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This study investigated the probiotic potentials of seven lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains at different temperatures, pH, and bile salt concentrations. Their antimicrobial activity and antibiotic susceptibility were also determined. There were significant (P˂0.05) differences in the LAB growth at 45-650C with viable counts ranging from 4.28-8.34 Log10 Cfu/ml after 48 h. The LAB strains showed significant (P˂0.05) increase at pH 2, 2.5 and 3 after 3 and 6 h. L. parabuchneri LMG was viable at 45 and 65oC with 99.30 and 65.00% survival respectively. The LAB showed high resistance to 0.3% bile salt at 97.90%. L. plantarum CIP was viable with 95.40% survival at pH 3.0 after 3 h. All the LAB strains were susceptible to cefuroxime (20 µg/ml) and erythromycin (10 µg/ml) at 13.00-45.00 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI). They had strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313. Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM and L. brevis ATCC inhibited the five tested food borne pathogens with ZOI varying from 8.00-26.00 mm. The results from this study showed that the LAB strains isolated from fermented foods had probiotic potential and can be used for research and commercial purposes.

Potential probiotics were isolated, identified and characterised from ogi, fufu, nunu, palmwine and fermented tigernut milk. Pour plate method was used for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on De Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) media. Three (3) pure colonies were distinctly obtained from each of the fermented food sources with microbial mean counts ranging from 8.13 - 8.25 Log10 Cfu/ml. Isolated strains were identified and characterized using morphological, API-50 CHL (Bio-merieux, France) and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Ten (10) of the isolated microorganisms were identified as Lactobacilli, two (2) Micrococci and a Lactococcus. The Lactobacilli were catalase negative and oxidase negative rod-shaped bacteria. The identification accuracy of the isolates based on similarities from the computer-aided API and PCR GenBank databases ranged from 49.00 - 99.90% and 79.00 - 99.00% respectively. The amplification pattern of the 16S regions of the sequenced isolates showed DNA fragments with 500 - 1000 base pairs. The LAB strains identified are Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 15885, Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM, Lactobacillus plantarum CIP 10315.1, Lactobacillus plantarum NBRC 15891, Lactobacillus parabuchneri LMG 11457, Lactobacillus pentosus 124-3 and Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869. These strains had high correlation in both the API and PCR identification techniques that was used in this study. Potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria can be isolated and identified from ogi, fufu, nunu, paimwine and fermented tigernut milk.

Aims: Physicochemical and microbiological quality of fruits and vegetables from open market and shopping mall in Port Harcourt metropolis were determined to ascertain the effect of the sales environment. Methodology: pH and titratable acidity (TTA) of bananas (Musa sapientum), tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) and cabbage (Brassica oleracae var. capitata L) were determined using standard analytical methods. Conventional microbiological method was used for the microbial analysis. Results: pH (4.30 - 6.00) and TTA (0.05 - 0.28% lactic acid) of samples from the two locations did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Aerobic colony count (ACC), Coliform, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, ranged from 4.49 – 5.96, 3.70 – 4.59, 3.69 - 4.39 and 3.68 – 4.17 Log10 CFU/g respectively for the shopping mall samples, and 6.14 - 6.19, 3.66 – 5.23, 4.60 – 5.66, and 3.69 – 5.15 Log10 CFU/g respectively for the open market samples. Salmonella was detected at a level of 3.74, 4.30 and 4.65 Log10 CFU/g respectively in banana from the shopping mall; and lettuce and cabbage from the open market. Mould growth for the open market samples ranged from 4.01 - 4.40 Log10 CFU/g. Shopping mall samples had no mould and yeast growth except for mould count of 4.29 Log10 CFU/g in banana and yeast count of 4.30 and 3.69 Log10 CFU/g in tomatoes and lettuce. Banana and lettuce from the open market had no yeast count, but tomatoes and cabbage had counts of 4.30 and 4.46 Log10 CFU/g respectively. Conclusion: Fruits and vegetables from the shopping mall generally had lower microbial count indicating the influence of the chilled storage environment. The detection of pathogens in the fruits and vegetables is unsatisfactory and can pose a health risk to consumers as well as the contamination of other produce.

The study evaluated the proximate composition and sensory properties of fruits (banana and tomatoes) and vegetables (Lettuce and cabbage) from an open market and a shopping mall to ascertain the effect of the two environments on the sample quality. Standard analytic procedures were used in sample analysis. Open market samples had moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre and carbohydrate content of 76.56-92.96, 0.25-1.24, 0.03–0.91, 0.56–1.17, 2.20–3.34 and 1.17 – 14.13 % respectively, while values for shopping mall were 80.62-94.10, 0.16–0.29, 0.06–0.21, 0.40–0.86, 1.54–3.87 and 0.91–14.28 % respectively. The degree of likeness for the appearance, flavour (aroma/taste), texture (firmness/crunchiness) and overall acceptability of the samples from the open market ranged from 6.60 - 7.00, 4.90 - 6.35, 5.25 -5.95 and 5.80 - 6.10 respectively, and those of the shopping mall were 6.55–7.25, 4.70–6.65, 5.45–5.95 and 5.85–6.30 respectively. The environment had significant (P≤0.05) influence on the proximate composition and sensory properties of the fruits and the vegetables. Fruits and vegetables from the open market had significantly (P≤0.05) higher nutrient content. The environment of the shopping mall provided the low temperature which improved upon the moisture and sensory attributes of the samples as evidenced in higher degree of likeness of samples from the shopping mall. This revealed the importance of storage and sales of fruits and vegetables under chilled storage.

