Showing papers by "Ladoke Akintola University of Technology published in 2008"

Improving the quality of agro-wastes by solid-state fermentation : enhanced antioxidant activities and nutritional qualities

Abstract: Solid substrate fermentations of some agro- wastes, namely cocoa pod husk (CPH), cassava peel (CP), and palm kernel cake (PKC) were carried out for the pro- duction of fructosyltransferase (FTase) by a newly isolated fungal strain Rhizopus stolonifer LAU 07. The fermented substrate were studied for improved nutritional quality by determining the crude protein, crude fibre, ash and lipid contents, and antioxidant activities. The cyanide content of cassava peels was also determined. Some levels of value- addition occured as a result of the fermentation. The pro- tein contents of the substrates increased by 33.3, 55.4, and 94.8%, while the crude fibre contents decreased by 44.5, 8.6, and 7.2% in PKC, CP, and CPH, respectively. The cyanide content of cassava peel was reduced by 90.6%. Generally, fermentation of the substrates by R. stolonifer LAU 07 increased the antioxidant activity in a DPPH (1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The IC50 (mg/ml) values of the methanolic extracts (fermented/unfermented) were obtained as 7.0/14.9, 4.4/10.6, and 5.5/14.7 mg/ml for PKC, CP, and CPH, respectively. Results herein reported showed that the nutritional qualities and antioxidant activities of all the investigated solid substrates were enhanced by fungal fermentation. Thus, scope exists for microbial upgrading of these low-quality agro-wastes and development of healthy animal feed supplements.

Determinants of Loan Repayment among Smallholder Farmers in Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study examined socio-economic factors influencing loan repayment among small scale farmers in Ogbomoso agricultural zone of Oyo State of Nigeria. Data collected from 100 farmers from 10 village...

Microbial degradation of phenols: a review

Abstract: The microbial degradation of phenols has been reviewed including the phenol-degrading microbes, factors affecting degradability, and the use of biotechnology with emphasis on degradation mechanisms and their kinetics. The mechanism of microbial degradation depends on aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, degradation of phenol was shown to be initiated by oxygenation into catechols as intermediates followed by a ring cleavage at either the ortho or meta position, depending on the type of strain. Anaerobic biodegradation of phenol occurs by carboxylation followed by dehydroxylation (reducing reaction) and dearomatisation. It was also clear that the parameters used in the Haldane model are not constants but vary, hence it may never be possible to describe the kinetic properties of a microbial cell with a single set of constants.

Exactly Complete Solutions of the Pseudoharmonic Potential in N-Dimensions

Abstract: We present analytically the exact solutions of the Schrodinger equation in the N-dimensional spaces for the pseudoharmonic oscillator potential by means of the ansatz method. The energy eigenvalues of the bound states are easily calculated from this eigenfunction ansatz. The normalized wavefunctions are also obtained. A realization of the ladder operators for the wavefunctions is studied and we deduced that these operators satisfy the commutation relations of the generators of the dynamical group SU(1,1). Some expectation values for 〈r −2〉, 〈r 2〉, 〈T〉, 〈V〉, 〈H〉, 〈p 2〉 and the virial theorem for the pseudoharmonic oscillator potential in an arbitrary number of dimensions are obtained by means of the Hellmann–Feynman theorems. Each solution obtained is dimensions and parameters dependent.

Kinetics of batch microbial degradation of phenols by indigenous Pseudomonas fluorescence

