The study examined the effect of cooperative learning strategy on Upper Basic Education II (UBE II) students’ performance and interest in Basic science and Technology in Benue State. A pretest post-test control group, non-equivalent quasi-experimental design was used for the study. The sample of 425 students was drawn from the population of 993 Upper Basic Education II students from Makurdi Local Government. Intact classes were randomly selected and assigned to experimental and control groups. Basic Science and Technology Performance Test (BSTPT) and Basic Science and Technology Interest Scale (BSTIS) researcher-design instrument were used for data collection. The two instruments BSTPT and BSTIS items were subjected to face and content validation. The reliability of the instruments was established using Kudar-Richarson formula 20 (K-R20) and Cronbach Alpha. The reliability coefficients of the instruments were found to be 0.78 and 0.79 respectively. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings of the study revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean performance and mean interest scores of students taught Basic science and Technology using cooperative learning strategy and those taught using lecture method (F (1,422) = 640.728, p<0.05) and (F(1,422) = 1063.49, p<0.05). The findings also revealed that there is significant difference in the mean performance scores of male and female students taught Basic science and Technology using cooperative learning strategy in favor of the female students (F(1,209) = 2.517, p>0.05). The study also revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean interest scores of male and female students taught Basic science and Technology using cooperative learning strategy (F(1,209) = 15.94, p<0.05). Based on the findings, it was recommended that cooperative learning strategy should be used in teaching Basic Science and Technology at Upper Basic Education and science in general.
Page(s): 01-09 Date of Publication: 27 September 2021
DOI : 10.51584/IJRIAS.2021.6901Download PDF
Background: Accurate measurements of bi-parietal diameter (BPD) and femoral length (FL) is key to developing acceptable nomograms for assessing gestation age (GA). Aim and Objective: To determine which sonographic biometric parameters, BPD and FL gives a more accurate GA of foetuses in-utero. Methodology: Linear regression models were fitted to the BPD, FL and GA data obtained in-utero with ultrasound scanner. The models were tested for equality. The GA obtained in second and third trimester using BPD and FL respectively, were compared for significant difference. BPD and FL nomograms were generated. Results: The difference in mean GA using BPD and FL is not significant in second trimester (p = 0.612) but significant in third trimester (p = 0.001). The nomograms showed GA of 13 weeks when BPD is 25.4 mm, 40.0 weeks when BPD is 101.9 mm; 13 weeks when FL is 11.6 mm and 40.0 weeks when FL is 82.1 mm. Conclusion: FL is more accurate for GA determination especially, in third trimester. BPD and FL are useful for assessing foetal growth/anomalies, and determining GA of foetuses with high degree of accuracy.
Page(s): 10-18 Date of Publication: 28 September 2021
Download PDF
Crops production are highly sensitive to climate change. They are affected by long-term trends in average rainfall temperature and humidity. This study examines the effects of the variability of rainfall, temperature and humidity on some selected crops (rice and yam) in Nasarawa using autoregressive integrated moving averages (ARIMA) and autoregressive integrated moving averages with exogenous variables (ARIMAX). This research compare ARIMA modeling method which make forecast in univariate data and ARIMAX as multivariate method which include independent variables such as rainfall, temperature and humidity. The data for the study were collected from the Nasarawa Agricultural Development programme (NADP) for the period of twenty-three years from (1998 – 2020). The data collected were analyzed using ARIMA and ARIMAX models. The results from the analysis indicates that rainfall and humidity has negative and significant effect on yam production. However, rainfall and humidity has insignificant effect on rice production. Also, the forecast performance evaluation revealed that ARIMAX model performed better in modelling production of yam while the ARIMA model performed better in modelling production of rice in the study area.