The proximate composition and microbiological quality of roasted plantain, its sauce, fish and side vegetable sold in River State University and its environment were investigated. The samples were purchased from four different locations namely staff club (SCL), shopping complex (SHC), back-gate (BGT) and maingate (MGT). Using standard methods, the samples were analyzed for proximate and microbiological quality. The values for moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, fat and carbohydrate were 53.30 - 57.22 %, 2.94 - 3.73 %, 9.26 - 10.13 %, 2.34 - 3.67 %, 11.62 - 13.41 %, and 15.42-20.07 % respectively. The energy varied from 206.76-229.93 kcal/100g. For all the samples from all locations, aerobic count varied from 5.31 - 7.98 Log10CFU/g for plantain and fish. Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus ranged from 4.06 - 7.42, 5.48 - 7.41 and 5.31 -7.90 Log10CFU/g respectively, while Coliform and fungi count varied respectively from 5.01 - 7.57 and 5.01 - 7.33 Log10CFU/g. The leave had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the highest microbial load. The microbial load exceeded the acceptable limits for ready to eat foods and can be attributed to poor hygiene practices. Some samples except the leave had no detectable levels of the pathogens and fungi. The presence of pathogens indicates potential hazard to the health of consumers, hence the need awareness on proper handling and hygiene practices among street food vendors.

Increasing awareness of deteriorating health of aquatic ecosystems, as a result of human activities, has led to the suggestion that fish host-parasite relationships are possible bioindicators of en...

The notions of what is male and what is female are cultural conceptions into which all human beings are placed. These conceptions form a sex-gender view in African culture. This study examines the concept of gender and sex in Akachi Ezeigbo���s trilogy using survey method. It was discovered among other things that Ezeigbo is using these literary texts as a medium to seek for the end of oppression of women in the world outside the texts. This work analyzed issues in Akachi Ezeigbo���s trilogy from a female point of view as Njoku (2004:277) asserts, ���Feminist criticism engages issues from the female point of view which reflects the changing nature of society and highlights the protest of a marginalized group (women)���. Akachi Ezeigbo's trilogy is therefore seen as a message of hope to all oppressed women in Africa; that women are already in the ascent and that total liberation is possible and at the threshold. The ���benign way��� to survive being the pathway of sound education and economic empowerment of women. These will help to facilitate the ���coming salvation.

The notions of what is male and what is female are cultural conceptions into which all human beings are placed. These conceptions form a sex-gender view in African culture. This study examines the concept of gender and sex in Akachi Ezeigbo’s trilogy using survey method. It was discovered among other things that Ezeigbo is using these literary texts as a medium to seek for the end of oppression of women in the world outside the texts. This work analyzed issues in Akachi Ezeigbo’s trilogy from a female point of view as Njoku (2004:277) asserts, “Feminist criticism engages issues from the female point of view which reflects the changing nature of society and highlights the protest of a marginalized group (women)”. Akachi Ezeigbo's trilogy is therefore seen as a message of hope to all oppressed women in Africa; that women are already in the ascent and that total liberation is possible and at the threshold. The “benign way” to survive being the pathway of sound education and economic empowerment of women. These will help to facilitate the “coming salvation.

Background The indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant goats (SPGs) undermines meat production and food security especially in developing countries. It also connotes animal cruelty, depletion of goat population and may enhance the spread of zoonotic pathogens inhabiting the female reproductive tract during carcass processing. Consequently, this study determined the causes and prevalence of slaughtering pregnant goats for meat in Enugu, Nigeria. The study also estimated the economic losses associated with SPGs, discussed the negative public health consequences and suggested the ways-out. Methods Structured, validated and pilot-tested questionnaire was used to ascertain the reasons for SPGs for meat among 78 willing and randomly selected respondents. The questionnaire survey was conducted in the form of interview. Pregnancy statuses of the goats slaughtered were ascertained by visual inspection and palpation of the eviscerated and longitudinally incised uteri and the horns for macroscopic evidence of pregnancy. Ages of the dams were estimated by dentition method. Estimation of the gestational age was performed by crown-rump length method. The study lasted for six months, comprised of three months (December to March) during the dry/hot season and another three months (May to August) during the wet/rainy season. Economic loss estimation was based on the current monetary values of a matured (30 kilogram) goat and one kilogram of chevon in Enugu, Nigeria; which was determined through market survey. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to determine whether there were significant (P Results Major reasons adduced for SPGs were: economic hardship (41%), ignorance of the goat’s pregnancy status (21%), increased demand for chevon (13%) and feed scarcity during drought (11%). Of the 1,658 does examined during the six months study, 589 (35.5%) were pregnant. The majority (876/1658, 52.8%) of the female goats slaughtered were in their active reproductive age of ≤ 4 years, while 782 (47.2%) were aged > 4 years. Similarly, majority (1007/1658, 60.7%) of the does/nannies were slaughtered during the dry/hot season. A total of 907 foetuses at first (n = 332, 36.6%), second (n = 486, 53.6%) and third (n = 89, 9.8%) trimesters of gestation were recovered from the 589 PGs. Singleton, twin and triplet pregnancies were observed in 312 (53%), 236 (40%) and 41 (7%) PGs, respectively. About ₦34.44 million ($83,390) would have been earned if the foetuses were born alive and raised to maturity. Additionally, 19,136 kg of chevon, valued at ₦47,841, 000 ($115,838), which would have accrued from the wasted foetuses was also lost. Conclusion Considering the economic, zoonotic and livestock production implications of this work, frantic efforts to reduce SPGs in Enugu, Nigeria is imperative. This could be achieved through advocacy, goat farmers’ enlightenment, ante-mortem pregnancy diagnosis, provision of subsidized feed materials during the dry season and strict enforcement of the Nigerian Meat Edict law, which proscribes unapproved slaughter of gravid animals. These measures may improve food safety and security, improve goat reproduction and production, reduce protein malnutrition, limit dissemination of zoonotic pathogens during carcass processing and hence protect public health in Nigeria.

