Showing papers by "Cross River University of Technology published in 2016"

Synaptopathies: synaptic dysfunction in neurological disorders - A review from students to students

Abstract: Synapses are essential components of neurons and allow information to travel coordinately throughout the nervous system to adjust behavior to environmental stimuli and to control body functions, memories, and emotions. Thus, optimal synaptic communication is required for proper brain physiology, and slight perturbations of synapse function can lead to brain disorders. In fact, increasing evidence has demonstrated the relevance of synapse dysfunction as a major determinant of many neurological diseases. This notion has led to the concept of synaptopathies as brain diseases with synapse defects as shared pathogenic features. In this review, which was initiated at the 13th International Society for Neurochemistry Advanced School, we discuss basic concepts of synapse structure and function, and provide a critical view of how aberrant synapse physiology may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, Down syndrome, startle disease, and epilepsy) as well as neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer and Parkinson disease). We finally discuss the appropriateness and potential implications of gathering synapse diseases under a single term. Understanding common causes and intrinsic differences in disease-associated synaptic dysfunction could offer novel clues toward synapse-based therapeutic intervention for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this Review, which was initiated at the 13th International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) Advanced School, we discuss basic concepts of synapse structure and function, and provide a critical view of how aberrant synapse physiology may contribute to neurodevelopmental (autism, Down syndrome, startle disease, and epilepsy) as well as neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), gathered together under the term of synaptopathies. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 783.

Assessment of Interradiologist Agreement Regarding Mammographic Breast Density Classification Using the Fifth Edition of the BI-RADS Atlas

Abstract: Objective The objective of the present study was to assess interradiologist agreement regarding mammographic breast density assessment performed using the rating scale outlined in the fifth edition of the BI-RADS atlas of the American College of Radiology. Materials and methods Breast density assessments of 1000 cases were conducted by five radiologists from the same institution who together had recently undergone retraining in mammographic breast density classification based on the fifth edition of BI-RADS. The readers assigned breast density grades (A-D) on the basis of the BI-RADS classification scheme. Repeat assessment of 100 cases was performed by all readers 1 month after the initial assessment. A weighted kappa was used to calculate intrareader and interreader agreement. Results Intrareader agreement ranged from a kappa value of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.77-0.93) to 0.89 (95% CI, 0.81-0.95) on a four-category scale (categories A-D) and from 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86-0.92) to 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89-0.97) on a two-category scale (category A-B vs category C-D). Interreader agreement ranged from substantial (κ = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.73-0.78) to almost perfect (κ = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.86-0.89) on a four-category scale, and the overall weighted kappa value was substantial (0.79; 95% CI, 0.78-0.83). Interreader agreement on a two-category scale ranged from a kappa value of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.83-0.86) to 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90-0.92), and the overall weighted kappa was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.87-0.89). Conclusion Overall, with regard to mammographic breast density classification, radiologists had substantial interreader agreement when a four-category scale was used and almost perfect interreader agreement when a dichotomous scale was used.

Antibacterial Properties of Snail Mucus on Bacteria Isolated from Patients with Wound Infection

Abstract: Background: Snail mucin has been reported to contain agents with wound healing properties. Mucin obtained from the mucus of snails and epiphgram obtained from species of Achatina fulica and Archachatina marginata have also been reported to show antimicrobial properties. Snail species are abundantly available and widely consumed as a delicacy across Nigeria. Aim: To assess the antibacterial effects of mucus secretions from different snail types on bacteria isolated from clinically infected wounds. Place and Duration of Study: The study lasted for a period of four (4) months and was conducted at the Microbiology laboratory of The Cross River State University of Technology in Cross River, Nigeria. Methodology: The in vitro antibacterial potency of snail mucus secretions obtained from Archachatina marginata saturalis, Archachatina marginata ovum and Achatina fulica on bacterial isolates from wound was investigated. The isolates obtained from twenty eight (28) clinical wound samples were Staphylococcus spp (24:53.3%), Pseudomonas spp (16:33.3%) and Streptococcus Original Research Article Etim et al.; BMRJ, 11(2): 1-9, 2016; Article no.BMRJ.21731 2 spp (6:13.4%). The susceptibility of the isolates to snail mucus secretions was assayed on Muller Hilton Agar by the disc diffusion method, using varied mucus/DMSO concentrations of 100%, 80%, 60%, 40% and 20%. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the mucus secretions were also evaluated. Results: The viscosity of the mucus secretions were rated as A. marginata saturalis> A. marginata ovum> A. fulica, while their colours were yellow, light brown and dark respectively. Results revealed that Staphylococcus sp was more susceptible to mucus secretion from the A. marginata saturalis (17.4±1.20) than those from A. marginata ovum (15.6±1.44) and A. fulica (15.4±2.04). The minimum inhibitory concentration of mucus secretions from A. marginata saturalis against the test organisms were observed at concentrations of 100% and 20% for Staphylococcus sp, 20% for Pseudomonas sp and 40% for Streptococcus sp respectively. The antibacterial activity of the mucus secretions were observed to be comparable to that of seven (7) different antibiotics used as control. Conclusion: Snail mucus secretions could be a source for antibacterial agents that can serve as an alternative to the expensive synthetic antibacterial agents used in wound treatment if adequately explored.