Page(s): 19-27 Date of Publication: 29 September 2021
Download PDF
This paper tries to explain through a study about school violence during recess in primary schools. The basic objective is to comprehend the ways of regression of this particular violence. Otherwise, creating new pathways to fight against this phenomena. This research, conducted in the “Zgana” primary school in Mahdia, is based on an observation of this phenomena within the school playground for two weeks. In addition, it is carried out through a questionnaire intended for these school teachers and a semi-structured interview with the school director. The aim being to reflect on the climate that reigns during recreation. The results show that recreations are routinely and not enthusiastic as active recreations. In order to have an effect on Tunisian recreation climate in particular by the hypothetical decrease of the violence, recommendations which affect all actors in the education system, are proposed.
Page(s): 28-33 Date of Publication: 29 September 2021
Download PDF
Productivity of agricultural enterprises has remained a major issue in the agricultural sector in Nigeria; this study analyzed the productivity of smallholder vegetable farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of 204 respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to sampled respondents. The study reveals that mean total factor productivity was estimated to be 2.67kg/₦. The OLS regression analysis revealed that farming experience at p≤0.10, farm size at p≤0.01, labor at p≤0.01, seed at p≤0.05, fertilizer at p≤0.01, agrochemical at p≤0.10, vegetable output at p≤0.01 and market distance at p≤0.05 were the factors affecting the vegetable farmers’ productivity in the study area.. High costs of fertilizer, agrochemicals, transportation, labour, and lack of improved variety and the problem of middlemen among others were the identified constraints faced by the vegetable farmers. The research recommended that inputs should be made available in right quantities and at affordable prices to the farmers by the government through the relevant stakeholders in agriculture. Vegetable farmers are encouraged to form a cooperative society or join an existing one in order to access for funds from government, private sector or non-governmental organizations. Timely and adequate extension service delivery should be fostered in the study area. If possible, government should acquire large expanse of lands and lease them out to vegetable farmers at reduced rates and less stringent conditions.
Page(s): 34-40 Date of Publication: 04 October 2021
Download PDF
In this article, we proposed some mathematical models to investigate the treatment effect of low density lipoprotein-Concentration and atherosclerotic blood flow in a porous micro-channel with metabolic heat and magnetic field. The heat contribution was through the hydrolysis of adenosine which aid blood circulation, and the lipid concentration was as a result of the excessive intake of Tran’s fat and other saturated fats. Blood is assumed to be a mixture of formed elements and lipid, which exhibits Newtonian and incompressible characteristics, flow through a permeable solid matrix. The geometric of an atherosclerosis was formulated by incorporating the growth rate of cholesterol and treatment through the drug intake to prevent the liver from producing excessive cholesterol in the bloodstream. Following the aforementioned considerations, the proposed coupled partial differential equations were scaled using the dimensionless parameters and the resulting dimensionless equations are reduced to a system of ODE using perturbation methods involving the periodic terms due to the systolic behavior of the heart. The perturbed nonlinear ordinary differential equations were solved directly using the method of undetermined coefficient, where the blood velocity, LDL-C concentration and temperature profiles was obtained. An analytical solution for flow rate, rate of heat transfer, Sherwood number, and shear stress were also obtained respectively. Numerical computation was carried out with the aid of Mathematica, and simulation was done for flow profiles by varying the governing parameters. Graphical results are presented, showing the effect of each simulated parameters such as radiation parameter, Schmidt number, Prandtl number, Grashof number, solutal Grashof number, the treatment parameter, Hartmann number, the oscillatory frequency parameter, the pulse rate, Soret number, permeability parameter, and the height of stenosis appearing on each result. It is observed from the numerical computation that the pertinent parameters influenced the flow profiles which clearly depicts that this investigation is of immense importance for clinicians and scientists in studying cardiovascular system and pathology.
Page(s): 41-50 Date of Publication: 04 October 2021
Download PDF
This work presents “precision control of autonomous vehicle under slip using artificial neural network”. The work was achieved using FCN LSTM slip dataset, dynamic model of the vehicle, nonlinear slip model, feature extraction model, artificial neural network and simulink. The neural network was trained using back propagation algorithm. The training performance of the neural network was analyzed using a regression analyzer to evaluate the training validation performance with slip estimation accuracy of 99%.
