Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using GIS-Based Multicriteria Decision Analysis: A Case Study of Lokoja, Nigeria
No full textLocated between rivers and hills, Lokoja’s development is advancing into hilly areas due to limited flat and safe land without recourse to the stability of the hills. The study aims to assess the structural stability of hilly areas through the production of landslide susceptibility maps using both a Geographic Information System and an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model. Twelve data layers are exploited as the conditioning factors to detect the most susceptible areas. These factors include slope, aspect, plan curvature, land use and land cover, lithology, topographic wetness index, stream power index, distance to road, distance to stream, slope length, and fault. Subsequently, a Landslide susceptibility map was produced using a precise and conclusive weighted-overlay analysis of the AHP pair-wise evaluation methodologies to evaluate the effects of the conditioning factors. Results indicate that 5,703 hectares (32.34%) of the study area are ‘not susceptible’, 7,881 hectares (44.69%) are ‘moderately susceptible’, and 4,051 hectares (22.97%) are ‘highly susceptible’ to landslides. The study concludes that the susceptibility model is reliable for future decision-making, urban planning, and development in Lokoja, Kogi State, to reduce the risk of landslides in the region
Nutritional safety assessment of giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon): Impact of smoking
No full textThis study examined the impact of smoking on the proximate composition, mineral content, mineral ratios, and mineral safety index (MSI) of the shell and flesh of the Giant Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Fresh and smoked samples were analyzed using standard of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists’ (AOAC) methods for proximate composition, while mineral content was determined via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mineral ratios and MSI were calculated to assess dietary safety. Results showed that smoking significantly reduced moisture content, leading to a concentration of nutrients. Protein, crude fat, total ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) increased notably in smoked samples compared to raw ones, with protein levels rising by 63.82% in the shell and 73.29% in the flesh. Mineral concentrations, including calcium, sodium, and potassium, also increased significantly post-smoking. While mineral ratios such as Ca/Mg, Ca/P, and Na/K mostly remained within recommended dietary limits, the Na/Mg ratio showed deviations. MSI analysis indicated that calcium and sodium levels exceeded recommended thresholds, suggesting potential health risks if consumed in excess. Given the high sodium content, moderate consumption of smoked P. monodon is advised, particularly for individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular concerns. Additionally, pairing smoked shrimp with potassium-rich foods may help balance sodium intake and mitigate potential health risks
Supported vaccination campaigns as panacea for rabies elimination: A case report
No full textRabies, a zoonotic, transmissible viral disease of all warm-blooded animals, including humans, has continued to claim the lives of both animals and humans. Dogs have been identified as a major link for the continuous transmission of the disease; however, canine anti-rabies vaccination has proven to be pivotal in breaking the chain of transmission. A minimum of 70% anti-rabies vaccination coverage is required to create herd immunity. We conducted a supported anti-rabies vaccination campaign in the Nigeria Police Force Veterinary Clinic, Ilorin, between 28th September and 7th October 2022, supported by the Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture. A total of 38 animals were presented; 37 were vaccinated, comprising 36 dogs and a cat. We declined vaccinating a dog due to its recent vaccination status. 56% of the vaccinated dogs were males; 24-25-month-old dogs dominate the vaccinated dogs with 25%. German shepherds and Caucasians were the most vaccinated dog breeds, and 72% of all the dogs have never been vaccinated. We concluded that supported free anti-rabies vaccination campaigns are important in achieving rabies elimination by 2030
Species diversity and abundance of anthropogenically disturbed areas of a Strict Nature Reserve in Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textThis study evaluated the impacts of anthropogenic activities on tree species diversity and abundance. Tree species diversity and abundance of the degraded and undisturbed areas of the forest were assessed and compared. A total of 16 temporary, equal-sized plots (25m x 25m) were laid in both the degraded and undisturbed areas of the SNR using the systematic sampling technique. In each of the sampling plots, tree growth data were collected from all the living trees categorised as mature trees with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 10cm, saplings (DBH 1-9 cm), and seedlings (DBH ≤ 1.0cm). The trees were identified to species level and classified into families. In the overstory layer, 46 species from 18 families and 32 species from 15 families were encountered in the undisturbed and degraded areas, respectively. The sapling density per hectare was 91.8% more in the undisturbed area than what was recorded in the degraded area. The diameter distribution curve revealed a significant decline in tree density per hectare in the degraded area. The Jaccard similarity index between the degraded and undisturbed areas reveals that the overstory, sapling, and seedling layers were 42%, 27%, and 29% similar, respectively. The degraded area exhibited a significant loss of native tree species. The findings suggest that anthropogenic disturbances have significantly reduced tree species diversity and abundance in the degraded area. Hence, immediate conservation actions, including logging bans, agricultural restrictions, and enrichment planting, are essential to restore the degraded forest