Background: The primary purpose of screening is to detect individuals in danger of cervical cancer so as to prevent further progression of the disease. Cervical cancer remains a global concern, as it ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed female malignancy worldwide. It is the commonest female cancer in Zimbabwe. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a disproportionate risk of invasive cervical cancer, as they are 2–12 times more likely to develop pre-cancerous lesions. As a result of the increased risk, routine screenings are suggested. Few women are screened for cervical cancer in Zimbabwe. Objectives: This study aimed at describing the experiences of screening for cervical cancer and motivation behind screening. Method: The study employed a qualitative research approach. In-depth one to one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted using interview and focus group guides. The study was conducted at an opportunistic infections clinic in Mpilo Central Hospital. Data analysis was performed by using Giorgi’s descriptive method of data analysis. Results: The themes that emerged from data analysis were facilitators to screening for cervical cancer, community awareness of cervical cancer screening, free cervical cancer treatment and more screening centres and integrating cervical cancer screening with HIV care. Conclusion: In-depth understanding of the factors that enable women to take part in cervical cancer screening is essential so that these factors can be strengthened to improve uptake of cervical cancer screening services.

The study evaluated the effect of choline chloride (CC) supplementation on growth rate, haematology and serum biochemistry of broilers. 120-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups of 30 birds each and these were further sub-divided into 3 replicates of 10 birds each. Group A served as the control while the diets of groups B, C and D were supplemented with 0.5 g/kg, 0.75 g/kg and 1 g/kg of CC respectively. 6weeks post-supplementation, haematology, serum biochemistry, total weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics were determined. Group C (0.75 g/kg choline) had a significantly (p0.05) in the mean values of AST, ALT, total protein and creatinine across all groups. However, the ALP and cholesterol values of group D (4.42 U/L and 1.68 mg/dl respectively) were significantly (p0.05) in the relative weights of other organs of all four groups. The values of the breast weight/width, drumstick length/width, wing length and carcass length did not vary significantly across the supplemented-groups, but the breast-length, thigh weight/length/width, drumstick-weight, wing weight/width and carcass-weight of the control group were significantly higher than the supplemented-groups. Choline chloride supplementation at 0.75 g/kg may have contributed to improved feed efficiency but not with a corresponding excellent carcass yield.

Histopathological changes of Cichlidogyrus philander Douëllou, 1993 on the gills of Pseudocrenilabrus philander (Weber, 1897) were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Observations revealed that C. philander attaches to its host by alternating the prohaptor (for temporary attachment or feeding) or haptor (using haptoral parts for firm and secured attachment). The sharp terminal ends of the anchors are inserted basally into the gill lamella, between two adjacent secondary gill lamellae and the marginal hooklets assist by superficially penetrating, holding and lifting epithelial tissue in the proximal region of the secondary gill lamella. The attachment of C. philander resulted in compression, rupturing of the interlamellar epithelium, change in the organization of epithelial cells in both primary and secondary gill lamella, displacement of the extracellular cartilaginous matrix, occasional rupturing of blood vessels and erythrocytes and some cells becoming ill-defined. At the site of attachment, the host response comprises of hyperplasia, increase in the number of mucous cells and infiltration with neutrophils. It was concluded that the effect of C. philander is mild in natural conditions.

Species of Penicillium (blue mould) and Monilinia (brown rot) are major causes of postharvest loss of stone fruit. Breeding for resistance to these pathogens is a sustainable option that could reduce over reliance on postharvest chemical interventions to control the diseases. This study was aimed at selecting peach cultivars that are resistant to blue mould and brown rot pathogens through in vivo assays against the causative agents. Red and yellow skinned peach cultivars were artificially infected with Monilinia laxa and Penicillium expansum whilst the same cultivars were also assessed as naturally infected fruit. Fruit were stored at 0 °C for 14 and 21 days, and thereafter kept at 15 °C for 3 days to simulate market shelf condition. Physicochemical traits, such as fruit pH, antioxidant activity, total anthocyanins, and total phenols were measured at harvest, and after 14 days and 21 days of storage. The blue mould pathogen was more virulent than the brown rot pathogen in the fruit. The red cultivars showed less brown rot incidence (20%–35%) compared to the yellow cultivars (35%–65%). Artificial infections stimulated a higher biochemical activity in the fruit compared to natural infections. In general peach cultivars with high contents of antioxidant compounds had lower pathogen incidence. ‘Temptation’, (a red cultivar) showed highest resistance compared to the other peach cultivars used in this experiment and this was correlated to the high phenylalanine lyase activity, phenolic compounds, and concentrations of chlorogenic, caffeic acid and anthocyanin exhibited by the cultivar. Breeders can use these tests as indicative for blue and brown mould resistance.