Null allele mutants of trt-1, the catalytic subunit of telomerase in Caenorhabditis elegans, are less sensitive to Mn-induced toxicity and DAergic degeneration.

Abstract: Exposure to manganese (Mn) represents an environmental risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent evidence suggests that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic subunit of mammalian telomerase participates in non-telomeric functions and may play a role in cellular protection from oxidative stress and DNA damage. trt-1 is the catalytic subunit of telomerase in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The present study investigated the relationship between trt-1 mutation and Mn-induced neurotoxicity. Wild-type (wt) and trt-1 worms were subjected to an acute Mn treatment of 1 h at the first larval (L1) stage. Survival assay and behavior (Basal slowing response, chemotaxis) were assessed. Dopaminergic (DAergic) neurodegeneration was evaluated in successful crosses of trt-1 worms expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) (dat-1:GFP worms). trt-1 worms were less sensitive to Mn-induced lethality compared to wt worms. Mn induced DAergic degeneration in wt worms, but not in trt-1 worms. Basal slowing was altered in both wt and trt-1 worms; however trt-1 worms were significantly less affected in their basal slowing behavior compared to wt worms. Mn treatment did not affect chemotaxis by NaCl in either wt or trt-1 mutants worms. Combined, the results establish that null mutation in trt-1 improves survival and attenuates damage to the DAergic system.

Emerging Nigerian Megacities and Sustainable Development: Case Study of Lagos and Abuja

Abstract: It is estimated that by 2020 half of Nigerians shall live in urban centres. Nigeria has scores of such centres, with many showing the tendency of becoming megacities in a no distant future. One of these cities, Lagos (already a megacity), shall by projection, have a population of 24 million persons by 2020. The other, Abuja, is one of the fastest growing cities on earth. Generally, the world is now known to parade far larger cities than history has ever recorded. Some of these cities are quite magnificent and glorious - London, Paris, Tokyo and New York. On the other hand, Lagos and Mumbai are classic examples of urban failures. What separate the two classes of cities are the approaches to the design of their urban fabrics and management of their ecology. Whereas the former cities have adopted robust sustainability principles in their architecture and urban design/regeneration as well as efficient urban management programmes, the latter appear to be partially or totally non-committal. This paper examines the evolving Nigerian mega cities and their potentials for sustainable survival, with particular reference to Lagos and Abuja, using indices of economic productivity, social equity and environmental concerns. The result shows that the two cities failed these sustainability tests. The cause is traceable to unsustainable architecture being practiced. About half of the total global energy consumption comes from buildings. Eco-design prescriptions of the architect would guarantee urban sustainability. Thus, this paper recommends a national green building code for Nigeria.

Properties of chitin reinforces composites: a review

Abstract: This paper provides a review of chitin, sources, extraction, uses, applications, chitin whiskers and it preparations and the mechanical and thermal properties of chitin reinforced composites. Also reported here is the properties of CaCO 3 /chitin whiskers reinforced composites. Chitin can be extracted from shrimps, crabs cell walls, yeast and green algae or from Riftia tubes with a percentage varying between 20 to 40% depending on the source. Despite the denaturing of chitin, the most widely used method of extractiong chitin from seashells is the chemical method. Chitin whiskers known by different name in literature can only be prepared by using hydrochloric acid. The rod-like particles of chitin whiskers have an average lengths and widths of 200 ± 20 nm and 8 ± 1 nm respectively or more depending on the source of chitin. Chitin whiskers reinforced composites have greatly improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites especially at lower filler loading. The improved properties are attributed to effective stress transfer. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i1.9

