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Flight to Light Response of Red Pumpkin Beetle (Aulacophora africana Weise) to Differently Coloured Light-emitting Diode and Incandescent Bulb Lights
Get PDFRed pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora africana Weise) is an important defoliator and vector of pathogens to its numerous crop hosts. Control had largely been by synthetic insecticides with their attendant consequences on man and the environment thus necessitating scientific studies on environmental-friendly management strategies. The experiment was conducted in the Research Farm of Federal University Wukari in the month of May 2019 with the aim of evaluating the attractiveness of A. africana to Light-emitting diode (LED) and Incandescent Light bulb colours. Five colours (red, yellow, green, blue and white) were used for the study. Each colour light was properly projected on 2 metre vertical screen (made of white polyethene) placed one meter above the ground. A setup without bulb served as the control. The light traps were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) in 6 replicates and ran simultaneously for six hours (1800 to 2400hrs). The pumpkin beetles attracted were collected in tubs containing soapy water. A. africana collected were counted and recorded according to bulb type and colour. Samples were identified at the Insect Museum of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Among the Incandescent bulbs, White colour was most attractive to A. africana (4.30±0.38) while red attracted the least (0.71±0.01). Among LED bulbs, Blue was most attractive (3.99±1.01) while Red also attracted the least (0.78±0.03). Overall, LED attracted more pumpkin beetles than Incandescent bulb even though Student Newman Keul’s test indicates that the difference between them was due to random variation (p = 0.16). Correlation and regression analyses indicated increase in insect attraction with increased light intensity. The results therefore suggest that white Incandescent or blue LED bulb colours can be incorporated into insecticidal light traps to suppress their population/attract them away from host plants or fixed into ordinary light traps to harvest the insect for scientific studies
Monosodium Glutamate Plus Artemether-lumefantrine Overdose Altered Malondialdehyde, Total Protein and Albumin Concentration in Rats
Get PDFThis study aimed at assessing alterations in malondialdehyde, MDA, total protein and albumin concentration in the serum and liver homogenate of monosodium glutamate (MSG)-challenged rats co-treated with artemether-lumefantrine, AL. Methods involving colourimetric estimation were employed in thirty rats randomly grouped into six (n = 5) and for seven consecutive days, fed feed and water (Group A), AL therapeutic dose (Group B), AL overdose (therapeutic dose × 5) (Group C), MSG (8000 mg/kg body weight) (Group D), AL therapeutic dose plus MSG (Group E) or AL overdose plus MSG (Group F). Total protein concentration (2.64±0.09 g/dL, 2.81±0.14g/dL, respectively) in the liver homogenate of rats exposed to MSG (group D) or MSG plus AL overdose (group F) and malondialdehyde concentration in the liver homogenate of MSG plus AL overdose-fed rats (0.45±0.04 mg/ml) lowered (P<0.05) as against other groups. However, serum albumin concentration in MSG (2.59±0.13 g/dl) or AL overdose plus MSG (3.24±0.12 g/dl) fed rats was higher (P<0.05) compared to the control (2.02±0.04 g/dl). The Total protein: Albumin ratio lowered while the Albumin: total protein ratio increased in rats in MSG, AL overdose plus MSG or AL overdose groups compared with the control. Thus, the apparent MSG plus AL overdose-induced adverse influence on the studied parameters and samples of non-malarial infested rats could be via compromised liver-mediated protein metabolism capacity and bio-functions following possibly enhanced protein-malondialdehyde adduct formation in the rats
Mechanistic Study of Antibacterial Properties of Chemically Synthesize Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Get PDFNanotechnology is the science, engineering and technology conducted at the scale that ranges between 1-100 nanometers. For the bio-application, evolution of nanotechnology is creating the concern of scientists towards the synthesis of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have unique characteristics as compare to bulk materials. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a matchless semiconductor and it has been under investigation due to its wide range of applications in various areas like biomedical, electronics, material science and optics. In the present work synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was carried out by using simple chemical approach, Sol-gel method for being effective and inexpensive, by employing zinc acetate dehydrate Zn (CH3CO2)2.2H2O as a precursor and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) starch as a constant agent. The structural properties of resultant zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The XRD data confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO powder confirmed by JCPDS 36-1451 data. Particles size was calculated by Scherrer formula and calculated size was 30.14 nm. These nanoparticles were investigated for inhibition zone of bacterial strain Escherichia coli, a gram-negative microbe, at various concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were very proficient for inhibition of growth of bacterial strain E. coli. The mechanism of ZnO NPs for antibacterial activity is release of reactive oxygen species which not only hydrolyze cell wall but cell membrane and cellular components as well providing a potential bactericidal effect