This study investigates the relationship between government recurrent expenditures and economic growth in Nigeria for 18 years: 1999-2016. In doing this, the paper disaggregated government current expenditures into five categories used as explanatory variables. The estimated result showed that influence of government expenditures on national assembly, pensions and gratuities had insignificant effect on economic growth. However, total government expenditures on administration and public debt servicing had a positive and significant effect on economic growth. Also the study revealed that total government expenditures on transfers had insignificant effect on economic growth. Study therefore recommends that annual government recurrent expenditures on administration and public debt servicing should be sustained as they led to economic growth, but that all leakages arising from such spending should be blocked in order to achieve an enhanced growth.

The pH and functional properties: water and oil absorption capacity, bulk density, solubility, swelling power and foaming capacity of tigernut and cowpea flour blends were determined. The flour blends were coded with the letters B, C, D, E, F, G and H for cowpea flour substitutions of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 % respectively. For comparison sample A1, A2 and A3 representing 100 % of wheat, tigernut and cowpea respectively, were also evaluated. Standard methods were used for all the analysis. pH of the flour samples varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from 5.60-6.23 for sample B (5 % cowpea flour substitution) and A2 (100% tiger nut flour) respectively. Water and oil absorption capacity varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from 1.00-2.90 ml/g and 0.39-1.38 ml/g respectively. Sample A1 (100% wheat flour) and Sample B (5% Cowpea: 95% tigernut flour) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the highest in water absorption capacity while sample A1 (% wheat flour) had the highest oil absorption capacity. Bulk density varied from 0.58 - 0.84 g/cm3. Although Cowpea flour (sample A3) had the highest bulk density, there was significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease with increase in cowpea substitution. Swelling power and solubility ranged from 0.08-6.74 g/g and 8.00–67.35 % respectively. Sample A1 (% wheat flour) had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the highest solubility and swelling power while Sample A3 (% cowpea flour) had the least. The functional properties of the tigernut-cowpea composite flour were comparable with that of the wheat flour, except for the swelling power that was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher for the wheat flour. The result showed that the composite tigernut-cowpea flour can be good alternative in the production of bakery products that would not require much swelling.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) significantly affect cattle production and the livelihoods of communities in pastoralist areas. Data on protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks infesting cattle in Uganda is scanty; while it is an indicator of the likelihood of disease transmission and occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst cattle in the Karamoja Region, northeastern Uganda, from July through September 2017, to determine the tick species diversity, identify protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in the ticks, and characterise pathogenic species by sequence and phylogenetic analyses. About 50 % of the ticks detected from each predilection site on each animal were collected from 100 purposively-selected cattle from 20 randomly-selected herds. Twelve tick species belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were identified, the most abundant being Amblyomma lepidum (93.9 %), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (2.0 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (1.0 %). Tick species that have not been reported in recent studies amongst cattle in Uganda were found, namely Rhipicephalus pravus, Rhipicephalus praetextatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. The ticks were grouped into 40 pools, by species and location, and the reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation assay was used to detect pathogens from the ticks. The most frequently detected tick-borne parasites were Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera and Theileria parva, each observed in 25 % (10/40) of the tick pools. Tick-borne pathogens, namely Babesia rossi, Babesia microti and Theileria sp. (sable) that are not common to, or not known to infect, cattle were identified from ticks. The gene encoding Ehrlichia ruminantium pCS20 region, the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene, and T. parva p67 sporozoite antigen gene were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Seven novel E. ruminantium pCS20 variants were identified, and these grouped into two separate clusters with sequences from other parts of Africa and Asia. The T. parva p67 sequences were of the allele type 1, and parasites possessing this allele type are commonly associated with East Coast fever in eastern Africa. Analysis of the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that they were closely related to Rickettsia africae and to a new Ehrlichia species variant recently found in China. Our R. africae 16S rRNA sequences grouped with R. africae isolates from Nigeria, Egypt and Benin. The information on tick species diversity and pathogens in the various tick species provides an indicator of potential transmission amongst cattle populations, and to humans, and can be useful to estimate disease risk and in control strategies.

The physico-chemical, proximate, vitamin C, sensory and microbiological quality of minimally processed watermelon from selected locations in Port Harcourt was evaluated. The locations were Rumuokoro junction, Rumuokuta junction, Nwinpi junction and Mile 3 Bus stop, samples prepared in the Food preparation laboratory served as control. Standard analytical and microbiological methods were used. pH and titratable acidity varied respectively from 4.95 - 5.60 and 0.14 - 0.20 %Citric acid. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate ranged from 94.54 – 96.14, 0.52 – 0.54, 0.54 – 0.56, 0.25 -0.39, 0.32 – 0.57 and 1.99 – 3.56% respectively, while the energy content was 15.00 – 20.91 Kcal/g. Ascorbic acid content ranged from 2.77 - 4.73 mg/100g. The microbiological evaluation revealed Total aerobic, Coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and fungi counts of 3.80 – 5.79, 3.74 – 5.83, 5.10 - 5.84, 4.26 – 5. 00 and 3.89 - 4.45 Log10Cfu/g respectively. The sensory attributes: colour, sweetness, texture, aroma, juiceness and overall acceptability of the samples ranged from 5.80 – 7.85, 5.70 – 7.95, 6.10 – 7.45, 5.40 – 7.10, 6.15 – 7.55 and 6.00 – 7.45 respectively. Degree of likeness of the minimally processed watermelon by the assessors was that of slight to like very much. The study revealed that though the minimally processed watermelon were nutritious and acceptable to the consumers, the microbial counts were unsatisfactory and can be a risk factor to public health.