Abstract: The potential of various organisms to metabolize organic compounds has been observed to be a potentially effective means in disposing of hazardous and toxic wastes. Phenols and their compounds have long been recognized as one of the most recalcitrant and persistent organic chemicals in the environment. The bioremediation potential of an indigenous Pseudomonas fluorescence was studied in batch culture using synthetic phenol in water in the concentration range of (100–500) mg/L as a model limiting substrate. The effect of initial phenol concentration on the degradation process was investigated. Phenol was completely degraded at different cultivation times for the different initial phenol concentrations. Increasing the initial phenol concentration from 100 mg/L to 500 mg/L increased the lag phase from 0 to 66 h and correspondingly prolonged the degradation process from 84 h to 354 h. There was decrease in biodegradation rate as initial phenol concentration increased. Fitting data into Monod kinetic model showed the inhibition effect of phenol The kinetic parameters have been estimated up to initial phenol concentration of 500 mg/ L. The rsmax decreased and Ks increased with higher concentration of phenol. The rsmaxhas been found to be a strong function of initial phenol concentration. The culture followed substrate inhibition kinetics and the specific phenol consumption rates were fitted to Haldane, Yano and Koga, Aiba et al., Teissier and Webb models. Between the five inhibition models, the Haldane model was found to give the best fit. Therefore, the biokinetic constants estimated using these models showed good potential of the Pseudomonas fluorescence and the possibility of using it in bioremediation of phenol waste effluents.

Sources and Uses of Agricultural Credit by Small Scale Farmers in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State

Abstract: The role of credit in agricultural economy is crucial and its constraint which can affect farmer’s investment behaviour necessitated the investigation of sources of agricultural credit and its uses...

Purification and characterisation of antioxidative peptides from unfractionated rice bran protein hydrolysates

Abstract: Summary Crude rice bran protein (CRBP) was prepared by alkaline extraction and then treated with 0.6 m HCl to remove phytic acid. The phytate-free rice bran protein (PFRBP) was hydrolysed with proteases M, N, S, P and pepsin under optimal conditions. Hydrolysates obtained from various hydrolysis periods were subjected to analysis for their degree of hydrolysis (DH) and functional properties. The hydrolysates were fractionated by reversed-phase column chromatography on Kaseigel ODS resin (120–140 μm) using a stepwise gradient of aqueous ethanol, and their activities were measured. The 40% ethanol fraction of protease P 4 h-hydrolysate was separated by successive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and the amino acid sequences of isolated antioxidative peptides were determined by a protein sequencer and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry. Crude rice bran protein had higher antioxidative activity than PFRBP, due to the presence of phytic acid. Phytate contents of rice bran, CRBP and PFRBP were 2.5%, 1.42% and 0%, respectively. The activity of PFRBP increased upon protease digestion. Protease M hydrolysates showed the highest DH, but the lowest antioxidative activity. Hydrolysates with DH below 10% had higher antioxidative activity than those above 20%. This result indicates that the antioxidative activity of the hydrolysates is inherent to their characteristics amino acid sequences of peptides depending on the protease specificities.

Knowledge, attitudes to HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour of students in a tertiary institution in south-western Nigeria.

Abstract: Objective To determine the knowledge, attitude and sexual behaviour of students in a tertiary institution in south western Nigeria with regard to HIV/AIDS.Methods Descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted between January and March 2005. Information was collected from 368 students of a tertiary institution in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. Participants were selected by a multi-stage sampling method and data obtained using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire.Results Most (89.4%) respondents were aware of the existence of HIV/AIDS, and knew the aetiology, routes of transmission, signs and symptoms, and preventive measures against the disease. While a little over half (59.8%) of the respondents revealed that they could hug people with HIV/AIDS, one out of four (27.2%) stated that these persons should be isolated from the community. Less than a quarter (22.3%) of the respondents believed that they were vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. More than half (58.2%) had ever had sex; the mean age at their first sexual expo...

The impact of health education on attitudes towards female genital mutilation (FGM) in a rural Nigerian community

Abstract: Objectives To determine the level of practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the impact of a health education intervention in Shao community.Materials and methods Intervention study using a...