Influence of different methods of fertilizer application on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.). for increase production in south Nigeria

Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the influence of different methods of fertilizer application on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Cross River University of Technology. Maize seed variety Ikom Local White were treated to one level of NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer (0.128 kg ha -1 ) and four methods of fertilizer application (Broadcasting, Ring Application, Hole Application and Liquid Application). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments were replicated four times to give a total of sixteen field plots. The result obtained indicated that NPK (15:15:15) significantly (p< 0.05) increase growth parameters (plant height and number of leaves) of maize obtained at 0.128 kg ha -1 and Ring method of application seems appropriate for maize production at 1 m spacing between plants on bed.

Prediction of stature from hand length and breadth – anthropometric study on an adult Cross River State population

Abstract: Introduction: Stature estimation occupies a relatively dominant position in anthropometric research. It is believed that standards for identifying skeleton differ from population to population and the method for one population may not be applicable for another population. Materials and Method: This study was carried out to determine the reliability of hand dimensions in estimating stature in an adult Cross River State population. The subjects comprised 1050 adult indigenes (540 male and 510 female) of Cross River State between the ages of 18 and 45 years drawn from the three senatorial districts South, Central, and North. Results: Stature in male had a mean value of 168.49 ± 5.53 cm whereas in females it was 162.99 ± 5.91 cm. Also, hand length in male subjects was 19.47 ± 2.00 cm while in females, hand length measured 18.35 ± 1.03 cm. In addition, the mean handbreadth in males was 8.47 ± 0.54 cm while in females, handbreadth was 7.91 ± 0.64 cm. Statistical analysis indicated that the difference in hand length and handbreadth between male and female was statistically significant ( P Conclusion: However, hand length was more reliable in estimating stature in both male and female subjects. These results will be of immense benefit to forensic studies and bioanthropology.

Influence of different soil types and mineral fertilizer on maize (Zea mays L.) growth for effective production, soil fertility improvement and food security

Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the influence of different soil types and mineral fertilizer on maize (Zea mays L.) growth for effective production, soil fertility improvement and food security, at the Teaching and Research Green house, Obubra, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Cross River University of Technology, Nigeria. Ikom Local White, maize variety were treated to one level of NPK (15:15:15) mineral fertilizer (0.06 kg ha -1 ) and four different soil types (sandy, clay, sandy loam and loamy soils). Soil samples were analyzed before and after maize cultivation to determine the influence of the mineral fertilizer on soil/plant performance. Ring method of fertilizer application was employed to apply fertilizer at the same rate to all the soil types. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments were replicated four times to give a total of twenty polybags. The result obtained indicates that soil type-fertilizer treatment (STFT) increased (p = 0.05) the growth of maize and further increased (N, P, K, Ca, Na, Mg, Organic Matter, Cation Exchange Capacity including pH) over the control, with loamy soil 0.06 kg ha -1 NPK (15:15:15) mineral fertilizer treatment significantly (p< 0.05) increased the growth parameters (plant height and number of leaves of maize) over all other treatments, and closely followed by sandy loam-0.06 kg ha -1 NPK (15:15:15) mineral fertilizer treatment (T3(SL)). Loamy soil-mineral fertilizer treatment seems responsive and effective for productive maize cultivation, for soil fertility improvement and food security.

Effects of variability in the pozzolanic properties of rice husk ash (rha) on the compressive strength of concrete

Abstract: Rice husk ash (RHA) is an agro waste and a natural pozzolana which is rich in silica and found in abundance globally. This research considered the pozzolanic properties of RHA from Seven different sources in Nigeria (Ogoja, Abakaliki, Adani, Adikpo, Obubra, Makurdi and Vandikya). It is discovered that the elemental chemical composition of this natural pozzolan varies based on their location. Samples from Ogoja were found to have the highest pozzolanic properties followed by Abakaliki, Adani, Adikpo, Obubra, Makurdi and Vandikya. Their silica content was found to be84.55%, 76.3%, 70.12%, 70.11%, 64.67%, 55.55%, and 48.4% respectively. Four out of the seven samples with the highest pozzolanic values were used as partial replacements for ordinary Portland cement at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% replacement levels. Concrete mix ratio of 1:1.5:3 was adopted and the compressive strength values at 28 days were found to be in the range of 37-42N/mm 2 at 5%RHA, 35-39.5N/mm 2 at 10%RHA, 30-34.5N/mm 2 at 15%RHA, 27-29N/mm 2 at 20%RHA, 22-25.6N/mm 2 at 25% RHA and 21-24N/mm 2 at 30% RHA compared to the controlled sample with a strength value of 42.64N/mm 2 . http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i4.1