This study investigated the ability of two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from akamu a Nigerian fermented maize food to tolerate acid and bile condition. Auto-aggregation and co-aggregation with pathogens: Escherichia coli NCTC 11560 and Salmonella Enteritidis NCTC 5188 were also investigated. This was aimed at establishing preliminary probiotic potentials of these none intestinal L. plantarum isolates. Viability at pH 2 was significantly (p≤0.05) reduced from ≥8.26±0.05 to ≤4.94±0.49 Log10 CFU/mL after 3 h. Subsequent incubation in 0.3% ox gall bile media after 6 h enhanced growth to 5.73±0.13 and 7.93±0.12 Log10 CFU/mL for NGL5 and NGL7. The L. plantarum strains auto-aggregated but had no co-aggregation with the pathogens. After 5 h auto-aggregation at 37°C (>25%) was significantly (p≤0.05) greater than auto-aggregation at 22 - 24°C (L. plantarum strains possessed abilities to survive passage through the GIT and auto-aggregated significantly at body temperature. This serves as a baseline data for further studies especially isolates that are not of intestinal origin.

Physico-chemical and sensory qualities of blends of milk drink from tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) and coconut (Cocos nucifera) were evaluated. Twelve blends (Sample A – K) were formulated using different ratios of tigernut to coconut milk as follows: 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, 10:90 and 0:100. The pH, total titratable acidity, specific gravity and viscosity ranged between 5.86-6.37, 0.10-0.15%, 0.99-1.08, and 0.25-0.69 centipoise (cP) respectively. Viscosity decreased with increase in coconut milk. The solid non-fat, protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate content decreased with increase in Coconut milk substitution and the values ranged from 8.45 - 13.70%, 2.39 - 3.93%, 0.46 – 0.87% and 4.10 - 8.65% respectively. The moisture content ranged between 83.80% for Sample A and 89.50% for Sample I. The fat (2.09 – 3.64%) and ash content (0.13 – 3.00%) varied significantly among blends. The colour, flavor, mouth feel, taste and overall acceptability had increase in likeness with increase in coconut milk. The result indicated that the tigernut-coconut drink is of good quality and the 10% Tignernut substitution based on the sensory properties was more acceptable. This forms a baseline data for further studies.

The study evaluated the nutrient compositions of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacaum, ex. Fr. Kummer) grown using different agricultural waste: sawdust, sugarcane (Sacharum officinarum) peels, plantain leaves and corn cobs. The proximate compositions of P. ostreatus fruit bodies varied significantly (P≤ 0.05). Matured fruit bodies of P. ostreatus harvested from sawdust and sugarcane peel substrates had significantly (P≤ 0.05) the highest content of moisture (15.20%) and ash (5.23%) respectively. The Corn cob substrates yielded P. ostreatus with significantly (P≤ 0.05) the highest amount of protein (9.38%) and lipids (8.5%); and lowest amount of carbohydrates (51.76%). Crude fibre was found more in the fruit bodies of P. ostreatus harvested from sugarcane peel substrates (8.23%) followed by corn cobs (7.28% ). The mineral content varied significantly (P≤ 0.05) from 0.43 - 0.90, 0.12 - 0.30, 9.20 - 14.6, 7.30 -13.0 and 1.5 - 2.7 mg/100g for iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium respectively. P. ostreatus from sugarcane peels had significantly (P≤ 0.05) the highest mineral content except for calcium. Vitamin C content ranged from 1.3 mg/100g for corn hob to 1.8mg/100g for sawdust. The study revealed that sugarcane peel and corn hob in terms of the proximate and mineral composition are better substrate for the growth of P. ostreatus. It is therefore recommended that these agricultural wastes should be used in the cultivation of P. ostreatus. Besides producing nutritious mushrooms, this will help to reduce the huge agricultural wastes within our environment that sometimes when not properly managed caused serious environmental pollution.

Akamu is a lactic acid bacteria fermented cereal-based food that complements infant diets in most African countries. The effect of fermentation with Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum starter culture and gamma-irradiation on the pasting and morphological properties of Akamu was investigated. The sensory property of porridges from the L. plantarum fermentation and artificially acidified maize slurries was also investigated. The irradiated ground maize (IGM) and its L. plantarum strain fermented samples had significantly (p had thick and solid linkages against the weak and viscous nature of irradiated samples. The sensory attributes (flavour, sourness, and overall acceptability) of the porridges from L. plantarum fermented sample was significantly (p>0.05) the most acceptable to the assessors. This study revealed that irradiation lowered the pasting properties of the maize slurries and caused changes in the morphological properties of both the uncooked slurries and their porridges. The sensory attributes of Porridge from the L. plantarum fermented maize slurry were most acceptable to the assessors.