Frequency of twinning in southwest Nigeria

Abstract: Background: In the human species, twin is a type of multiple birth in which the mother gives birth to two offspring from the same pregnancy. The occurrence and frequency of twinning, however, varies across human populations. The maternal age, socio-environmental factors, increase in the use of contraceptives, the race of human population, increase in the spontaneous abortion rate, and seasonal variations are among the factors that could influence twinning rate. Information on twinning rates in southwest Nigeria is limited. Aims : This study presents information on the frequency of twinning, as well as its analysis by maternal age, in four urban settings in southwest Nigeria. This is with the aim of extending current knowledge on the frequency of twinning in southwest Nigeria and contributing to the demographic studies in the country. Materials and Methods: Data on single births and twin births from January 1995 to December 2004 were collected from the Oyo State General Hospital (OSGH), Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), and Ekiti State Specialist Hospital (ESSH) in Ogbomoso, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, and Ado-Ekiti respectively. These were analyzed by year and maternal age groups of 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, and 45-49 years according to the standard method. Results: A frequency of twin births of 46.5 per 1000 deliveries and 46.2 per 1000 deliveries was recorded for Ilesa and Ile-Ife respectively. The frequency recorded for Ogbomoso and Ado-Ekiti was 38.5 and 22.1 per 1000 deliveries respectively. The overall average frequency of 40.2 per 1000 deliveries for the four hospitals ranks among the highest recorded rates of twin births in the world. The maternal age group of 25-29 years had the highest occurrence of twin births, while the lowest was recorded in the 45-49 years age group. Conclusion: This analysis reveals high incidence of twinning in the studied areas and supports previous assertion that the southwestern part of Nigeria has the highest twinning rate in the country and in the whole world. It is our opinion that diet, maternal history of twinning, and some socio-environmental factors may have influenced the results.

Rice bran protein‐based edible films

Abstract: The development of degradable and edible films from protein sources has drawn significant attention for the utilisation of natural resources as well as for the alleviation of the environmental burden. Rice bran protein (RBP) was applied to protein film preparation in this study. The protein solutions were casted on plastic tissue culture dishes with glycerol as a plasticiser after heat treatment. Functional properties of the films were then measured. The puncture strength (PS) of RBP films increased up to pH 8.0 and then decreased. PS of protein films depends on the degree of protein purity, quality and composition. Higher concentration of glycerol weakened the films. The pH affected the water solubility of RBP films and the films showed least solubility at pH 3.0. RBP could be utilised in the preparation of degradable protein-based films. The RBP-based film had functional properties comparable to those of the soy protein-based ones.

Biodegradation of phenol in refinery wastewater by pure cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 950 and Pseudomonas fluorescence NCIB 3756

Abstract: The potential of microorganisms to catabolise and metabolise xenobiotic compounds has been recognised as a potentially effective means of toxic and hazardous wastes disposal. Phenol and its derivatives have long been recognised as some of the most persistent chemicals in petroleum refinery wastewaters, with high toxicity even at low concentrations. Biodegradation of these compounds has been recognised as a potential solution for their disposal owing to its cost effectiveness and simplicity. Two species of pseudomonas, P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescence, were studied for their biodegradation potential on phenol present in a refinery wastewater under a batch fermentation process. Phenol was successfully degraded by both species, and there was high positive correlation between phenol biodegradation and microbial growth. The maximum specific growth rate were obtained for both species from the Haldane model. The study revealed the high potential of these local strains, with P. aeruginosa being more effective, and the possibility of using them in bioremediation of petroleum refinery wastewaters.

Strategic Application of Information and Communication Technology for Effective Service Delivery in Banking Industry

Abstract: Recent banking industries are systems of people, equipment, inventory and procedures arranged to interact in order to accomplish one or more objectives. Rapid changes due to globalization of banks, technological innovations, social and political changes cum increased awareness and demands from customers are putting pressures on banks which are beingcountered by new management approaches ranging from telecommuting to bank process reengineering. ICT is at the core of most innovations used today by banks to succeed or survive. ICTs are known for strategic management, communication, collaboration work, customers' access, managerial decisionmaking, data management and knowledge management. This paper focused on advantages and disadvantages in using digital ICTs in banking activities for effective service delivery.

Pattern of contraceptives choice among the married women attending the family planning clinic of a tertiary health institution.