A new model for the prediction of the performance of integrated solar and hydraulic jump enhanced waste stabilization pond

Abstract: This paper presents a model which incorporates: characteristic length, dispersion coefficient, supercritical inlet velocity, initial and final bacteria density before and after irradiation, first-order rate constant for fecal coliform removal, retention time, dispersion number, solar radiation, depth of the integrated solar and hydraulic jump enhanced waste stabilization pond (ISHJEWSP), length of the horizontal section of ISHJEWSP, and angle of slope of the ISHJEWSP. A comparison of the conventional waste stabilization pond and the ISHJEWSP showed that the bacteria removal was significantly higher in the enhanced pond than the conventional pond at a significance level of 0.05. The verification of the conventional model gave good average coefficients of correlation of R = 0.800 ± 0.173 between the measured and calculated Ne/No and R = 0.924 ± 0.034 for the ISHJEWSP, respectively.

Effect of geometry on the performance of integrated solar and hydraulic jump enhanced waste stabilization pond

Abstract: The effect of surface area geometry on the performance of the integrated solar and hydraulic jump enhanced waste stabilization pond (ISHJEWSP) on the treatment of sewage wastewater was studied. The set-up consisted of eight numbers of experimental ponds with varying width. The enhanced ponds were constructed to enable the initiation of hydraulic jump. Three sets of these experimental ponds were constructed with varying locations of the points of initiation of hydraulic jump. The enhanced ponds were fitted with tilt frame, wrapped with aluminium foil paper. Wastewater samples collected from the inlet and outlet for varying inlet velocities were examined for physicochemical and biological characteristics for a period of nine months. The parameters examined were temperature, pH, detention time, dissolved oxygen, total coliform count, total suspended solids, E coli, algae concentration and biochemical oxygen demand. The efficiencies of the ISHJEWSPs with respect to these parameters fluctuated with var...

Design steps of narrow tillage tools for draught reduction and increased soil disruption - a review.

Abstract: Design steps of narrow tillage tools for draught reduction and increased soil disruption was reviewed. Narrow tillage tools are the main components of conservation tillage and soil compaction alleviation equipment. Literature regarding dynamic behaviour and step-by-step design of narrow tillage tools is scarce. A better understanding of soil dynamic behaviour and designing steps will help in the design of new tool shapes which will reduce tool draught, energy demand and increased soil disruption over a wide speed range. At the same time, narrow tools disturb less soil, ideally only the minimum necessary to establish a crop. Narrow tillage tools such as subsoilers have gain much ground in their application for alleviating soil compaction; and are attracting awareness in their utilization for conservative tillage practices. There is a great amount of variability in depth and thickness of hardpan layers from field to field and also within the field. Applying uniform-depth tillage over the entire field may be either too shallow or too deep and can be costly. There is very little to gain from tilling deeper than the compacted layer and in some cases it may be detrimental to till into the deep clay layer. Hence the need for more studies on development of narrow tillage tools for site specific and in-row tillage practices for the enhancement of agriculture. A steps-wise study of the design process of narrow tillage tools will help the designers and producers to improve on the quality of their work for efficient application in agriculture. The purpose of this article is to bring to light the design steps and the various expressions involve in the effective design and construction of narrow tillage tools.

Effect of Maize (Zea mays L.) on Human Development and the Future of Man-maize Survival: A Review

Abstract: From the hands of Olmec, Maya including Inca from whom Corn evolved to all parts of the globe, maize has provided Man with Nutritive, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Industrial, Domestic, Economic including Research values. Corn stands at the center of Mankind, providing Humanity with raw materials for further survival and development. As the need for corn doubles, and as science further widens knowledge on the use/utilization of the crop, creating more avenue and approaches where corn grains, leaves, silk, stem, root and other parts of the plant can be transformed into countless products, then the need to devote more hectares of land to Corn production becomes imperative. Corn has been shown to have the potential to be used in combating global food insecurity, as an indicator-crop for soil fertility assessment and as a commercial cash crop for income generation. Production of Corn has reduce poverty rate and raise standard of living of farmers, especially in the poor/developing countries.