Potential effects of garlic supplementation in older adults on a long-term cardiovascular disease risk
No full textCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death among elderly people. Garlic has been used as a food and medicinal herb for millennia and is well-known for its numerous health advantages, particularly those related to cardiovascular health. This review looks at the bioactive compounds in garlic, such as allicin, and how they affect many aspects of cardiovascular health, including hypertension, heart disease, platelet aggregation, and aortic stiffness. It underlines the need to incorporate garlic into the diet as a preventative approach against CVD risk factors, particularly in older persons. Garlic and cardiovascular health are a complex and ongoing research topic. Preliminary research indicates that frequent garlic consumption may lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce platelet aggregation, and improve overall vascular function. In conclusion, garlic has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and may reduce CVD risk in older persons. Eating garlic regularly may enhance various health aspects and should be included in a balanced diet. However, the long-term consequences of garlic supplementation in older persons are not entirely established and warrant more research
Quality evaluation and functional properties of Kokoro produced from maize and African yam bean flour blends
No full textThis study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional composition of “Kokoro” produced from maize (M) and African yam bean (AYB) composite flour. Different ratios of M and AYB composite flour were formulated, ranging from Sample XWB: 100% maize flour; YVA: 95% maize flour and 5% AYB; KRM: 90% maize flour and 10% AYB; Sample PND: 85% maize flour and 15% B; and GSZ: 80% maize flour and 20% AYB. The flour and maize chips\u27 proximate and mineral compositions were evaluated. Sensory characteristics of the maize chip were determined. The result obtained for proximate composition of flour and maize chip (M and AYB composite flour) showed a mean moisture content of 9.96% and 13.52%, crude protein of 3.13% and 0.86%, crude fat of 2.84% and 8.99%, crude fiber of 1.18% and 1.42%, total ash of 2.05% and 2.00%, and carbohydrate of 77.27% and 74.17%, respectively. The mineral composition of the maize chips contained a mean calcium of 54.00 mg/100g, magnesium of 13.75 mg/100g, iron of 2.80 mg/100g, sodium of 82.50 mg/100g, zinc of 0.01 mg/100g, and phosphorus of 33.75 mg/100g. The study showed that the nutritional quality of maize chips can be improved through the addition of AYB. This is reflected in the improved nutrition, which increased with the increase in AYB flour inclusion level. The substitution of maize with AYB significantly improved the mineral and functional properties of the blends. Sensory evaluation showed that consumers tend to prefer maize chips from 90:10 M and AYB composite flour
Growth and yield response of cassava TME 419 to biochar and inorganic fertilizer applications
No full textCassava (Manihot esculenta) is a staple crop valued for its adaptability and yield potential, yet optimizing its growth requires effective soil fertility management. This study evaluated the influence of biochar, compost, NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, and their combinations on the growth and yield of TME 419 cassava, focusing on plant height, stem girth, leaf production, and tuber yield. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at P < 0.05. Treatments applied to cassava TME 419 did not significantly influence the growth parameters. However, NPK 15-15-15 application resulted in the tallest cassava plant (124.60 cm), while biochar and compost treatment improved stem girth (1.72 cm), suggesting enhanced soil aeration, moisture retention, and structural support. However, leaf production peaked under NPK treatment (21.00 leaves), reinforcing its critical role in chlorophyll synthesis and canopy development. In terms of tuber yield, cassava treated with biochar and compost treatment recorded the highest yield (22.82 t/ha), indicating significant effects of organic amendments on storage root formation. The moderate yield observed with compost and NPK treatments further confirms their contributions to carbohydrate accumulation and root development in cassava cultivation. It is recommended that further studies should be carried out to know the residual effect of biochar on cassava cultivation and soil health dynamics to enhance productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability
Natural regeneration potential of the soil seed bank of different land use types in swamp forest of Ogun river watershed, Nigeria