Abstract: Background: Rampant population growth is the most fundamental problem of our times. It affects adversely the advancement of nations and the wellbeing of all peoples. The fertility rate in Nigeria remains high at a national average of about 5.2 children per woman. When a woman effectively uses a modern method of contraceptive she is less likely to be exposed to the hazards of grand multiparity, and also unlikely to resort to dangerous illegal abortion. Method: This is a retrospective study, a review of the records of the family planning clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo was undertaken. These were new clients coming for the first time to the family planning clinic of the institution from January, 2001 to December 2006. Result: A total of 1355 married women were coming for the first time to the family planning clinic within the study period, and their age range between 18 and 51 years with a mean of 33.5+6.1 years. 170 (12.5%) were Para 1, Para 2-4 were 855 (63.1%), while Para 5 and above were 330 (24.4%). The clients source of information about family planning was: family planning clinic personnel 1039 (76.7%), media (print and electronic) 152 (11.2%), friends and relatives 127 (9.4%), and community health workers 37 (2.7%). Intrauterine contraceptive device was the most chosen method by the clients 1011 (74.6%), while condom was the least chosen 3 (0.2%); 264 (19.5%), and 77 (5.7%) clients chose injectables and pills, respectively. Conclusion: An increase in the level of knowledge on modern contraceptive methods through mass and interpersonal communications could be one of the key strategies to increase the utilization rate of modern contraceptive methods. Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (1) 2008 pp. 67-70

Comparison between CANSCORE and other anthropometric indicators in fetal malnutrition.

Abstract: Objective Early detection of malnutrition in newborn babies is of major importance in order to prevent associated serious sequelae. Main objective of the study was to compare various anthropometric methods with Clinical assessment of nutritional status score (CANSCORE) in assessing fetal malnutrition.

Kinetics of batch microbial degradation of phenols by indigenous binary mixed culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescence

Abstract: The potential of various organisms to metabolise organic compounds has been observed to be a potentially effective means in disposing of hazardous and toxic wastes. Phenolic compounds have long been recognised as one of the most recalcitrant and persistent organic chemicals in the environment. The bioremediation potential of an indigenous binary mixed culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens was studied in batch culture using synthetic phenol in water in the concentration range of 100?500 mg/litre as a model limiting substrate. The effect of initial phenol concentration on the degradation process was investigated. Phenol was completely degraded at different cultivation times for the different initial phenol concentrations. Increasing the initial phenol concentration from 100 mg/litre to 500 mg/litre increased the lag phase from 0 h to 18 h and correspondingly prolonged the degradation process from 24 h to 96 h. There was decrease in biodegradation rate as initial phenol concentration increased. Fitting data into three different kinetic models (Monod, Haldane, and Yano and Koga) showed that the difference in fit between the models was very small and thus statistically insignificant. Thus, the Yano and Koga model has been used to interpret the free cell data on phenol biodegradation. The kinetic parameters have been estimated up to initial phenol concentration of 500 mg/litre. The rsmax decreased, Ks and Ki increased with higher concentration of phenol. The rsmax has been found to be a strong function of initial phenol concentration.

Leaf epidermal studies in some Nigerian species of Ficus L. (Moraceae)

Abstract: Forty-two leaf epidermal features in 20 Nigerian species of Ficus, representing three of the four subgenera and four of the seven sections of the genus found in Africa have been examined. Discontinuities in these characters clearly separated the three subgenera studied, namely, Ficus, Sycomorus and Urostigma, and supported the earlier sectional classification of the subgenus Urostigma (i.e. sections Sycidium, Galoglychia and Urostigma). The subsectional boundaries among the members of the section Galoglychia studied, however, had little backing from their leaf epidermal characteristics due to extensive overlap of the features. The results of the present studies support the genetic basis of the qualitative and quantitative variations in the leaf epidermal cells, stomata and trichomes in the Nigerian Ficus and the present and potential applications of these features in diagnostic and taxonomic investigations in the genus are discussed.

