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Purpose: To study the release behaviour of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablet matrices prepared with different polymers in dissolution media of different pH. Methods: Different formulations of slow-release matrix tablets of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride were prepared with polymers, namely, ethyl cellulose (Etc), hydroxyethyl cellulose (Hec), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Hpc), and Eudragit® L-100 (Eud) using matrix embedding technique. The matrix tablets were characterized and studies of their dissolution profiles were studied in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) and in simulated intestinal fluid (excluding enzymes) of pH 4.0, 6.0, and 7.4. Results: The tablets had the following characteristics: weight, 659.25 ± 7.96 to 661.65 ± 6.53 mg; hardness, 7.05 ± 0.21 to 9.60 ± 0.40 kgf; friability, 0.212 to 0.292 %; and drug content, 91.47 ± 0.53 to 112.50 ± 4.14 %. In batches prepared with ethyl cellulose, Eudragit L-100, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, drug release increased with a decrease in pH. However, matrix tablets prepared with hydroxyethyl cellulose displayed the highest drug release at pH 4.0 with Cmax of 108.75 % and T50% of 30.86 min; thereafter, drug release decreased with increase in pH. The pattern of drug release was Hec > Hpc > Eud > Etc in most media with more drug release in acidic than at alkaline pH. Conclusion: Release of ciprofloxacin from the formulated matrix tablets was pH-sensitive in vitro. This should be taken into consideration in designing sustained release oral form of ciprofloxacin.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a form of parasitic infection transmitted to human beings by the bites of female sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus in African countries, including Nigeria. This study was carried out in Ekemkpon community of Cross River State in Southern Nigeria, as a survey for the presence of leishmanial antibodies in the area. Four millilitres of blood specimens were collected, by venepuncture, from 178 consenting residents of the study community. One millilitre of cellfree serum from each blood specimen was placed in a plain test tube, to which 2 drops of concentrated formalin (40%) were added. The preparation was allowed to stand on the bench for 20 minutes. A positive Formol Gel test was indicated by the whitening and gelling of the serum like the white of an egg within 5 minutes, Chi-Square technique was used for testing the statistical significance of all parameters during analysis. Atotal of 178 residents, comprising 95 males and 83 females, were enlisted in the study after obtaining their oral consent. Positive formol gel results were detected in 24 subjects. This finding gave an overall prevalence of 13.5% (24:178) for visceral leishmaniasis in the study area. Among the residents of the study area, there were no skin manifestations suggestive of cutaneous forms of leishmaniasis. Among those who were positive for the formol gel test, there were no overt signs of classical illness. Therefore, visceral leishmaniasis exists as an asymptomatic infection in this community. It is recommended that more sensitive tests, especially molecular techniques, be carried out for a definitive diagnosis to establish the presence or absence of visceral leishmaniasis in this community.&nbsp

In order to survive and thrive in their pathways out of poverty, rural households may engage in a livelihood strategy such as daily dependent on forest products resources that could have an implication on the environment. This study focused on a case study of rural households’ daily dependent on forest products, their pathways out of poverty and its implication on the environment in the Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria using a total of 200 questionnaires distributed in four wards of the study area. Data obtained show that the most exploited tree was Parkia biglobosa (64%) and this was due to its abundance in the study are. The study revealed gross unsustainable use of forest and forest products due to poverty, unemployment (34%), illiteracy (76.5%), house hold size (3.5-61.5%), poor income and high demand for forest and forest products for sale to increase income and improve family standard of living. Poor management of this challenge would create problems for the future generations and the goal of environmental sustainability would be far from reality. Government should set up strong regulatory frame work for the use of the forest resources, while checking indiscriminate felling of trees.