No full textUnsustainable land uses are a major indicator of human activities that contribute to land degradation, a menace that inhibits the regeneration of forest estates. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of land use practices on regeneration potentials of the Swamp Forest of the Ogun River Watershed (ORW) with a view to providing baseline information towards sustainable watershed management. The swamp forest of ORW was stratified into Natural Forest (NF), Disturbed Forest (DF), and Farm Land (FL) for natural regeneration assessment of the soil seed bank. Two systematic line transects of 1000 m length were used in the laying of the sample plots. Sample plots of 25 m x 25 m were established in alternate positions along the transects. Ten plots in each land use type were randomly selected for soil core sample collection. The soil samples were placed in individual 20 cm × 30 cm × 1 cm containers in a screen house. The trays were watered regularly to induce germination, and seedlings were checked for emergence fortnightly for 18 months. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A total of 1,121 seedlings distributed among 26 families emerged from the soil of various land use types. The FL had the highest number of germinated seeds (544±42.9 seedlings), which were mostly invasive herbaceous plants, followed by DF (378±39.22 seedlings) with similar invasive species. The NF with 199±28.41 seedlings had more tree species, similar to the aboveground tree species of the study area. More invasive herbaceous plants dominated FL and DF compared to NF, which had more tree seedlings from the seed bank in relation to aboveground tree species
Quality evaluation of biscuits produced from wheat flour using peanut butter as fat substitute
No full textQuality evaluation of biscuits produced from wheat flour using peanut butter as a fat substitute was studied. Five samples were produced using 100% wheat flour (BBZ: 100% butter; RMD: 10% butter and 90% peanut butter; OKW: 20% butter and 80% peanut butter; BFB: 30% butter and 70% peanut butter; FMB: 40% butter and 60% peanut butter) and were subjected to different analyses: mineral, proximate, and vitamin composition, as well as sensory evaluation. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and mean separated by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (p<0.05). The moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate ranged from 7.22 - 9.35%, 3.95 - 4.25%, 18.35 - 26.98%, 0.39 - 1.23%, 1.85 - 2.40% and 56.65 - 66.40% respectively. The samples contain significant (p<0.05) amounts of potassium (27.50-45.00 mg/100g), calcium (202.50-237.50 mg/100g), magnesium (47.50-67.75 mg/100g), iron (7.85-9.25 mg/100g), phosphorus (160.00-195.00 mg/100g), and sodium (262.50-287.50 mg/100g) content. The addition of peanut butter had a significant effect on the mineral content of the biscuits due to the presence of the peanut. The samples contained ascorbic acid (4.80-5.30 mg/100g), vitamin B1 (0.09-0.15 (mg/100g), Vitamin B2 (0.19 - 0.22 mg/100g) and Vitamin B3 (1.73 - 1.83mg/100g). The value of sensory scores for taste, colour, appearance, texture, and overall acceptability ranged from 7.50 - 9.10, 5.70 - 7.10, 7.90 - 8.90, 8.10 - 8.80 and 7.60-8.00 respectively. There was a significant (p<0.05) difference among samples in the sensory panelist ratings of taste, colour, appearance, texture, and overall acceptability
Customary Law and Religious Ethics: A Dual Approach to Addressing Societal Decay in Nigeria
No full textFor centuries, customary law and religious ethics have served as foundational pillars in building morally upright societies. These two institutions provided structured guidance on acceptable behavior, instilled a sense of communal responsibility, and ensured justice was administered with moral considerations. In many traditional societies, customary laws, deeply rooted in cultural norms, regulated human conduct, while religious ethics reinforced these values by emphasizing divine accountability. However, in contemporary times, the abandonment of these moral frameworks has led to alarming societal decadence characterized by corruption, materialism, and moral erosion. The relentless pursuit of wealth and power, often at the expense of ethical values, has diminished communal harmony and increased crime rates. This research highlights the urgent need to reintegrate customary law and religious ethics into modern governance and social structures. The study adopts a doctrinal research methodology, relying on the analysis of legal and religious texts, scholarly articles, and historical perspectives to examine the role of customary law and religious ethics in shaping societal values. By exploring past societies where these principles thrived, this research draws lessons on their effectiveness in fostering order, justice, and ethical conduct. Findings reveal that societies that adhered to these principles exhibited lower crime rates, stronger communal bonds, and greater social stability. The paper recommends policy frameworks that incorporate religious and customary values into contemporary legal and social structures. Additionally, it calls for active involvement of religious institutions and traditional leaders in moral reorientation programs. In conclusion, restoring the influence of customary law and religious ethics is imperative in addressing the current moral crisis. The Church and traditional institutions must collaborate to rekindle moral consciousness, ensuring that society moves away from moral decay toward a more just and ethical future