Page(s): 51-55 Date of Publication: 10 October 2021
Download PDF
This paper presents enhancing real-time supervision and control of industrial processes over wireless network architecture using model predictive controller. The research reviewed various related literatures on Real Time Operating Center (RTOC) and their importance on industrial control systems. From the review it was observed that one of the major components of RTOC is the Remote telemetry Unit (RTU) or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). These systems are embedded with Proportional Integral Differential (PID) controllers for processing of data collected and transmitted to the RTOC monitor via the communication bus; however the delay response time of the PID controllers induce latency on the data transmitted, thus affecting the quality of RTOC analysis and as a result has remained a major problem all over the world. This problem was addressed in this research using artificial neural network (ANN) based model predictive controller. The ANN was trained using data collected from an oil and gas drilling process to develop a predictive model which was used to collect time series data of the plant and send to the RTOC monitor in real-time. The system was implemented with Simulink and the performance was evaluated. The result showed that the predictive controller was able to collect data and transmit to the RTOC at 22.5ms, which according to IEC 60870-6 and IEC 62591 Standard for RTOC satisfy the requirement for real-time and better then the 40ms achieved in the conventional system.
Page(s): 56-61 Date of Publication: 10 October 2021
Download PDF
This paper presents the nonlinear dynamic control of autonomous vehicle under slip using improved back propagation algorithm. The aim is to address the issue of nonlinearity experienced in autonomous vehicle under translational state due to slip force. This was achieved developing a nonlinear vehicle dynamic model under slip, improved model of the training algorithm, slip dataset, feature extraction model and the control model. The work was implemented using simulink and tested using the necessary simulation parameters. The result was evaluated using a regression analysis with predictive accuracy of 99.5%, and control response time of 0.005sec.
Page(s): 62-68 Date of Publication: 10 October 2021
Download PDF
Objective: This study aims to explore broadly the seasonal variation of the number of patients’ enrollment at the adult antiretroviral treatment (ART) clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. It also described the variations in seasonality distinctly for the segment 2006-2008, 2009-2011, 2012-2014, 2015-2017 and 2006-2017 in order to ascertain whether there have been changes in time of maxima over the years Methods: Analysis of data extracted from electronic records of adult patients enrolled for HIV/AIDS care and treatment at the ART clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan which covers a period from January 2006 to December 2017 spanning twelve years. Variations on seasonality was investigated using COSINOR model approach. Results: There was a steady decrease in mean number of patients’ enrollment from 212 in 2006-2008 to 63 in 2015-2017 which accounted for about 7% extent of seasonal variation above and below the annual mean with the estimated peak occurring in the month of October. The extent of the seasonal variations above and below the mean level was about 7%, 11%, 16% and 10% in 2006-2008, 2009-2011, 2012-2014 and 2015-2017 respectively. Conclusion: The entire model fitted for the COSINOR model had a good fit except for the year 2006-2008 which is not statistically significant. The seasonal variation in the number of patients enrollment rate showed the peak relatively constant for the last quarter of the first nine years but later shifted to May , that is, the second quarter of the year for the last three years. Changing in seasonal pattern may be as a result of changes in funding cycles in Nigeria by the Federal government because more financial resources are being allocated for the procurement of the medicines.
Page(s): 69-84 Date of Publication: 12 October 2021
Download PDF
The objective of this paper is to explore and reveal the most common inventory issues faced by industries particularly the manufacturing sector. Dealing with anticipated stock outs, surplus of stocks, abnormal stocks, inaccurate inventory data, replenishment issues, supplier’s commitment and poor forecasting.This paperadds value to the industrialist and practioners on the most remarkable issues pertaining to managing inventory especially addressing and dealing with the most common issues in the multinational company’s warehouse.