Introduction: Endometriosis is the existence of endometrial tissue outside the endometrial cavity. It has high prevalence in women living in developed countries but is believed to be rare among indigenous African women.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of endometriosis in an indigenous African women population. Methods: Gynaecological specimens received and diagnosed as endometriosis in a teaching hospital’s Histopathology laboratory over a 5-year period was retrospectively reviewed. Data obtained were analysed by simple statistical methods. Results: There were 25 diagnosed cases of endometriosis representing 0.9% of gynaecological specimens received in the period. Patients’ average age is 38.4±8.4 years; peak age was 31- 40 years (n=10; 40%). Myometrium is the most common site (n=16; 64%), other sites include umbilicus and round ligament etc. Pelvic pain, 36% and irregular uterine bleeding, 28% are most common symptoms. There was primary and secondary infertility in 20% and 16% of cases respectively. The umbilical and suprapubic masses had symptoms that synchronised with the patient’s menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Endometriosis has low prevalence in our population. Women presenting with chronic pelvic pain, infertility and menstrual disorders should be evaluated for endometriosis. Population-based study is required to further characterize the condition in our population. Keywords: Endometriosis; indigenous African women; endometrial tissue; chronic pelvic pain; infertility; abnormal uterine bleeding.

Ce travail passe en revue les résultats des travaux de recherches sur l’amélioration génétique des zébus locaux (Goudali, White et Red Fulani) par voie de sélection et de croisement avec les races exotiques (Holstein, Montbéliarde, Brahman américain, Jersiais, Tarentaise, Limousine et Charolaise). Ces travaux ont été conduits depuis 1952 dans les Centres de Recherches Zootechniques de Wakwa et Bambui par l’Institut de Recherches Zootechniques (IRZ, aujourd’hui connue sous le nom de l’Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Développement) du Cameroun, en système d’élevage semi-intensif dans les zones des hautes savanes guinéennes et des hauts plateaux de l’Ouest Cameroun. Les données proviennent des rapports d’activité et de consultations, des publications scientifiques et des entrevues. L’objectif est de ressortir les résultats saillants utiles pour les décideurs politiques, les chercheurs et les éleveurs. Les principaux résultats montrent que le potentiel laitier des croisés est généralement supérieur (>4 litres) à celui des races locales (>3,5 litres). Les génotypes ayant moins de 75% de sang exotique sont les plus performants en lait et viande. Les causes de mortalité par ordre d’importance sont nutritionnelles (36,8%), accidentelles (29,6%), pathologiques (21,1%), parasitaires (7,7%) et reproductives (4,8%). Par rapport aux autres produits de croisement, les croisés Holsteins ont été plus lourds à la naissance (34,75 kg) avec une vitesse de croissance plus élevée (0,46 kg), une production laitière plus élevée (5,47 ± 0,17 litres), plus précoces (40,87 mois) et moins susceptibles au stress Nuenvironnemental. Pour la filière bovin-à-viande, les performances de viande de la race synthétique Wakwa sont légèrement supérieures à celles des zébus Goudali sélectionnés dans le cheptel local. Cependant, le taux de susceptibilité à la dermatophilose est estimé à 71,0%, 34,4% et 5,0% chez le pur, ½ et ¼ sang Brahman, respectivement. La sélection massale du zébu Goudali (variété Ngaoundéré) et la race synthétique Wakwa a permis d’obtenir des progrès génétiques significatifs, soient, respectivement, 8,60 kg et 20,40 kg. Cependant, les corrélations génétiques négatives entre les effets directs et maternels montrent que le progrès génétique serait davantage plus important si la sélection était concentrée sur les performances directes et maternelles. Les expériences d’insémination artificielle menées à la SODEPA et à « Tadu Dairy Cooperative Society»montrent que l’industrie laitière est une entreprise rentable avec un rapport bénéfice-coût de 4,21. This work reviews the results of research on the genetic improvement of local zebus (Gudali, White and Red Fulani) through selection and crossbreeding with exotic cattle breeds (Holstein, Montbeliard, American Brahman, Jersey, Tarentaise, Limousine and Charolais). This work was started since 1952 by Institute of Animal Research (IRZ, now known as the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development) at the Wakwa and Bambui Research Centers, under semi-intensive management conditions in the high Guinea savannah areas of the Adamawa Plateau and the highlands of West Cameroon. Data were obtained from activity and consultation reports, scientific publications and interviews. The objective is to highlight salient findings that are useful for policy makers, researchers and livestock producers. The main results show that the milk potential of crosses is generally higher (>4 liters) than that of local breeds (>3.5 liters). Genotypes with less than 75% exotic blood had the best milk and meat production performance. The reported causes of mortality in order of importance are nutritional (36.8%), accidental (29.6%), pathological (21.1%), parasitic (7.7%) and reproductive (4.8%). Compared to the others crosses, Holstein crosses were found to be relatively heavier at birth (34.75 kg) with a higher growth rate (0.46 kg), higher daily milk production (5.47 ± 0.17 liters), earlier maturing (40.87 months), but more adapted to the breeding conditions and less susceptible to environmental stress. For the beef industry, the meat performance of the synthetic Wakwa breed is slightly better than that of the Gudali zebus selected from the local herd. However, the susceptibility rate to dermatophilosis was estimated at 71.0%, 34.4% and 5.0% in pure, ½ and ¼ blood Brahman, respectively. Individual selection of the Gudali zebu (Ngaoundéré subtype) and the synthetic Wakwa breed has resulted in significant genetic progress, 8.60 kg and 20.40 kg, respectively. However, the negative genetic correlations between direct and maternal effects showed that genetic progress would be more important if selection was concentrated on direct and maternal performance. Artificial insemination experiments conducted at SODEPA and Tadu Dairy Cooperative Society showed that the dairy industry is a profitable enterprise with a benefit-cost ratio of 4.21.

