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Harnessing Microorganisms for Microplastic Degradation: A Sustainable Approach to Mitigating Environmental Pollution
No full text
Sub-acute toxicological assessment of n-hexane fraction of Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark extract in rats.
No full textAnogeissus leiocarpus is traditionally used in Africa for treating diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders; and pharmacologically validated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, data on the toxicological profile of its fractions remain limited. This study evaluated the acute toxicity of A. leiocarpus stem bark hydromethanolic extract (ALBHE) and subacute toxicity of its n-hexane fraction (n-hex). Acute toxicity was assessed by administering single oral doses of ALBHE (2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight) to female rats (n = 5/group) and monitored for 14 days. For the subacute study, male and female rats (n = 10/group) received repeated oral doses of n-hex (40 or 80 mg/kg) for 28 days. The animals were sacrificed on day 29 following overnight fasting, and blood and essential organs (liver, kidney, heart, spleen, brain, uterus, and testes) were collected for haematological, biochemical, and histological assessments. Chemical profiling of nhex was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), revealing 12 distinct compounds. No mortality or clinical signs of toxicity were observed in the course of acute toxicity. Haematological and biochemical parameters were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) compared to controls except for the mean corpuscular volume which was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in male rats compared to control, and histological examination revealed well-preserved organ architecture. Taken together, the oral median lethal dose (LD50) of ALBHE was greater than 5000 mg/kg and the results indicate that both ALBHE and its n-hexane fraction are non-toxic at the tested doses and duration, supporting their potential safety in therapeutic applications
Fruit and vegetable intake among Nigerian University students: patterns, preferences, and influencing factors
No full textAdequate consumption of fruits and vegetables is
globally recognized as a cornerstone of healthy living and a
critical strategy for preventing micronutrient deficiencies
and non-communicable diseases. Yet, among young adults,
particularly university students in low and middle-income
countries like Nigeria, dietary habits often fall short of recommended
guidelines, raising public health concerns. This
research, therefore, examined fruit and vegetable intake
among Nigerian university students, specifically exploring
patterns, preferences, and influencing factors of fruit and
vegetable consumption. Using a stratified random sampling
technique, 309 students aged 15–25 years were selected
across various colleges in the study area. Data were collected
through a structured food frequency questionnaire with a
7-day recall period, alongside anthropometric measurements
including weight, height, and Body Mass Index (BMI).
Descriptive statistics and an ordered probit model were
employed to analyse the data. The findings reveal that the
average BMI was 23.11 kg/m2, and the mean age was 19 years.
Fruit and vegetable intake among the students was significantly
below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended
daily intake of 400 g. Key factors influencing
consumption included age, sex, monthly allowance, availability,
nutritional knowledge, and preference for fast food.
The study highlights the need for targeted interventions that
go beyond nutritional education and fruit and vegetable
availability to holistically address behavioral drivers and
facilitate consumer decision-making. A comprehensive
approach could involve cooking workshops, price reductions,
appealing food presentation, prominent display of
fruits and vegetables in university cafeterias and expert
dietary guidance to foster long-term healthy eating habits
Assessment of the Effects of Cassava Leachates on Soil Media in Selected Areas in Omu-Aran, Nigeria
No full textREVENTIVE STRATEGIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF CRIMES ON RURAL FAMILY LIVELIHOODS IN OGBOMOSO AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA
No full texthe study therefore examined the preventive strategies in tackling the perceived effects of crimes in rural family
livelihoods in Ogbomoso Agricultural zone of Oyo State. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select
90 rural families for this study. Data was obtained with the aid of a questionnaire and data were analysed using
frequency count, percentage, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results showed that the major
effects of crime on rural family livelihoods were loss of stored products (4.82), loss of resources (4.37), and loss
of yield of crops (4.91). While major preventive strategies against crime were keeping farm area clean always
(3.00), setting of traps around barns/stores (2.96) and the use of vigilante group for surveillance (2.92). Pearson’s
Products Moment Correlation (PPMC) analysis indicated that the perceived effects of crimes on rural family
livelihoods were negative and significantly related to the frequency of preventive strategies against crimes (r=-
0.221**; p= 0.037). The result showed that preventive strategies against various crimes/criminality were found to
be inversely and significantly related to the perceived effects of crime/criminality on rural family livelihoods. It
was therefore concluded that the preventive strategies against crime/criminality had decisive influence on
perceived effects of crime/criminality on rural family livelihoods in Ogbomoso Agricultural zone of Oyo State.
The study recommends the need to tackle rural crime effectively through adequate adherence to community rules
and regulations so that the rural family could live in a relatively safe and low-crime environment to enhance rural
family livelihoods.
Keywords: Crime, criminality, livelihoods, rural family, preventive strategi
Risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in groundwater using Monte Carlo simulation and geoaccumulation index near mechanical workshops premises, Omu-Aran
No full textThe Role of Communication Channels in Promoting Sustainable Wood Waste Management in the Czech Republic
No full textSustainable wood waste management is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mainly responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13). This study investigated the role of communication channels in promoting sustainable wood waste management practices in the Czech Republic, utilizing survey data from 1050 respondents. Based on ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, the findings reveal that television is the most influential media source, significantly enhancing engagement in wood waste management practices (β = 0.0273, p < 0.10). Socio-economic characteristics, such as age (β = −0.0033, p < 0.001), gender (β = −0.0277, p < 0.10), and place size (β = 0.0150, p < 0.001), also play significant roles, with younger individuals and residents of larger communities showing higher engagement. However, the predominance of alternative disposal methods, such as burning, raises environmental concerns. The study emphasizes the importance of taking legislative measures that target the youth demographic, increase waste management infrastructure, especially in rural regions, and use television as a medium for information communication. These results contribute to the conversation about the bioeconomy and sustainable waste management while providing stakeholders and policymakers with valuable information
Qualitative & Quantitative Phytochemical Constituents, GC-MS Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of the Aqueous Extracts of the Leaf and Flower of Blumea Aurita
No full textThis study investigates the qualitative and quantitative
phytochemical composition, GC-MS profile, and antibacterial
activity of aqueous extracts from the leaf and flower of Blumea
aurita, a plant widely recognized in traditional medicine. The
phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key bioactive
compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and
terpenes—all known for their therapeutic significance.
Quantitative analysis showed relatively balanced concentrations
of these metabolites in the leaf extract, with alkaloids (0.88 mg/100
g) being the most abundant, followed closely by terpenes (0.798
mg/100 g), flavonoids (0.789 mg/100 g), and saponins (0.78
mg/100 g). GC-MS analysis identified 23 bioactive compounds,
with squalene (25.25%), octacosane (9.07%), and 2,6-dimethyl-6
nitro-2-hepten-4-one (8.37%) as dominant constituents, many of
which have documented antimicrobial properties.
Antibacterial assays demonstrated that the extract exhibited
considerable inhibitory effects against Gram-negative Escherichia
coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as revealed by their zones of
inhibition, suggesting the presence of synergistic phytochemical
interactions that enhance antibacterial efficacy. These findings
validate the traditional use of B. aurita leaves and flowers in
managing infections and highlight their potential as a source of
natural antibacterial agents. The integration of phytochemical
profiling in this work provides a scientific foundation for future
pharmacological development and supports the role of Blumea
aurita as a promising candidate in the search for plant-based
therapeutics amidst growing concerns over antibiotic resistance