Page(s): 85-87 Date of Publication: 15 October 2021
Download PDF
Viral hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by some hepatotropic viruses that indiscriminately infect all populations with certain sub-populations being more at risk/vulnerable to the infection. The highest burden of the infection is seen in sub-Saharan Africa with Nigeria belonging to the highly endemic countries with Taraba state having the highest burden in the country. It is undisputable that data regarding the prevalence of this infection is key in the prevention, management and control of epidemic by responsible bodies and authorities globally. However, data regarding viral hepatitis among at risk population remain scanty and continuous to prevail despite the endemicity of the disease in the region. It is against this background that this study sought to determine the prevalence of the disease among two at risk populations in Jalingo-Taraba State who accessed testing services at center for initiative and development Taraba state- Nigeria. A total of 397 individuals comprising of 160 health care workers and 237 people living with HIV were considered for the study. A total of 138 subjects were males while 259 were females within the age bracket of 8-80 years. Out of the total participants, forty-six 46/397(11.6%) were positive for HBV out of which 9(2.27%) were HCW and 37(9.32%) were PLHIV. However, no statistically significant association was found between at-risk-population and HBV status. A total of 54/397(13.6%) subjects were positive to HCV out of which 17(4.28%) were HCW and 37(9.32%) were PLHIV but no statistically significant association was found between at-risk population and HCV status of the subjects. A total of 5/397 participants (1.26%) were coinfected with viral hepatitis B and C out of which (0(0%), 1(0.25%)) were Males and females HCWs while (0(0%), 4(1.01%)) were males and females PLHIV respectively. The age group between 22-33 and 34-45 recorded 20(5%) each for HBV while the age group of 70+ recorded 0(0%) prevalence for HBV. The age group of 34-45 recoded the highest prevalence of 23(5.8%) for HCV infection while the age group of 58-69 recorded 0(0%) followed by 70+ who recorded 2(0.5%). The findings of this study reported a high prevalence of viral hepatitis infection amongst at risk population and this is a clear indication that the ailment is posing serious threat to the health care system and the region at large. This calls for the employment of aggressive preventive and elimination measures so as to succeed in achieving vison 2030..
Page(s): 88-94 Date of Publication: 15 October 2021
DOI : 10.51584/IJRIAS.2021.6902Download PDF
The 3-D seismic data interpretation and reservoir mapping of ‘‘Deejay field’’ have been carried out with the use of Schlumberger (PETRELTM) software. This research work is aimed at delineating the subsurface structure and deducing the trapping system of the study area that may aid hydrocarbon accumulation. The research methodology involved horizon and fault interpretation to produce subsurface structural maps. Available Wireline log signatures were employed to identify hydrocarbon bearing sands and compute reservoir petrophysical parameters for hydrocarbon pore volume determination. Two faults F_01 and F_02 (synthetic) were mapped using seismic structural attribute (variance) with fault polygon generated on the surface. Structural interpretation for inline 5533 revealed two horizons (1&2) were taken into consideration with their time and depth maps generated for the purpose of this study. The structural maps revealed fault assisted closures at the centre of the field which correspond to the crest of rollover anticlines and possibly served as the trapping medium. Three hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs – S1, S2 and S3 were delineated from three wells and the top and base of each reservoir window were mapped from the wells. Reservoirs S1, S2 and S3 have average porosity values of 30.7%, 29.8% and 29.3% respectively. All the porosity values obtained are in agreement with the established porosity values of Agbada formation of Niger Delta as it ranges from 28-32%. The obtained permeability index for the three reservoirs are rated very good. Hydrocarbon saturation values for the three wells have an average of 72.3% for S1, 83.7% for S2 and 76.7% for S3. The Petrophysical parameters from the wells show that most of the reservoirs are good targets in hydrocarbon prospecting. The result shows that the three reservoirs in the field have high hydrocarbon potential and good trapping mechanism for its productivity.