CFD evaluation of pressure drop across a 3-D filter housing for industrial gas turbine plants

Abstract: This paper investigated the flow distribution and total pressure drop across a designed 3-D filter housing integrated with a 3-stage filtration system using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The filter housing model was proposed for a heavy-duty industrial gas turbine plant operating at an average ambient temperature of 20°C.The pressure drops across the classes of filters were 652.8 Pa, 2692.2 Pa, 887.8 Pa, 776.2 Pa and 2304.2 Pa for I-GB, GB-GA, GA-FA, FA-HA, and HA-O, respectively. The results obtained indicated an acceptable total pressure drop of 7.2% for the entire filter housing before filter clean-up. Although the CFD simulation result shows that small outlet flow velocity and transonic flows exist at the outlet of the filter housing, the designed filter housing was proved compatible with the studied GT, for inlet flow conditions between 600⩽Wair⩽610 kg/s and 60⩽vair⩽70 m/s for the air flow rate and velocity, respectively. Furthermore, the designed filter housing could be adopted for the studied GT and locations of Usan and Maiduguri in Nigeria, and other locations with similar environmental conditions.

Estimation of Maximum Tibia Length from its Measured Anthropometric Parameters in a Nigerian Population

Abstract: Reliable estimation of stature from skeletal remains will continue to play an important role in assessing a variety of forensic anthropological and archaeological issues. In the present study, we studied and collated data on the morphometry of the tibia as well as analyzing its segment that shows significant correlation with its maximum length and consequently formulating linear regression equations for estimating maximum tibia length (MTL) which is specific for the Nigeria population. A total number of 68 intact adult human tibia bones were used (35 right and 33 left). Thirteen anthropometric parameters were measured including the MTL. The mean differences between right and left bones of all the measured parameter were not statistically significant except for the mean shaft circumference. The correlation coefficient between MTL and the bicondylar tibial width (BTW), anterior-posterior intercondylar diameter (APID), anterior-posterior diameter of medial condyle (APDMC), midshaft transverse diameter (MSTD), and distal articular surface length (DASL) were seen to be significant (P < 0.05) only in the right tibia; therefore, the linear regression equations for estimation of MTL from these parameters for the right tibia were also significant (P < 0.05). The results of our study concluded that it is possible to estimate the maximum length of the right tibia from the BTW, APID, APDMC, MSTD, and DASL with relative accuracy. Our study may be useful for forensic investigations for the identification of the remains of unknown bodies in a Nigerian population.

Evaluating Nigeria Cashless Policy Implementation

Abstract: The Central Bank of Nigeria introduced cashless policy initiative to accomplish two main macro-socio-economic policy objectives of increased convenience and greater financial inclusion in Nigeria. This study evaluates Nigeria cashless policy implementation using a four point Likert scale questionnaire administered to six hundred respondents. The results of the study show that the twin policy objectives investigated were partially achieved. Also the study reveals that social infrastructures in power and telecommunications need improvement and expansion and the need to create more awareness to encourage the unbanked to embrace banking culture. This study recommends vigorous investments on cyber security, strengthening of internet protocol and controls in the banks and enactment of relevant legislative laws to curb cybercrimes.

Distribution and status of the African forest buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus in south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract: Although not categorized as threatened on the IUCN Red List, the African forest buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus is declining across its range. In Nigeria its distribution, abundance and status are virtually unknown. We conducted interviews with experienced hunters, and field surveys (linear and recce transects), to study the buffalo's distribution and ecology in the montane forests of Cross River State. General linear modelling indicated that the number of individuals varied significantly across survey areas and habitat types but not with the survey period, and there was no study area × study period interaction. Buffalo were found most commonly in mature and secondary forests. Given the species’ scattered distribution, fragmentation of its habitat, and the relatively low numbers observed, Nigerian populations require a separate, regional categorization on the IUCN Red List.