Exploring Language; Some Specificities, Complexities and Limitations in Human Communication and Social Interaction in Multi-cultural Contexts
Get PDFThis paper explores the subject matter of human language as a social phenomenon in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society like Nigeria. The paper situates language as a complex social phenomenon which pervades every aspect of human life. It identifies the role of language in intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, and the complexities involved in every communicative event that must not be taken for granted. Furthermore, it identifies the functions and limitations of language, including its negative functions as viewed from Critical theory. The paper affirms that language is a central phenomenon in human cognitive development, internal conceptualization of thoughts and ideas, the external expression and sharing of thoughts, the perception and representation of social reality, the transmission of culture, and the maintenance of social relations. The paper further notes that language difference can be a source of social dysfunction in multi-lingual and multi-cultural societies like Nigeria
Toxicological Safety Assessment of Molluscicides Against Non-target Aquatic Biota; Colisa fasciatus
Get PDFPlants Terminalia arjuna and Tamarindus indica are known to have a significant molluscicidal potential to control the population of vector snails. Since the molluscicides are considered an emerging pollutant and are frequently detected in surface water bodies and found to be a great threat for aquatic biota. Hence, the main objective of this research is to critically evaluate the ectotoxicological and chronic effect of plant-derived molluscicides on other aquatic biotas. With these references this study deals with the safety measurement of molluscicides arjnolic acid, saponin and procynadine from T. arjuna and T. Indica against the fish Colisa fasciatus which share the same habitat with snails. The result of toxicity experiment reveals that fishes showed no mortality against 24h LC90 (against L. acuminata and I. exustus) up to 96h exposure duration. The enzyme bioassays of these molluscicides on the nervous tissue of fish showed no significant effect on key enzymes Acetylcholinesterase, acid and alkaline phosphates activity in comparison to control group of fishes. These results indicated that the application of arjunolic acid, saponin, and procynadine derive from plant T. arjuna and T. indica at its maximum concentration (24h LC90 of L. acuminata and I. exustus) and exposure duration (96h) did not cause any mortality or treatment-related enzymes inactivity in fishes. The study conclusively proved the ecotoxicological and chronic safety of plant-derived molluscicides arjunolic acid, saponin, and procynadine on non-target animals in the aquatic environment
The Prevalence of Congenital Malaria: Nigerian Experience
Get PDFThis study was aimed at highlighting on the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Nigeria within the last ten years. The prevalence of congenital malaria in Nigeria varies and it affects every geopolitical zone in Nigeria. This is because Nigeria like other countries in the tropics and subtropics has factors which favour the survival of mosquito. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of insecticide treated nets and effective case management of uncomplicated malaria as a feasible and cost-effective control strategy, Nigeria remains one of the worst affected countries in the world with malaria among pregnant women and neonates. This paper recommends more programs to the menace of this infection among pregnant women and neonates in Nigeria
Extraction and Characterization of Underutilized Seed Oils Sampled in South-western Nigeria
Get PDFCitrullus lanatus (watermelon) and Sesamum indicum (sesame) are edible plants that provide a lot of nutritional benefits to man; despite their wide consumption and benefits, their seed oils remain underutilized. Seed oils from these plants found in south-western Nigeria were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties. Oil was extracted from the seeds using Soxhlet apparatus and n-hexane as the solvent; physico-chemical properties were determined using standard analytical procedures. Watermelon seed oil had a golden brown colour while sesame seed oil had a carton brown colour; they had saponification values of 258.99 mgKOH/g and 261.34 mgKOH/g respectively. Acid value ranged from 2.13 – 2.51 mgKOH/g; iodine value of 39.7 - 42.3 gI2/100g and peroxide value of 1.39 – 2.43 meqKOH/g was determined in the seed oils. Oils from these seeds have numerous domestic and industrial potentials such as cooking, frying, production of soaps, and cosmetics to mention a few
Phytochemical, Proximate and Elemental Composition of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray leaves