Page(s): 95-102 Date of Publication: 20 October 2021
Download PDF
The paper reports the findings of an investigation into the accessibility of assistive technology (AT) used by students with disabilities (SWD) in higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania. The descriptive study used a cross-section design. The study involved a total of 173 participants; 18 management officials, 35 trainers, and 120 students, including 33 SWD including students with visual impairment (ten), five students with low vision, seven students with physical disabilities, three students with albinism, seven students with hearing impairment, and one student with speech impairment. The study revealed the presence of AT distributed to SWD accordingly. The challenges included inadequate and deficiencies in some of the AT devices, shortages of staff with knowledge and skills to do maintenance, difficulties in adopting new AT, the high cost of AT devices, inadequate training, and a shortage of AT training opportunities among staff and SWD. The study suggests the allocation of enough budgets to purchase more AT, empower, extend and build the internal industries to manufacture AT devices and employ more AT trainers and internal experts for maintenance and repair of the AT that will ensure the constant availability of fully functional AT devices.
Page(s): 103-110 Date of Publication: 20 October 2021
Download PDF
Poikilospermum suaveolensis a medicinal plant used by local communities, especially the Kaili tribe around Lore Lindu National Park, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia for the treatment of breast cancer and jaundice. Because of the importance of this plant, this study was designed to determine the content of secondary metabolic compounds, toxicity, antimicrobial properties and identify the compounds through Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results of the study found that the outer skin extract of P. suaveolens contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins and steroids. The extract showed high toxicity with an LC50 value of 44.41±25.71 m/mL. Antimicrobial activity test showed that the extract with a concentration of 25% had the inhibition of bacterial growthStaphylococcus aureus 16.17±0.29 mm (strong), Escherichia coli bacteria 14.50±0.50 mm (strong) and Candida albicans at 17.00±1.00 mm (strong). AGas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis found that there were about 50 compounds in the outer shell extract of P. suaveolens including Lupan-3-Yl Acetate, 1,3,4,5-Tetrahydroxy-Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid, Dl-Threitol, 6-Octadecenoic Acid, (Z)-, L-(+)-Ascorbic Acid 2,6-Dihexadecanoate, 5-Hydroxy-7-Methoxy-2-Pentylchromone, Vitamin E, 3-Methoxy-5-Methylphenol, 4,6-Dioxatricyclo[ 3.3.1.02,7]Nonane, 1,3,3-Trimethyl-, (1s)-, Ammoniumchlorid, Tetraoctyl-. This study found that this extract has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial source from safe natural ingredients.
Page(s): 111-117 Date of Publication: 20 October 2021
DOI : 10.51584/IJRIAS.2021.6903Download PDF
Unplanned urbanization enhances environmental threats. Environmental threats increases water pollution that creates harmful impacts on the distribution of aquatic species. The present study is focused to evaluate the seasonal variation of water quality parameters in the Turagriver. Water samples were collected from 5 locations in north and south sides of the Turagriver during summer and winter seasons. The quality of water was found jeopardy. Dissolved oxygen (DO) of water samples were detected 4.9 to 5.7 mgL-1 during summer season. In winter, DO was found 0.78 to 0.95 mgL-1. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) was found higher in winter as compared to summer season. Heavy metals (Cr, Ni and Mn) in water samples were found higher than that of standard limit in both the seasons. Disposal of industrial wastewater was found to be the main causes for the pollution of water. It is suggested that disposal of wastewater should be treated properly before discharge into water bodies. Consequently, water will be contaminants free for community people and aquatic species that will help to protect of sustainable livelihood.
