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Soil improvement techniques have become a major solution to soil related problems. Thus, this paper aims to determine the flexural strengths and flexural load bearing capacity of bamboo grids-reinforced soil beam using standard methods and experiments at 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and, 28 days curing ages. The findings of this study showed that the mean flexural strength of uniaxial bamboo grid reinforced soil beam gave 3.50 N/mm² while flexural strength of biaxial bamboo grid reinforced soil beam gave 3.86 N/mm². The result indicates that biaxial bamboo reinforced soil beam has the tendency to maximize the flexural load bearing capacity of soil beams when compared with the use of uniaxial bamboo grid orientation technique. This paper, therefore, recommends that flexural strength and flexural load bearing capacity of inorganic clays of low to medium plasticity should be improved using biaxial grid type of bamboo grid orientation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to presents potential implications of flooding on changes in channel width and braiding patterns within the nine study reaches upstream of the Shiroro Reservoir of River Kaduna, Kaduna Nigeria using standard methods for data acquisition and analysis. Preliminary findings reveal substantial alterations in channel morphology, characterized by an increase in channel width and a shift towards braided patterns in some of the study segments of River Kaduna. These changes are attributed to factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and land use changes within the river's catchment area resulting sediment released into the river. The hydrological consequences of these alterations, including increased flood risk in the upstream regions, sediment transport dynamics, and their implications for the functionality of the Shiroro Reservoir as a flood control mechanism has been pointed out. The outcomes of this study not only contribute to a better understanding of the evolving hydrogeomorphological dynamics of the Kaduna River but also provide valuable insights for sustainable river management practices and flood risk mitigation in the region. As Nigeria grapples with increasing challenges related to climate change and population growth, the findings presented in this paper hold significant relevance for policymakers, water resource managers, and communities living in flood-prone areas along River Kaduna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been frequently implicated in healthcare-associated infections. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the prevalence and antibiogram of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage among apparently healthy University staff and students in Kaduna, Nigeria. A total of 250 nasal swab samples were collected alongside demographic data. Gram staining and biochemical tests were carried out to identify the Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin-resistance was determined phenotypically using cefoxitin disc. Antibiotics susceptibility testing of the MRSA isolates was carried out using agar diffusion method and the multidrug resistance determined. Out of the 250 nasal samples collected, 41 (16.4%) were confirmed to be S. aureus, out of which 25(61.0%) were methicillin resistant. Students from Faculties of Science and Medicine harboured higher percentages of MRSA (69.2% and 60.0%, respectively) in their nasal cavity. Gentamicin (84%) and ciprofloxacin (72%) were the most active antibacterial agents against the MRSA isolates. High level of resistance was recorded amongst the MRSA isolates to amoxicillin (80.0%), cotrimoxazole (52.0%), erythromycin (32.0%) and streptomycin (32.0%).Multidrug resistance was recorded in 48% of the MRSA isolates. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of MRSA (61.0%) among Staff and students of Kaduna State University. Irrational use of antibiotics especially in the community and without prescription might be responsible for this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug Disintegration time refers to the period within which a mechanical break-up of compressed tablet dissolve upon exposure to physiological fluids within a short period of time into tiny granules upon ingestion, while drug dissolution rate becomes a key tool in understanding the importance for its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Hence, the objective of this paper was to assess the impact of seven different solvents, which includes five non-alcoholic beverages (Exotic juice, soft drink, coffee, milk, and milo), one alcoholic beverage (beer), one dilute acid (0.1 M HCl) and a control distilled water (dil. H2O) on the disintegration time and dissolution rate of metronidazole tablets. The distilled water was used as control. The results obtained show that the mean disintegration times were 2.28 ± 0.04 (0.1 N HCl), 4.21 ± 0.12 (beer), 3.24 ± 0.05 (coffee), 3.23 ± 0.07 (distilled water), 5.21 ± 0.09 (Exotic juice), 3.17 ± 0.06 (Fanta), and 16.16 ± 0.11 (milk). The mean dissolution rates on the other hand were 98.87 ± 0.12, 78.09 ± 0.09, 84.27 ± 0.11, 86.52 ± 0.40, 67.98 ± 0.09, 92.70 ± 0.50, and 44.94 ± 0.22 respectively. Metronidazole tablets disintegrated and dissolved more in 0.1 N HCL than in other mediums and less in milk. From this study, although the disintegration time and dissolution rate of metronidazole were not greatly affected by the different beverages except for Exotic juice, and the mixture of milk and Milo, care should be taken when replacing water with any beverage in ingesting tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the microbial load and physicochemical characteristics of soils in electronic waste dumpsites of Oluku and Osasogie in Benin, Edo State and Alaba in Lagos State Nigeria using appropriate standard procedures. Data obtained show that the total bacterial count was not significantly different across the sites, the mean bacterial counts on Nutrient agar (NA) ranges between 9.00±2.646 cfu/g and 5.33±1.202 cfu/g, the former is for Oluku while the latter is for Osasogie respectively and are not significantly different across the four locations while the fungal counts showed a significant difference. The highest fungal count recorded in the control site (10.67±1.764 cfu/g) and the lowest count (3.33 ±0.882 cfu/g) was recorded at Alaba. Bacterial and fungal species isolated includes, Bacillus sp., Clostridium sp., Pseudomonas sp., Yersinia sp., Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella sp., Providencia sp, Aspergillus sp., Geotrichum sp., Rhizopus sp., and Penicillium sp. respectively, Most of these isolated organisms are those microorganisms known to possess the capacity to biodegrade e-waste. The mean available phosphorous (19.04±0.147) and total nitrogen (6.263±0.049) shows a significant difference in the control soil compared to the three e-waste soil samples. These significant difference in available phosphorus and nitrogen between the control and the three e-waste soil samples shows that, e-waste negatively affects soil fertility, as phosphorous and nitrogen are the major elements that determine soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural production has clearly gained acceptance, as a crucial approach to meeting the food consumption needs of