Community Power Structure: The Role of Local Leaders in Community Development Decision Making in Ajaawa, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigates the participation of local leaders in decision-making in Ajaawa Community of Oyo State, Nigeria. Sixty community leaders (both visible and concealed) were identified and interviewed with the aid of validated interviewed schedule. Data revealed that the respondents spread across social, political, religious and traditional functions. Twenty percent are female, 90% married, while 8% are below 40 years old, mean age is 58years. About 88% are literate. Major areas of decision-making where leaders regularly participate are religion, chieftaincy, community safety and community development. Community development commands the highest involvement (81.7%) followed by community safety (70%). Of all the CD projects undertaken in the last 5 years, the market had the highest proportion (71.7%) of leaders involved in its decision-making followed by the palace (63.3%). Leadership responsibility areas for each project are people mobilization, meetings, finance, and linkage. Personal participation in CD projects by the leaders revealed that the market and palace commanded the highest involvement. Where leaders unite and make sound collective decisions, the community maintains peace and development.

Chemical injuries from assaults: An increasing trend in a developing country.

Abstract: Objective: This paper describes chemical injuries, which presented to us and were managed at a burn unit in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the etiologies of these injuries, the extent of the injuries as well as to suggest possible ways to prevent chemical injuries in our environment. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective review of chemical burns treated at our center. Our sources of information were the burn unit admission registers, case notes of the patients and operation registers. The results were collated and then analyzed. Results: Twenty eight patients presented with chemical burn injuries during the study period between January 2000 and December 2003, constituting 5.7% of all patients with burns treated within that period. Seventeen (60.7%) of the patients were males while 11 (29.3%) were females with a mean age of 20.6 years. The injuries were sustained from assault in 21 (75%), armed robbery attacks in five (17.8%) and suicide attempts in two (7.1%). The agents were usually unknown. Late presentation was observed in all the patients. Raw eggs, palm oil, gentian violet and engine oil were the substances applied immediately after the injuries. Complications observed included septicemia, respiratory distress, blindness, renal failure, mentosternal contractures, ectropion, axillary contractures, hypertrophic scars, keloids and skin depigmentation. Conclusion: Chemical burn injuries are mainly due to assaults in Nigeria and are usually extensive and presented late. Education of the people and penalty for any offender will reduce the current spate of such injuries.

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Shao Community of Kwara State, Nigeria:

Abstract: To determine the level of knowledge, belief, and assess the attitude to female genital mutilation (FGM) and its complications in Shao community, Nigeria, a cross-sectional descriptive study with a health education intervention was used A majority of respondents (995%) understood female circumcision to mean cutting off parts of the female genitals There was a high level of knowledge regarding most of the complications of FGM as more than 50% of respondents knew at least four complications of FGM Awareness of the global anti-FGM campaign was also high (788%) The most common reasons proffered for the practice of FGM were based on tradition or religion Paternal grandfathers (500%) and fathers (210%) were cited as decision makers in the family most often responsible for requesting FGM Post-intervention results showed that there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of respondents who know more complications of FGM and who have no intention of circumcising future female children

Chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Osogbo Nigeria: efficacy of amodiaquine + sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and chloroquine + chlorpheniramine for treatment.

Abstract: Chloroquine (CQ) resistance in Plasmodium falciparum contributes to increasing malaria-attributable morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite a change in drug policy, continued prescription of CQ did not abate. Therefore the therapeutic efficacy of CQ in uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients was assessed in a standard 28-day protocol in 116 children aged between six and 120 months in Osogbo, Southwest Nigeria. Parasitological and clinical assessments of response to treatment showed that 72 (62.1%) of the patients were cured and 44 (37.9%) failed the CQ treatment. High initial parasite density and young age were independent predictors for early treatment failure. Out of the 44 patients that failed CQ, 24 received amodiaquine + sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (AQ+SP) and 20 received chlorpheniramine + chloroquine (CH+CQ) combinations. Mean fever clearance time in those treated with AQ+SP was not significantly different from those treated with CH+CQ (p = 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean parasite density of the two groups. The cure rate for AQ+SP group was 92% while those of CH+CQ was 85%. There was a significant difference in parasite clearance time (p = 0.01) between the two groups. The 38% treatment failure for CQ reported in this study is higher than the 10% recommended by World Health Organization in other to effect change in antimalarial treatment policy. Hence we conclude that CQ can no more be solely relied upon for the treatment of falciparum malaria in Osogbo, Nigeria. AQ+SP and CH+CQ are effective in the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria and may be considered as useful alternative drugs in the absence of artemisinin-based combination therapies.