The proximate, mineral and sensory properties of pasteurised and unpasteurised fresh and dry yellow tiger nuts and their milk extract were evaluated. Milk from samples of fresh and dry tiger nuts were extracted separately by wet milling and expression before pasteurisation. The moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrate and energy content of the tiger nuts varied from 14.36 – 47.98%, 5.54 – 6.85%, 1.31 – 1.97%, 5.28 – 4.60%, 26.09 – 24.60%, and 296.72 – 434.00 KJ/g respectively. The total sugar content was 9.82 – 11.85% for pasteurised tiger nuts and 10.09 – 12.64% for unpasteurised nuts while reducing sugar ranged from 3.06 – 4.82 and 3.67 – 5.01% respectively, for pasteurised and unpasteurised tiger nuts. Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg and K content ranged from 0.09 – 0.13, 11.00 – 13.74, 0.05 – 0.06, 1692.94 – 1921.99, 265.12 – 794.57 and 1048.34 – 1181.67 mg/100g respectively. The moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrate and energy values of the milk extract varied from 76.93 – 81.92%, 9.84 – 11.41%, 3.09 – 5.01%, 0.01 – 0.03%, 0.01 – 0.11%, 2.74 – 7.16% and 373.22 – 488.68 KJ/g respectively. Total sugar content was 9.63 – 11.64 and 10.81– 12.23% respectively, for the pasteurized and unpasteurized milk while the reducing sugar ranged from 3.42 – 4.13 and 4.14 – 4.49 %. Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg and K content varied from 0.02 – 0.03, 3.67 – 4.34, 0.02 – 0.03, 606.98 – 669.32, 86.88 – 289.71 and 349.45 – 393.89 mg/100g respectively. Dry tiger nut and its milk had significantly (P≤0.05) higher proximate, sugar and mineral contents. Pasteurization significantly (P

The calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, copper, iron, manganese and zinc content of Nigerian traditionally fermented maize food (akamu) against ground whole maize slurries fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum strains were evaluated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The mineral content of the traditional akamu samples varied significantly (p 73, 2044, 727, 284, 765 and 16 mg kg−1 respectively) levels in the fermented ground whole maize slurries were significantly (p

BACKGROUND Akamu is a lactic acid-fermented cereal-based food that constitutes a major infant complementary food in most West African countries. The identities of LAB populations from DGGE analysis and conventionally isolated LAB and yeasts from traditionally fermented akamu were confirmed by PCR sequencing analysis. The relationships between pH, acidity and lactic acid levels and proximate composition of the akamu samples were investigated. RESULTS The LAB communities in the akamu samples comprised mainly Lactobacillus species, including Lb. fermentum, Lb. plantarum, Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Lb. helveticus, as well as Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris. Identified yeasts were Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, Clavispora lusitaniae and Saccharomyces paradoxus. Low pH (3.22–3.95) was accompanied by high lactic acid concentrations (43.10–84.29 mmol kg−1). Protein (31.88–74.32 g kg−1) and lipid (17.74–36.83 g kg−1) contents were negatively correlated with carbohydrate content (897.48–926.20 g kg−1, of which ≤1 g kg−1 was sugars). Ash was either not detected or present only in trace amounts (≤4 g kg−1). Energy levels ranged from 17.29 to 18.37 kJ g−1. CONCLUSION The akamu samples were predominantly starchy foods and had pH < 4.0 owing to the activities of fermentative LAB. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

The nutrient and sensory properties of malted pre-gelatinized maize supplemented with varying amounts of soy and carrot flour was evaluated. The blends (Malted pre-gelatinized maize flour : Soy flour : Carrot flour) in grams were: A (80: 20: 0), B (73.125: 23.125: 3.75), C (66.250: 26.250: 7.50), D (65.625: 23.125:11.25), E (65: 20:15), F (63.125: 33.125: 3.75), G (63.125:25.625: 11.25), H (60: 25: 15) and I (100:0:0). There were significant (P ≤ 0.5) differences in the proximate composition of the blends. The moisture content ranged between 3.55 - 8.10%. The protein content of the samples increased (P ≤ 0.5) with the increase in soy substitution and varied from 11.61% for the control (sample I) to 21.53% for sample F. The fat, ash and crude fibre content of the blends varied from 1.68 - 10.86, 1.45 - 2.8 and 0.20 - 4.40% respectively. The control had significantly (P ≤ 0.5) the highest carbohydrate content of 75.61%, while it varied between 55.30 and 71.60 % for others. The energy values varied from 360.43 - 405.00 Kcal/g. The sensory scores were based on a 9-point hedonic scale, with 1 and 9 expressed as dislike extremely and like extremely. The assessors’ likeness for the sensory attributes (colour, texture, taste, aroma and general acceptability) was below neither like nor dislike. This study revealed that substitution with soybeans and carrot flours increased the nutrient composition of the malted pre-gelatinized maize, soybean and carrot flour blends. Particularly the soy flour as sample F with the highest soy flour substitution (33. 123g) had significantly the highest protein (21.53%), fat (10.86%) and energy (405 Kcal/g) values. This would be recommended for good quality porridge. Although, the sensory analysis revealed the need for further investigation on processing methods especially the malting process as to enhance the overall acceptability of the product.

Two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from akamu a Nigerian fermented maize food were investigated for probiotic potential based on: adhesion to hydrocarbons (hydrophobicity), porcine mucin and epithelial cell models. Gelatinase and haemolytic activities of the L. plantarum isolates were also studied. Adhesions to mono polar solvents (>22%) were significantly (p≤0.05) higher than the n-alkanes ( ethyl acetate > hexadecane > hexane. NGL7 had significantly (p≤0.05) the highest affinity for all the solvents. Both L. plantarum strains had significant adhesions to porcine mucin (≥6.51 Log10 CFU mL-1) after 2 h at 37oC. Viable counts on Caco-2 cells were 5.13 and 5.53 Log10 CFU mL-1 for NGL7 and NGL5 respectively. The L. plantarum strains possessed significant adhesion abilities: adhesion to hydrocarbons, porcine mucin and Caco-2 cells with no gelatinase and haemolytic activity. This suggested that the L. plantarum strains isolated from the Nigerian fermented maize food -akamu would be able to adhere to the intestinal mucosa and epithelial cells for beneficial health effects without posing any risk.