Nigeria's growing population as well as an important requirement for achieving food security. Hence, the objective of this paper is to quantify the effect of change in rainfall dynamics on agricultural output in Nigeria employing a Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium model and using data from the 2019 Social Accounting Matrix. The results revealed that rainfall shocks had an adverse effect on the four components of agricultural output considered such as crops, livestock, fishery and forestry in the short and long term. It also had a negative effect on aggregate agricultural output compared to the baseline scenario. Therefore, public policy towards investing heavily in rain harvesters cannot be overemphasized. There is the need for policy efforts towards targeted interventions that provide an enabling environment and the necessary infrastructures for private investments in agriculture, address climatic risks and build resilience among farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimum plant population, natural resources, such as nutrients, sunlight, soil moisture and efficient fertilization are some of the primary factors that ensure satisfactory growth and yield. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of plant spacing and fertilizer application on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annum) in experimental farm at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. Three levels of spacing (S1=30cm x 50cm, S2=40cm x 50cm and S3 =50cm x 50cm) and four different levels of fertilizer application (F0 = control, F1 = 20 t ha-1 poultry manure, F2 = 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and F3 = 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 10 t ha-1 were adopted. The parameters measured were plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, fresh fruit weight per plant, fresh fruit weight per plot, fruit diameter, fruit length, and number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield. The results showed that S3F1, (50cm x 50cm spacing + 20 t ha-1 poultry manure) had the highest plant height and stem diameter and S2F3, (40cm x 50cm spacing + 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and 10 t ha-1) had the highest fruit yield (1731.60 kg ha-1). The lowest yield (994.49 kg ha-1) was obtained at S1F0, (40cm x 50cm spacing + control). Therefore, farmers in this locality could grow bell pepper (Capsicum annum) at S2F3 for increased fruit yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of toxic metals in atmospheric particulate matter is of high risk to human health. Hence, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the distribution, concentrations, potential sources and human health risk assessment of trace metals in atmospheric particulate matter in Ogbia communities of Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Samples of atmospheric particulate matter were digested using a mixture of acids, and quantification of trace metals was achieved using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Model: Buck 230 ATS). The concentration (µg m-3) of trace metals in atmospheric particulate matter ranged as follows: Pb (<0.010 - 0.060), Cd (<0.010 - 0.880), Ni (<0.010 - 0.028), Cu (<0.010 - 0.046), Zn (<0.010 - 0.028), and Co (<0.010 - 0.021). Except nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd), other metal concentrations were below the US EPA limits. Principal component analysis indicated a common source of the studied metals and two major factors (gas flaring and uncontrollable fossil fuel combustion) were identified; while non-carcinogenic risk due to inhalation indicated negligible health risk. Therefore, hazardous effects due to inhalation of trace metals in atmospheric particulate matter in the study area is minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to assess the effects of wonderful kola (Buchholzia coriacea) on biochemical markers such as liver and kidney in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats using appropriate standard techniques. The result showed that Buchholzia coriacea seed extract caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in the levels of glucose. The liver function test revealed notable changes in the negative control group compared to the control group, including elevated levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and T.P (*p<0.05). Treatment with Metformin and the high dose of Wonderful Kola exhibited significant improvements in AST, ALT, and ALP levels compared to the negative control (#p<0.05), suggesting potential hepatoprotective effects. The kidney function test, revealed notable difference In comparison to the control group, the negative control group showed significantly (p<0.05) elevated levels of Urea, Creatinine, K, Na, Cl, T.B, and C.B. Treatment with Metformin demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) decrease in Urea and Creatinine levels compared to the negative control. The low and high doses of Wonderful Kola resulted in significant (p<0.05) reductions in Urea, Creatinine, and T.B levels, with the high dose also significantly decreasing Na and Cl levels compared to the negative control. The methanoic extract of Buchholzia coriacea seed possess hypoglycemic properties and may therefore be beneficial in the management of diabetes mellitus at the above dosage and treatment period. Buchholzia coriacea especially at high doses exhibited protective effects on the liver and kidney biochemical markers in alloxan induced diabetic rats, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All through human existence, the ability to cultivate crops to better human life has been affected by the nature of the soil; different crops strive in different regions. The relationship between humans, the earth and food production affirms soil as the foundation of crop production. Hence, the objective of this paper as to the effects of farming conditions on the nutritional contents of Manihot esculenta planted in four regions of Niger Delta, Nigeria. Using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained revealed that the moisture contents varied in the order; herbicide > oil-spilled > inorganic fertilizer > normal. The amount of water-soluble vitamins varied in the order; normal > oil spilled > inorganic fertilizer > herbicide. The amount of crude lipids varied in the order; herbicide > normal > inorganic fertilizer > oil-spilled. The amount of hydrogen cyanide varied in the order; inorganic fertilizer > herbicide > oil-spilled > normal. The amount of carbohydrate varied in the order; inorganic fertilizer > oil-spilled > normal > herbicide. The amount of crude protein and fiber varied in the order; herbicide > normal > inorganic fertilizer > oilspilled. Root tubers from the normal practice was most abundant in ash contents, while that from the use of herbicide was the least. These results indicated that the normal practice showed commended amount of moisture content, water soluble vitamins and ash content; the herbicide induced land produced cassava tuber with the highest amount of crude lipids, crude fibre and crude proteins; that with the use of inorganic fertilizer produced the highest amount of hydrogen cyanide. All practices were adoptive for carbohydrate formation, except the herbicide induced soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]