Get PDFIn recent times, medicinal plants are being greatly used ethnomedicinally for the management and treatment of diseases and health conditions. One of such medicinal plants is Tithonia diversifolia. This study aimed at determining the phytochemical, elemental and proximate content of the powdered plant part to help infer what is responsible for the reported therapeutic characteristics of the plant as well as determine the quality, purity and safety profile of the plant. Leaves of T.diversifolia were subjected to phytochemical, proximate and mineral screening using standard laboratory procedures. Qualitative phytochemical observation revealed the presence of Tannins, saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids. Crude Protein content was the highest with 27.69% followed by Crude Fibre (14.89%), Ash (13.86%), Moisture Content (10.92%) and the least value 1.14% for Fat. Magnesium (Mg) content was highest with 6712.50mg/kg which is 22, 35, 122 & 144 times higher than the content of Iron (Fe) (291.5mg/kg), Manganese (Mn) (191.0mg/kg), Zinc (Zn) (54.9mg/kg) and Copper (Cu) (15.1mg/kg). However, elements (heavy metals) Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Cobalt (Co) were not detected. Results obtained in the study is indicative of a potential drug substitute which can be used to help manage and treat diseases due to the phytochemicals, nutrients, and minerals present in them. Also, the safety indices of this plant part have been established, thus, information obtained from the study can serve as a reference standard for the plant monograph
Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Related to Drought Tolerance in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Using F2 Population from (KATB1 ΧGLP2)
Get PDFMany of the common bean growing regions around the world are prone to drought stress, making drought the major challenge to production and yield stability in rainfed environments. Mapping of yield-associated loci under drought stress will offer a better understanding of the genetics of drought tolerance to the plant breeders and therefore, will accelerate the selection of drought tolerant crop varieties through marker assisted selection (MAS).The current study reports identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to physiological, phenological, yield and yield related traits using 120 F2 population derived from a cross between two common bean genotypes, KAT B1 (drought tolerant) and GLP2 (drought susceptible) evaluated under drought stress and well-watered conditions. The research was conducted at the Agricultural and Mechanization Institute, Machakos, Kenya. The F2 population showed significant variation in traits under drought stress. From the 374 polymorphic SNP markers surveyed, 20 genomic regions were identified for various traits under drought stress, individually explaining 2.6 to 21.3% of phenotypic variation. The number of QTLs identified per trait were: 2-grain/seed yield (GY); 1-number of branches (NBP); 2-stem biomass (SB); 1-leaf biomass (LB); 1-pod biomass (PB); 3-days to flowering; 2-days to maturity (DM); 4- number of pods per plant (NPP); 1-seed weight (SW); 2-stomatal conductance (SMTL) and 1-leaf water potential (LWP). QTLs for number of pods per plant, number of grains/seeds per pod, days to flowering, leaf biomass and stem biomass were found co-locating with QTLs for grain yield on chromosome Pv02 under drought stress treatment. The cumulative effects of these QTLs on chromosomes 2 resulted in higher grain/seed yield. This study has provided information on QTLs in common bean that could be used in selection purpose for grain yield under drought conditions
The Socioeconomic Impacts of Boko Haram Activities on the Host Community of Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study examined the socioeconomic impacts of Boko Haram activities on the host community of Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Data for this study were gathered from primary and secondary sources. The data sought was on the level of socioeconomic activities before and after the emergence of Boko Haram, among others. However, in order to achieve the aim, 142, 40 and 327 of staff, tourists and host community members were respectively identified and successfully administered questionnaire copies. The responses obtained from the questionnaire were further analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. For the community, farming and rearing (86.4%) is the most important occupation in the community followed by trading, civil servant and others. In terms of buying and selling in the community, 90.3% of the respondents stressed that patronage level was very high before the emergence of Boko Haram but crumbled after the emergence of Boko Haram as alleged by 97.1% of the respondents. 65% of the respondents were of the opinion that since the emergence of Boko Haram, many of their youths have been relieved of their duties (jobs) in the game reserve and other places as a result of low patronage in the area while, 35% of the respondents believed that employment level in the community is still high even with the emergence of Boko Haram. The hypothesis was tested using bivariate regression analysis. F = 26.525, p<0.05 indicated that Boko Haram activities have significant influence on the local livelihood of adjoining community. It is recommended that the government should step up with their poverty alleviation programs especially in the northeastern part (Alkaleri L.G.A to be précised) of the nation because poverty and unemployment level are still relatively high in the area which can result to security uproar