The sclerotized structures of monogeneans have traditionally been studied by light microscopy and different staining techniques. Recently, enzymatic digestion followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has enabled the examination of structural details not visible with light microscopy. In order to obtain better, and more accurate, morphological information on sclerotized structures not affected by mounting medium or cover slip pressure, the sclerites of Cichlidogyrus philander Douëllou, 1993 (Monogenea, Ancyrocephalidae), collected from Pseudocrenilabrus philander (Weber, 1897), were redescribed using SEM. Parasites were collected from Padda Dam, Gauteng, South Africa and soft tissue was digested to release the sclerotized structures. The digested tissue also provided sufficient genetic material for molecular characterization of this species. Cichlidogyrus philander is characterised by a penis with a sharp, curved, lateral termination, an accessory piece with a hook-like extremity that may appear forked terminally, and lack of a visible vagina. The transverse bars have concave and convex surfaces with ribs on the concave surface. The dorsal bar bears fenestrations at the base of the auricles and the ventral and dorsal gripi are dissimilar. Furthermore, the large first pair of uncinuli shows lateral wings on the left side of the base. On top of this wing, a ball-like structure with a small fenestration is visible. Genetic characters derived from the 28S rDNA, the COI mitochondrial DNA and ITS1 rDNA regions distinguish C. philander from all other Cichlidogyrus sequenced species.

The limiting molar conductance Λ0 and molal ion association constant KA(m) of dilute (10-5 to 10-3 mol·kg-1) aqueous HCl solutions were determined using a flow-through conductance cell at temperatures from 100 to 410 °C and densities from 0.96 to 0.27 g·cm-3. The flow-through cell is designed to measure molar conductances of dilute aqueous electrolytes with a high degree of accuracy at high temperatures and low densities. The resulting Λ0 values are in general agreement with those reported by Noyes (1907), Wright et al. (1961), Pearson et al. (1963), and Lukashov et al. (1975) for densities that range from 0.7 to 0.4 g·cm-3 at comparable conditions. However, when compared to values reported by Frantz and Marshall (1984), the new results are in agreement at densities (ρ) > 0.5 g·cm-3, but from 0.5 to ca. 0.4 g·cm-3, their calculated results are 5−11% higher. Below 0.4 g·cm-3 where the experimental uncertainties are large, the weighted values from the new study are approximately 14−35% lower. Within experim...

The limiting molar conductance (Λ0) and molal ion association constant (KA(m)) of dilute (10-5 to 10-3 mol kg-1) aqueous LiOH, NaOH, and KOH solutions were determined by a flow-through conductance ...

A flow-through electrical conductance cell was assembled in order to measuremolar conductances of dilute aqueous electrolytes with a high degree of accuracyat high temperatures and pressures. The design of the cell is based on the conceptdeveloped at the University of Delaware and built in 1995, with modificationsthat will allow the cell to operate at much higher temperatures (to 600°C) andpressures (to 300 MPa). At present, the cell has been tested successfully bymeasuring aqueous (10−4-10−3 mol-kg−1) solutions of LiCl, NaCl, and KCl attemperatures 25–410°C and pressures 9.8–33 MPa. The results are in goodagreement with reported values, including those measured with the Delawareflow-through cell. These new results are also complementary to our previousresults, which were measured with a static high-pressure cell. Measurements attemperatures near the critical point of water (374°C, 22.1 MPa) require the useof lower solution concentrations that were unachievable in the past with thestatic cell.

The limiting molar conductances (Λ0) and ion association constants of dilute aqueous lithium chloride and lithium hydroxide solutions (

The limiting molar conductances (Λ0) and ion association constants of dilute (

The limiting molar conductances Λ0 and ion association constants of dilute aqueous NaOH solutions (

The electrical conductances of dilute (0.001 to 0.1 mol-kg−1) aqueous sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate (NaCF3SO3) solutions have been measured from 0 to 450°C and pressures to 250 MPa. The limiting molar conductance\(\Lambda _0 \) increases with increasing temperature from 0 to 300°C and decreasing density from 0.8 to 0.3 g-cm−3. Above 300°C,\(\Lambda _0 \) is nearly temperature independent, but increases linearly with decreasing density. The logarithm of the molal association constant of NaCF3SO3 calculated at temperatures from 372 to 450°C is represented as a function of temperature (Kelvin) and density of water (g-cm−3) by $$\log K_m = 0.888 - 330.4/T - (12.83 - 5349/T)\log \rho _w $$

Electrical conductance measurements of dilute (

The adsorption of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) in aqueous solution by two commercial activated carbons and desorption of DNT from these adsorbents by solvent extraction were studied. Both carbons proved to be excellent adsorbents for the removal of DNT from aqueous solution. The solvents tested for extracting the adsorbed DNT were water, acetone, methanol, and mixtures involving these solvents. Acetone and methanol are both effective solvents for the removal of DNT from spent carbons, while acetone is the most effective solvent on removal of chemicals (produced during the adsorption) other than DNT. Analysis of the solvent extracts revealed that in the solution, besides DNT, at least six other chemicals were present. Four of the chemicals were identified as 2,4-dinitrobenzyl alcohol, 2,4-dinitrobenzaldehyde, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4-dinitrobenzoate. The presence of these compounds suggests that after DNT absorption chemical reactions, such as oxidation, occurred.

