant height, Number of pods/plant, Number of seeds/pod, 1000seeds weight. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result revealed that most of the parameters were significant at 0≤ 0.05. Highest mean plant height was observed in variety FUTM9 (98.03), while OMA 40 (41.83) has the least plant height. The result also showed that FUTM7 (31.21) has the highest number of pods/plant while OMA 40, has the least number of pods/plant. FUTM9 (70.22) was observed to have the highest number of seeds/pod while Ex sudan (44.66) has the least number of seeds/pod. NAK033 has the highest dry seed weight (22.60) while FUTM9 has the least dry seed weight (3.89). Highest 1000seed weight was observed in the variety Jig 86 (8.80) while the least was observed in Ex sudan (6.79). Most of the varieties recorded their highest mean performance at T2 which is 40minutes of exposure to alpha nano spin particles. It is recommended that for most of the agronomic traits, T2 (40 minutes exposure time) be applied.
Constraining the Genesis of Barite Deposits of the Gombe Hill, Using Stable Isotopes and Fluid Inclusion Studies
Get PDFThe opening of the Benue Trough as well as the sinistral displacement of the strike slip fault that displaced the whole inlier has been well documented in recent times. Fractures formed are believed to have occurred at the time of the opening of Benue Trough in the Cretaceous. Large sedimentary basins were developed with carbonates and continental platforms that provided ideal conditions for the formation of suits of sandstone hosted, stratiform deposits such as barite, celestine and fluorite of Cretaceous age. Barite is the economic mineral and the shape of the ore bodies is considered massive, the gangue minerals are calcite, traces of celestine and silica. A fluid inclusion and stable isotope analysis (S and O) for barite was conducted. The result shows a melting ice temperature between −24 °C and −15 °C (salinities of 13.6 to 24 wt. % NaCl equiv.) and a homogenization temperature ranged between 60 °C to 155 °C. Isotopic analysis of barite showed δ34SVCDT ranges from +18.1‰ to +19.8‰. Sulfur and Oxygen isotope data for the barite from the study area is consistent with a sulfur source formed during the Cretaceous, which coincides with the age of the Bima Formation. The oxygen isotope analysis showed a range between δ18OVSMOW 9.9‰ and 12.2‰ for the mineral. Fluid inclusion microthermometry and isotopic measurements lead us to conclude that brines from the Upper Benue Basin led to the replacement of evaporite strata (gypsum) by barite and its subsequent deposition within veins and fractures of the Bima Formation.
Ethno-botanical Survey of Plant Species used for Mosquito Control in Gadau, Bauchi State.
Get PDFThis study assessed the ethno-botanical plant species used for mosquito control in Gadau, Bauchi State. The study was conducted between July and August, 2024. In this study, a cross-sectional design method was employed. A popular market in Gadau town, known for its large number of herbal vendors on market days, was purposively selected as the study area. The questionnaire, adapted from previous studies was administered in the local language, commonly Hausa, depending on the respondent\u27s preference. Male respondents constituted the majority, 31 (72.09%), compared to females, 12 (27.91%), with a significant difference observed between genders (χ² = 36.1, p < 0.05). Among the age groups, the 25–34-year range had the highest percentage of respondents, 19 (44.19%), followed by 18–24 years (27.91%), 35–44 years (13.95%), 45–54 years (9.30%), and the least represented were the 55–64 years and 65+ years categories, each at 2.33%. A significant difference was also noted among respondents based on age ranges (p < 0.05). Nine plant species belonging to six families were identified: Tageteserecta, Azadirachtaindica, Cymbopogoncitratus, Salvia rosmarinus, Allium sativum, Menthapiperita, Lavandulalatifolia, Carica papaya and Vernoniaamygdalina. The Lamiaceae family recorded the highest number of species (33.33%), followed by Asteraceae (22.22%), with Meliaceae, Poaceae, Alliaceae, and Caricaceae contributing one species each (11.11%). Therefore, it is essential that the diverse plant species in the Gadau community, particularly those identified in this study be further investigated for their mosquitocidal and repellent properties. This research provides crucial evidence to support the consideration of these plants as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides
POPULATION ESTIMATION AND EVALUATION OF CAUSES OF MALARIATRANSMISSION AMONG NOMADS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFThe spread of malaria and associated factors among the nomadic people in Taraba State, Nigeria, are investigated in this baseline study. Nomadic groups confront major health issues, especially with regard to malaria, because of their mobility, restricted access to healthcare, and distinct socioeconomic circumstances. The study included a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the prevalence of malaria, related risk factors, and healthcare-seeking behavior. These methods included focus groups, key informant interviews, and household surveys. The results show that high malaria prevalence, particularly during the rainy season, driven by environmental and behavioral factors. Poor health-seeking behaviors due to distance, financial barriers, and cultural perceptions. Low utilization of preventive measures like Treated Mosquito nets, cleaning of surrounding, poor/ lack of functional health facilities are the most contributed factors to the prevalence of Malaria transmission among nomadic population in Taraba state. Other environmental influences include seasonal movement patterns and closeness to water bodies, which enhance mosquito exposure, and socioeconomic restraints, such as cultural norms and financial hurdles that restrict access to treatment. The report emphasizes the critical need for focused interventions, such as community-based malaria surveillance, mobile health services, culturally appropriate health education, and easier access to insecticide-treated nets. In order to lower the prevalence of malaria and enhance general health outcomes in Taraba State, it were essential to improve healthcare delivery for these susceptible groups