Page(s): 118-125 Date of Publication: 21 October 2021
DOI : 10.51584/IJRIAS.2021.6904Download PDF
Indiscriminate dumping of waste substances/chemicals into the environment has resulted in environmental pollution, which is one of the most important concerns in our world today. Soil samples from different Abattoirs in Bayelsa and Rivers States in the Niger Delta were evaluated for their microbiological and physicochemical properties. Soil samples collected from a region not known for abattoir activities served as control. Microbiological parameters of soil samples were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques while physicochemical parameters were analyzed based on APHA standard analytical methods. Results of mean values of microbial counts for total heterotrophic bacteria, total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, total coliform, total heterotrophic fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi of the soil samples ranged from 6.0×105 CFU/g to 8.0×107 CFU/g, 4.8×104 to 3.8×105, 1.2×103 to 8.0×105, 1.3×103 to 2.4×105 and from 1.0×102 to 1.6×103CFU/g, respectively. Kruskal-Wallis H test showed that there was no significant difference (P≥0.05) among bacterial counts and among fungal counts of the different abattoirs soils.Bacteria identified from the abattoir soil samples and percentages of occurrence were: Bacillus sp (20.16%), Escherichia coli (12.34%), Streptococcus sp (10.28%), Staphylococcus sp (22%), Pseudomonas sp (16.04%), Micrococcus sp (9.46%), Salmonella sp (13.16%), Enterobacter sp (2.88%) and Proteus sp (4.11%). Percentage occurrence of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria was Bacillus sp (27%), Escherichia coli (17%), Staphylococcus sp (11.47%), Pseudomonas sp (22%), Micrococcus sp (3%), Enterobacter sp (3%) and Proteus sp (6%). Fungi identified and percentages of occurrence were; Penicillium (43.3%), Aspergillus sp., (26.8%), Fusarium sp., (11.6%) Geotrichum sp., and Mucor recorded (9.2%) each. Percentages of occurrence of hydrocarbon utilizing fungi were Aspergillus sp (35%), Penicillium sp (45%), Fusarium sp (10%) and Geotrichum sp (10%). The range of means of physicochemical parameters were: pH: 6.3-7.06, EC: 53-1573, TOM: 0.538-6001, TOC: 0.312-3939, TN: 0.091-0.341, NO3: 0.1-2.1, SO4: 0.1-2.7, PO4: 0.06-0.81, salinity: 328-1075 and Cl-:10-130. The abattoir soils are highly contaminated and could serve as reservoir for pathogens. Treatment of waste before disposal is highly recommended.
Page(s): 126-133 Date of Publication: 23 October 2021
Download PDF
This study focuses on the psycho-social experiences faced by the mothers of dyslexic children. It is often the mothers who spend the most amount of time with their children after they are born and mothers generally play an important role in providing a good learning environment. Studies have shown that mothers have higher levels of stress than fathers, because mothers assume a greater share of the burden of responsibility in raising children with disabilities. The objectives of this study were to identify the factors influencing the level of psychological stress experienced by mothers of children with dyslexia; to evaluate their emotional experiences and determine their level of life satisfaction. Fifteen mothers of dyslexic children and fifteen mothers of non-dyslexic children were selected from the same classroom (grades 5-8, ages 10-14), for a sample survey with purposive sampling. The study employed unstructured interviews and a questionnaire with a self-developed screening test for psychosocial issues and the mothers’ emotional experiences. The Parental Stress Scale (Berry & Jones, 1995) with an 18 item self-report scale was also utilized. The results showed that the mothers of dyslexic children had a higher level of negative emotions about their children’s nature, education and future compared to the mothers of non-dyslexic children. The mothers of dyslexic children also presented a moderate level of stress scores and associated stress factors included insufficient mutual support within the family, the class teachers’ influence in school, difficulty in accepting reality, social isolation, problems with educating the child, problems with memory and being required to do the child’s homework. These stress factors were high in contrast to the mothers of non-dyslexic children. Regarding the scores relating to the parents’ life satisfaction with their child, the responses showed very low scores for the mothers of dyslexic children, who had negative attitudes and faced more social stigma than the mothers of non-dyslexic children. The findings indicated that the mothers of dyslexic children needed support and assistance to overcome their challenges and to enhance their coping strategies, in order to protect and nurture their children. These mothers need support from multi-disciplinary health professionals who could provide assistance in the form of counseling, psychotherapy, psychological skills, occupational therapy and psychiatric treatment, which could help in parenting children with dyslexia. Teachers and special education teachers should offer support to these children and their parents, to help them manage and overcome their difficulties with reading, writing and learning
Page(s): 134-138 Date of Publication: 23 October 2021
DOI : 10.51584/IJRIAS.2021.6905Download PDF
This paper indicated the perception of university-based companies. Spin-off is perceived by the market of investors as a signal of firm quality, with university-based firms registering higher valuations and lower uncertainty levels compared to a matched sample of independent firms. However, despite the benefits yielded by links with universities in terms of a greater propensity to innovation, in the long term university spin-offs do not out-perform their counterparts. It analyses risk manifestations and management difficulties. Besides, the failure of entrepreneurs, seeing the organisation developing without them, pushes us to a subsequent and specific implication on exit strategies identified in this context.