Cross polarization between dilute effectively isolated {sup 13}C-{sup 31}P spin pairs provides a unique method to examine selectively the microenvironment around the phosphorus atom in organophosphorus substances. Strong oscillations occur during cross polarization between these isolated spin pairs in MAS experiments on microcrystalline powders. The oscillation frequency is proportional to the {sup 13}C-{sup 31}P dipolar interaction and hence allows specific internuclear distance determinations on powder samples. Maximum carbon signal intensity and experimental simplicity are achieved in double cross polarization (DCP)/MAS {sup 13}C NMR experiments that impose a short T{sub 1p} on the {sup 31}P magnetization by {sup 31}P radio frequency phase modulation. This experimental stratagem suppresses cross-polarization oscillations and yields simple exponential kinetics for the transfer process. It also relaxes the tolerance on the match condition and MAS speed for cross polarization between weakly coupled dipole pairs.

A study has been made of misciblllty relatlonshlps in systems containing an aqueous solution of sodium salicylate, n-butylcarbitoi, and various hydrocarbons, lncludlng both n-alkanes and aikylbenzenes. At any fixed concentration of sodium salicylate, the minimum amount of n-butyicarbltoi required to produce mlscibillty at 1:l weight percent hydrocarbon-water mixtures increases nearly linearly wlth the number of alkyl carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon. In ail cases a considerably higher welght fraction of n-butyicarbitoi Is requlred to produce misclbillty In the systems containing the alkanes than in those containing aikyibenrenes with the same alkyl carbon number. When the n-butyicarbltoi is replaced by 1-butanol as the cosolvent, this order Is reversed and the misclbliity relationships are simllar to those observed In the hydrocarbon-1-butanol-aqueous sodium p-cymenesulfonate systems, where a higher weight fraction of cosoivent is usually needed to produce misclbllity with the aikylbenzenes than with the alkanes.

Hydrotropic salts, which can increase the solubility of organic materials in aqueous solutions, are of interest in a variety of industries including those related to tertiary oil recovery. We have examined effects on solubility of hydrocarbons in water (with and without alcohols) by adding inorganic hydrotropic salts such as Perchlorates, thiocyanates, and iodides (high in the usual Hofmeister series), organic salts such as short chain alkyl benzene sulfonates, and other salts based on substituted benzene derivatives. Although the inorganic salts are relatively ineffective in increasing solubility of hydrocarbons in water, many of the organic salts are excellent hydrotropic agents for hydrocarbons. We have examined the phase relationships for several series of aromatic salts such as sulfonates, carboxylates, and hydrocarboxylates as a function of alkyl-carbon substitution in three-component (hydrocarbon, salt, water) and in four-component (hydrocarbon, salt, alcohol, water) systems. We also have examined miscibility relationships for a given hydrotropic salt as the chain length of alkanes and alkyl benzenes is varied systematically. While miscibilities decrease with increase in chain length of the hydrocarbon, the hydrotropic properties in these systems increase rapidly with the number of alkyl carbons on the benzene ring of the salts, and they arc relatively insensitive to the type of charged group (sulfonate vs. carboxylate) attached to the benzene ring. However, there are significant increases in hydrotropy as one goes from equally substituted sulfonates or carboxylates to salicylates. A number of salts have been identified that have much greater hydrotropic properties for hydrocarbons than well-known hydrotropic materials such as toluene and xylene sulfonates.

An adsorbent based on “filling” the macropores of activated carbon with tin oxide was prepared and characterized. This material, as well as hydrous tin oxide, has an unsually high selectivity for lithium permitting its separation from the other alkali metals. This selectivity is not shown by a number of other hydrous oxides, such as those of Al(III), Fe(III), Zr(IV), and Nb(V).

Sodium p-n-dodecylbenzenesulfonate solutions have been studied by means of small angle neutron scattering measurements at 65°C as a function of the surfactant concentration, as a function of the contrast of the solvent, and as a function of the concentration of added electrolyte. In addition micelles of the isomeric branched chain surfactant sodium p-1-(pentylheptyl)benzenesulfonate have been studied at the same temperature as a function of the contrast of the solvent and as a function of the concentration of added electrolyte to compare the structure and the micellar growth of the two surfactants. Good fits to the experimental results have been obtained by calculating the structure factor by means of the mean spherical approximation using a screened coulombic potential plus hard-core repulsions. Several different models have been used to calculate the particle form factor. For some of the models, the measured geometry and the charge of the aggregates are, within the experimental uncertainties, independent of the contrast between the micelles and the solvent. The thickness of the shell which surrounds the hydrocarbon core implies a rough micellar surface for both surfactants; thus we propose that the planar phenyl group functions as a sort of supplementary head group, leading to a thicker polar shell.

Results of isopiestic measurements at 25/sup 0/C for aqueous solutions of sodium p-toluenesulfonate, sodium 2,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonate, sodium 2-methyl-5-isopropylbenzenesulfonate (sodium p-cymenesulfonate), and sodium 2,5-diisopropylbenzenesulfonate are reported. Values of the osmotic coefficients decline more rapidly with increasing molality for compounds of higher alkyl substitution. Activity coefficients were computed from least-squares fits to the water activities.