The Awareness of Sustainability Principles in the Practice of Architecture in the Developing World: A Survey of South-South Nigeria

Abstract: Contemporary Nigerian architecture seems to lack the ‘green’ in architecture due mainly to inadequate knowledge of the principles of sustainability; a serious environmental and sustainability problem. The objective of this paper therefore is to examine the degree of the spread of the knowledge of sustainable (green) architecture in the South-South Region of Nigeria. The result shall be used to judge what obtains in Nigeria and by extension, in most developing world countries, especially in Africa, south of the Sahara. This study will also create greater awareness among the practitioners of the profession. The study was done through the questionnaire/interview (technique), which sought to find how much the architects in the south-south of Nigeria knew about sustainable architecture. The analysis involved the use of means and percentages. The results of the analysis show that all the respondents agreed that the application of the principles of green architecture is very important in the practice of architecture in Nigeria, but only 12.5 % have clients who are knowledgeable about sustainability in the practice of architecture, The outcome of the analysis paved way for the conclusion and recommendations that, 1) many architects from Nigeria are yet to practice green architecture; a step they have to take if they must catch up with their counterparts from the developed nations, 2) Nigerian architects should be encouraged to train and retrain in the concepts and application of green architecture, 3) codes for sustainable building and designs should be introduced into building codes for use by all, 4) Governments and private organizations should encourage serious projects and researches on green architecture by providing funds and other necessary logistics.

Availability and Accessibility of Toys as Determinants of Teaching Effectiveness among Preprimary School Teachers in Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State

Abstract: This paper studied the availability and assessibility of toys as determinants of teaching effectiveness of teachers among pre-primary school teachers in Uyo senatorial district. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated as a guide to this study. Expost facto research design was used in carrying out the study. A sample size of 240 pre-primary school pupils was selected using random sampling technique for the study. The researcher developed questionnaire titled “availability and accessibility of toys and teaching effectiveness questionnaire(AATTEQ)” was used to collect data. Data generated were analysed using t-test and pearson product moment correlation coefficient (PPMC). Findings of the study revealed that toys are available and accessed by teachers for use in schools. Teachers who accessed available toys were found to be more effective in teaching than teachers who do not.

Retrospective study of congenital malaria in Calabar, South- Eastern Nigeria

Abstract: Background: Perinatal infection heightens the risk of childhood malaria in endemic areas. In Nigeria, exhaustive case studies are necessary to document obviously unrecorded cases of infantile malaria to aid control efforts. Aim: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of congenital malaria among neonates delivered in the hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a five-year medical record, 2009 to 2013 was conducted in General Hospital, Calabar. The study examined laboratory data of 9,398 pregnant women on antenatal admission and 5,730 children aged 0 -7 days; delivered in the hospital within the five-year period. Records of confirmed blood tests by microscopy for Plasmodium species were extracted for analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Results: The study identified congenital malaria prevalence of 1.08% and maternal malaria prevalence of 9.17% within the period. The relationship between maternal malaria and congenital malaria was statistically significant (X 2 = 13.62; P = 0.05). The five-year prevalence profile indicated a rising trend of congenital malaria towards the current year; from 21% in 2009, 29% in 2010, 14.5% in both 2011 and 2012, to 21% in 2013. Conclusion: Findings suggest possible weakness in the mechanism of maternal malaria management in the city. There is a need to strengthen the existing malaria control capabilities, with ardent attention on vector control, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women and capacity for early diagnosis and case management.

Bound State Solution of the Klein-Gordon Equation for Modified Echart plus Inverse Square Molecular Potential with an Improved New Approximation Scheme to the Centrifugal Term

Abstract: In this research work, the Klein-Gordon equation for Modified Eckart plus Inverse square potentials using the generalized parametric form of Nikiforov-Uvarov method was studied. Energy eigenvalues and the corresponding unnormalized wave function expressed in terms of Jacobi polynomial was obtained. It was discovered that the two special cases of this potential comprises of the Eckart potential and the Inverse Square potential.