Page(s): 139-142 Date of Publication: 25 October 2021
Download PDF
The Phytochemical and antibiogram of Costus afer stem on microorganisms isolated from the skin and other body part of fresh Siluriformes was studied using standard (analytical procedures). Different sample points of the fresh Silurformes were accessed microbiologically (Abdomen, Back Tail and Fins). The abdomen had the bacterial count which ranged from 5.4 x 104cfu/g to 7.2 x 104cfu/g and fungal count which ranged from 0.5 x 104cfu/g to 1.1 x 104cfu/g. The fins had the bacterial counts of 1.2 x 104 cfu/g to 5.5 x 104cfu/g and the fungi ranged from 0.2 x 103cfu/g to 1.2 x 104cfu/g. The bacterial isolates identified and their percentage frequencies of occurrence were Pseudomonas sp (36.34%) as the highest, Micrococcus sp (23.41%), Streptococus sp (20.49%), Staphylococcus sp (18.05%) and Proteus sp(11.71%) and the least was Proteus sp (11.71%). The fungal genera identified and their percentage frequencies of occurrence were Aspergillus sp (42.86%), Penicillium sp (20.41%), Mucor sp (25.51%) and Rhodotorula sp (11.22%). The phytochemical and qualitative analyses of Costus afer with ethanol reveal the presence of Alkaloids (0.614), Flavonoids (0.401), Saponins (3.003), Tannins (0.971) and Cyanogenic glycosides (0.764). Organisms like Staphylococcus sp and Micrococcus sp were susceptible to the aqueous extracts at 200% concentrations while the grams negative organisms were highly resistant to the ethanolic extract at all concentration. From the result, Costus afer can be used to sterilize fresh Siluriformes during preparation as it is capable of reducing the level of some microorganisms and enhancing the safety of the fish delicacy for consumption.
Page(s): 143-150 Date of Publication: 26 October 2021
Download PDF
Background: Piroxicam is one of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), commonly used because of single daily regimen which eases compliance and had complaints on the significant dissimilarities in the physico-chemical properties across various brands. This study aimed at evaluating the potencies and toxicity profiles of different brands of Piroxicam in male Wistar rats. Healthy ninety (90) male Wistar rats, weighing between 180 and 230grams were procured from the animal house of the Pharmacology department, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences in University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. METHODS: The animals were allocated into six (6) groups of five (5) animals each, for each experimental phase -Group1-control group, 2 to 6 –treatment groups. The experiment involved three different phases: anti-inflammation, anti-pyrexia and analgesia. Experimental inflammatory, pyretic and pain situations were induced on the study animals using egg albumin (0.1ml, 20% in 0.9% normal saline), 60% baker’s yeast (1ml/100g rats’ body weight), and analgesimeter respectively. Thereafter, the clinical dose (0.285mg/kg) of Piroxicam brands (A Brand, B Brand, C Brand, D Brand and E Brand) were administered on treatment groups. The dose-effect of the Piroxicam brands were observed at different times (0, 30, 60, and 120, 180 and 240 minutes). RESULTS: Result reveals that, the five Piroxicam brands demonstrated significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic potencies with variance in these properties. Thus, outcome indicated graded significant (p<0.05) variations as follows: anti-inflammatory potencies―D Brand > A Brand > B Brand >C Brand>E Brand; Anti-pyretic potencies― C Brand>B Brand>E Brand>A Brand>D Brand. Analgesic potencies ― B Brand>E Brand>C Brand>D Brand>A Brand. CONCLUSION: The overall order of potencies of the stated brands indicated that B Brand>C Brand>E Brand>A Brand≥D Brand.
Page(s): 151-156 Date of Publication: 28 October 2021
Download PDF