The effects of solid state fermentation on some physical characteristics, proximate and amino acid profile of post-harvest cowpea (Virgna unguiculata (L) Walp) leaves were investigated. Pulverized samples of the post-harvest materials were incubated at 260C for 96 hours, followed by urea and trichloroacetic acid treatments. Triplicate samples of fermented and unfermented materials were subjected to standard procedures to determine variations in weight, pH, proximate and amino acids profile. There was a reduction in weight, which was significant (p

Recently, there has been so much attention on adolescent health issues such as adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and Human Immune Virus infections but adolescent pregnancy and nutrition have aroused very little interest. This cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional status of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon. Three referral hospitals were selected at random for the recruitment of subjects in Yaoundé. Body Mass Index (BMI), hemoglobin level, a 24-hour recall, food frequency and socio–demographic data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Hemoglobin level and BMI were used as dependent variables to evaluate nutritional status. The data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 (ANOVA and student (t) test) with p

Genetic modification (GM), a process whereby gene and genotype frequencies are changed among individuals of each generation, is driven by natural and artificial forces. Natural forces include mutation, fitness and migration/introgression, while artificial forces include selection, crossbreeding and transgenesis/genetic engineering. Genetic modification, driven by natural forces, is essentially adaptive, while modification driven by artificial forces is controlled by human intervention aimed at meeting food, health and other needs. Conventional genetic modification, under sexual reproduction within species, produces both beneficial and negative effects. Modern genetic modification – interspecific exchange of genes using genetic engineering – has beneficial and negative effects as well, which are at varying degrees depending on the species involved. Control/management systems/mechanisms are developed and applied to enable societal benefits while minimizing/preventing negative effects of conventional and modern genetic modification. Targeted analysis of selected nutrients in animal products is made on a case-by-case basis to test substantial equivalence of any compositional changes resulting from genetic modification. Unique identifiers are established to track GM animals and their products in the food chain. Modification génétique, processus par lequel les fréquences des gènes et des génotypes sont changes parmi les individus de chaque génération, est entraînée par des forces naturelles et artificielles. Les forces naturelles incluent la mutation, compétence de mère/père pour se reproduire/survivre et la migration / introgression. Les forces artificielles comprennent la sélection, le croisement et la transgénèse / génie génétique. La modification génétique entraînée par les forces naturelles est essentiellement adaptative, tandis que celle entraînée par les forces artificielles est contrôlée par une intervention humaine visant à répondre aux besoins alimentaires, sanitaires et autres. La modification génétique conventionnelle, lors de la reproduction sexuelle au sein des espèces, produit des effets à la fois bénéfiques et négatifs. Modification génétique moderne - échange interspécifique de gènes par génie génétique - a également des effets bénéfiques et négatifs mais à des degrés divers selon les espèces impliquées. Des systèmes / mécanismes de contrôle / gestion sont développés et appliqués pour permettre des avantages pour la société tout en minimisant / empêchant les effets négatifs des modifications génétiques conventionnelles et modernes. Une analyse ciblée de nutriments sélectionnés dans les produits d’origine animale est effectuée au cas par cas afin de tester l’équivalence substantielle de tout changement de composition résultant d’une modification génétique. Des identifiants uniques sont établis pour suivre les animaux GM et leurs produits dans la chaîne alimentaire.