Flood Risk Assessment of Residential Neighbourhoods in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study is aimed at examining the vulnerability of some residential neighbourhoods in Calabar to the menace of flooding with a view to determining residential areas of high, medium and low flood risk Two hypotheses were formulated such as: there is no significant relationship between the magnitude of flood, and the vulnerability of residential neighbourhoods and the elements-at-risk to flood in residential neighbourhoods in Calabar do not vary significantly according to the topography of the area The major primary data were obtained from the metric measurement of the coverage of flood and the assessment of the numerical value of the residential buildings considered vulnerable to flood within the areas measured Secondary data were also obtained from the collection of both published and unpublished materials and data on flooded buildings and displaced persons were also obtained from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Calabar The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypotheses tested using the regression coefficient of the least square method and scatter grams for prediction The results of the hypotheses were found to be significant as the magnitude of flood determined the vulnerability of some residential neighbourhoods Vulnerability was found to be higher in low lying residential neighbourhoods The study, however, recommends among others, planned and autonomous adaptation responses, flood plain zoning to urban agriculture, landscaping and recreational uses Proper channelization of Calabar urban drainage system, stringent flood control legislation, and development control measures should be enforced so as to discourage people from building on or near flood-prone areas of Calabar

Studies on mosquito repellent activity of cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) using human volunteers

Abstract: Background: Safety concerns over the use of chemical-based pesticides are provoking intense studies and application of bio-pesticides in disease control and agriculture. Aim: This qualitative study was aimed at testing the repellent efficacy; and suitability of Cymbopogoncitratus (Lemongrass) for the development of natural product-based mosquito repellent. Method: Cymbopogon oil (75ml) was extracted from 200g of fresh Lemongrass leaves using Soxhlet method with n-Hexane as solvent. Human volunteers were topically treated with 2ml and 6ml of Cymbopogon oil applied on exposed areas of the body at night; and observed for 4hrs 30mins. Direct test on mosquitoes in captivity was conducted using a 2-chambered insect box treated with 4 ml of oil in one chamber. Results: Human subjects were free from mosquito bites for 3 hours. Mosquitoes in captivity exhibited active movement away from oil-treated chamber of the box within the first minute of application; 43% repellency and 100% mortality were recorded after 18 minutes. Conclusion: Findings suggest that Cymbopogoncitratus extracts could be used for the production of potent chemical-free and safe mosquito repellent and insecticide for vector control in the fight against malaria and other mosquito-vectored diseases. However further studies and qualitative analyses are necessary to determine suitable concentrations for human topical application.

Phenotypic Characterization of Two Snail Breeds Archachatina marginata (S) and Archachatina fulica (L) in Calabar, Cross River State

Abstract: Phenotypic qualities of two snail species commonly found in Calabar, Cross River State were studied. The snail species studied for comparing the differences and relationships between their phenotypic traits were Achachatina marginata(S) and Achatina fulica(L). A total of 100 snails were obtained and selected based on the presence of four whorls shells and used for the study. Parameters studied included body weight, body length, body width, shell mouth length and shell mouth width. Data collected were analyzed to obtain simple statistical values and phenotypic correlations between the two species. Data were also subjected to regression model for body weight predictions. Mean(X) body weights recorded were 135.250g and 137.554g for A. marginata and A. fulica, respectively. Only T-test results for body weight and shell mouth width were significantly(P<0.05) different; high, medium and low positive phenotypic correlations were observed between parameters measured. The highest positive, strong and closely related response(R=0.722) between width and body length was recorded by A. marginata. Results of this study could be harnessed for the characterization of snail species in Calabar for breeding purposes.

Influence of Mineral Fertilizer on the Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Soil Fertility Improvement for Food Security, Environmental Development and Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract: Influence of mineral fertilizer on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and soil fertility improvement for food security, environmental development and sustainable agriculture were studied. Five treatments viz: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 kg of NPK (15:15:15) mineral fertilizer per hectare (kg ha -1 ) were used in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. These treatments were applied once to five week-old seedlings of Zea mays (L.) using ring method. The effects of these treatments on plant height (PH) and number of leaves (NOL) were monitored weekly. Soil samples were taken and analyzed in the laboratory, before and after cropping. The study showed that NPK (15:15:15) mineral fertilizer increased plant height, number of leaves and nutrient (N, P,K, Ca, Na, Mg, Organic matter, Cation Exchange Capacity and pH) content of the soil. The highest (p = 0.05) plant height and number of leaves were obtained from NPK treatment at 20 kg ha -1 which stands significantly (p < 0.05) different over the control. At p < 0.05, there were significant difference among treatments. The use of NPK mineral fertilizer at an application rate between 15 and 20 kg NPK (15:15:15) ha -1 seems effective, responsive and productive for maximum growth of maize (Zea mays L.), for soil fertility improvement, food security, environmental development and for sustainable agricultural production. World Scientific News 56 (2016) 189-216 -190