Factors Associated with Pastoral and Crop Farmers Conflict in Derived Savannah Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study investigated the factors associated with pastoral and crop farmers conflict in derived savannah zone of Saki-West Local Government Area of Oyo State. Eighty respondents were randomly selected from eight villages in the study area. The data collected were subjected to both descriptive (frequency counts and percentage) and inferential (Chi-square) statistical analysis. The result of the analysis reveals that majority (73.8%) of the respondents were males while others (26.3%) were females. The result further shows that most of respondents (70.1%) are aged between 30-49 years and more than three quarters (83.8%) of respondents in the study area were married, only 8.8% are single. Chi-square analysis showed that age ( χ 2 =38.75), Gender (χ 2 = 18.05), Marital status ( χ 2 = 47.80), education (χ 2 = 59.05), religion ( χ 2 = 36.33) and years of residence ( χ 2 = 56.00) are significantly related with causes of conflict. Informal institutions are preferred by the respondents in conflict resolution.

Rhizopus stolonifer LAU 07: a novel source of fructosyltransferase

Abstract: Increasing awareness of the importance of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as ingredients of functional foods has led to intensive search of new sources of fructosyltransferases (FTase), enzymes responsible for the conversion of sucrose to fructooligosaccharides. A local strain of Rhizopus stolonifer isolated from spoilt orange fruit with high fructosyltransferase activity (Ut) of 12.31–45.70 U mL−1 during a fermentation period of 24–120 h is herein reported. It showed low hydrolytic activity (Uh) in the range of 0.86–1.78 U mL−1 during the same period. FOS yield of 34 % (1-kestose, GF2, nystose, GF3) was produced by FTase obtained from a 72 h-old culture using 60 g of sucrose per 100 mL of the substrate. When the isolate was grown in a defined submerged medium, its pH dropped sharply from the intial value of 5.5 to 1.0 within 24 h, and this value was maintained throughout the fermentation. The biomass content ranged from 8.8 g L−1 at 24 h of fermentation to reach the maximum of 10 g L−1 at 72 h. It was reduced to 5.6 g L−1 at the end of 120 h of fermentation. This report represents the first reference to a strain of Rhizopus as a source of FTase for the production of FOS. The high Ut/Uh ratio shown by this isolate indicates that it may be a good strain for the industrial and commercial production of FOS. However, there is a need of further optimization of the bioprocess to increase the conversion efficiency of sucrose to FOS by the enzyme.

Constraints to Utilization of Poultry Production Technology among Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study examined the constraints to utilization of poultry production technology in Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using a set of structured and validated interview schedule from 120 poultry farmers who were selected using multistage sampling techniques from four Local Government Areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. Data analysis was carried out using frequency counts, percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The result of the analysis showed that the major constraint to utilization of poultry production technology was access to capital and inadequate extension contact. Empirically, Age, awareness and education shows negative and relationship with constraints to utilization while source of information had positive and significant relationship with constraints to utilization of poultry production technology. The major recommendatio n that emanated from the study are: provision of credit facilities to the farmers by the government through the banks and making inputs such as vaccines available to the farmers at a subsidized rate.

Artificial Neural Network's Prediction of Wax Deposition Potential of Nigerian Crude Oil for Pipeline Safety

Abstract: Paraffin wax deposition from crude oil along pipeline is a global problem, making preventive methods preferred to removal methods. In this work, a neural network model based on mathematical modelin...