In this paper, we applied the Galerkin Finite Element Method to solve a damped, externally forced, second order ordinary differential equation with cubic nonlinearity known as the Duffing Equation. The Galerkin method uses the functional minimization technique which sets the equation in systems of algebraic equations to be solved. Various simulation on the effect of change on some parametric values of the Duffing equation are shown. Keywords: Galerkin Finite Element Method, stiffness matrix, Duffing Equation, shape functions, basis functions, weight functions.

This study was carried out to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in water and crowned bullfrog ( Hoplobatrachus occipitalis ) organs/parts (muscle, liver, leg, lung and trunk) from Kadawa irrigation project, Kano State, Nigeria. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) Buck Scientific VGP-210 model (2008). The mean concentration of heavy metals in water samples were 0.11 mg/L, 0.18 mg/L, 0.26 mg/L, and 3.65 mg/L for Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn respectively. The sequence of metal accumulation in all the organs was Zn > Pb > Mn > Cu. The highest concentration of Zn (77.38 mg/kg), Pb (1.81 mg/kg) and Mn (0.68 mg/kg) were found in the lung while Cu (0.07 mg/kg) was deposited more in the liver. Cadmium was not detected in all the samples analysed. Zinc and lead were the most accumulated metals in all the organs/parts with the range of 77.38 mg/kg - 18.10 mg/kg and 1.81 mg/kg - 0.13 mg/kg respectively. The highest accumulation of metals was found in the lung and liver. The organ/parts accumulation pattern was: lung > liver > trunk > muscle > leg for Zn, Pb and Mn, while liver > lung > trunk > muscle > leg was for Cu. Lung and liver have the highest bioaccumulation of heavy metals while the leg and muscle bioaccumulated the least heavy metals. Hence the water, liver and lung of H. occipitallis are unsafe for consumption, and therefore posed a threat to public health. Farmers should be trained on proper usage of agrochemical. Keywords : Heavy Metals, Crowned Bullfrog, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis , Kadawa, Bioaccumulation

Background: Poor knowledge can influence timely care-seeking among persons with Buruli ulcer disease (BUD). Objectives: To assess community knowledge, attitude and stigma towards persons with BUD in endemic settings of Southern Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among adult community members in four States of Southern Nigeria. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to all participants. Results: Of 491 adults who completed the survey, 315 (64.2%) belonged to the ≤40 years age group, 257 (52.3%) were males and 415 (84.5%) had some formal education. The overall mean (SD) knowledge score was 5.5±2.3 (maximum 10). Only 172 (35.0%) of the participants had a good knowledge of BUD. A total of 327 (66.6%) considered BUD as a very serious illness. Also, there was a high-level of stigma against BUD patients; 372 (75.8%) of the participants felt compassion for and desire to help them, 77 (15.7%) felt compassion but tended to stay away from them, and 53 (10.8%) feared them because they may infect them with the disease. Having a formal education and ethnicity were independent predictors of good knowledge of BUD. Conclusion: There is poor community knowledge of BUD in endemic settings of Southern Nigeria which influenced the attitude and perceptions of community members towards persons with BUD Keywords: Mycobacterium ulcerans disease, knowledge, perceptions, practices.

Writing is an indispensable means of passing information across. It is an undisputed fact that man differs from the lower animals basically because man reasons and needs information to survive. The imaginative literature, in addition to the information about a society it passes across, has many other vital roles it plays such as helping man to understand himself, helping to ease tension among others. However, in Nigeria, this all-important means of communication seems not to be given the attention it so deserves. Nigeria writers, especially the young ones face a lot of challenges hence the need for this research which aims to chronicle the plights of the average Nigeria writers and then proffer the way forward. Keywords: Nigerian writer, literature, society, European, publishing, communication, story

The effects of Rhizobium leguminosarum inoculation on the growth and yield of Mucuna flagellipie s (Vogel ex Hook) was conducted for two years (2008 and 2009) in the Greenhouse, Department of Agronomy, Obubra, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State. Treatments were three Rhizobium strains (CB188, CB756, IAC636 inoculants and no Rhizobium (control), inoculated on Mucuna flagellipies seedlings planted in the polyethelene bags (50x30cm) arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with eight replications. The results showed that all cases of inoculation with Rhizobium strains significantly (p

Purpose: To characterize some preformulation properties of aqueous stem bark extract of Bridelia ferruginea Benth (Euphorbiaceae) (BF). Methods: The stem bark was extracted by maceration in hot distilled water. Two batches of granules containing the extract were prepared by wet granulation using maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Avicel ® PH-101, magnesium stearate, acacia and lactose as excipients. Some physicochemical and micromeritic properties of the powdered extract and granules were determined following standard procedures. Results: The pH of the aqueous BF extract was 5.4 ± 0.1 while the moisture content of the dry extract was 12.0 %. Total ash value of the extract was 7.91 ± 0.03. Particle size increased after granulation from 228 to 531 µm in the order: granules 1 > granules 2 > powder. The bulk and tapped densities decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 0.40 ± 0.04 to 0.77 ± 0.09 and 0.49 ± 0.05 to 0.85 ± 0.09 g/ml, respectively in the order: granules 2 < granules 1 < powder. Similarly, the angle of repose increased after granulation from 24.0 ± 0.5 to 25.4 ± 0.9 o in the order: granules 2 < granules 1 < powder (p < 0.05). The flow rate and compressibility of the granules (2.45 ± 0.08 g/min and 0.17, respectively) improved significantly (p < 0.05) over those of the powdered BF extract (2.34 ± 0.05 g/min and 0.26, respectively). Conclusion: The results of this preformulation study indicates that the powdered extract of Bridelia ferruginea possesses properties that make it suitable for its formulation into standard solid dosage forms.

This study was undertaken to determine the best nursery medium for raising seedlings of pepper in a tropical rainforest location of Owerri, south eastern Nigeria. The experiment was carried out in the teaching and research farm of the department of Agricultural Science, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. The design used was completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. A total of six different soil mixtures (treatment) were used in the study. Treatments comprised soil nursery mixtures in the ratio of 0:3:3, 1:2:3, 1:3:2, 2:3:1, 3:2:1 and 2:1:1 for poultry manure: top soil: river sand. Data was collected on percentage seedling emergence, plant height, leaf area per plant, dry matter weight per plant at 42DAP.Analysis of variance test was conducted on all data collected. Significant treatment means were separated by means of F-LSD. Results showed that treatment 3:2:1 significantly (p-0.05) produced highest values in all the parameters studied and is therefore recommended for raising pepper in this tropical rain forest location of Owerri, south eastern Nigeria.

The study was to investigate the effect of soya bean on the absorption of pefloxacin when given by oral route in rats. The first group of animals feeding on standard pellet feeds was given pefloxacin (8 mg/kg, p.o), while the second and third groups were also given the drug at the same dosage level but were fed with 50 % and 100 % soya bean respectively. Plasma samples were collected at different time intervals following drug administration. The concentrations of pefloxacin in plasma were determined using spectrophotometric method. Feeds with 50 % and 100 % soya bean respectively, gave significant increase (P Keywords: Soya bean, Glycine max, Pefloxacin absorption, Bioavailability, Rats

The effects of varying levels of applied fertilizer and nutrient contribution of soybean on soil nutrient nitrogen and potassium (N and K) balance in a cassava/soybean intercrop system was studied at Nsukka in a derived Savannah location of South Eastern Nigeria. Two varieties of cassava and six varieties of soybean of three maturity groups were grown as sole and intercrop with four rates of N and K fertilizer. Four input and four output processes were used to quantify the partial nutrient balance of the system. The results showed that sole cassava had negative N and K balances at N0K0 and N45K0 fertilizer rates and positive balance at only N45K50 fertilizer rate. Application of N0K50 fertilizer rate gave the highest positive N and K balances. Intercropping cassava (NR 8230) with medium maturing variety of soybean, (TGX 1894-3E) gave the highest N and K balances (+44.06 Kg N ha-1 and +72.70Kg K ha-1 respectively). Soil-N and Soil-K reserve were highest at TGX 1894-3E by N0K50, Addition of soybean residue into the intercropping system improved soil nutrient status and resulted in positive nutrient balance. Cropping cassava without soybean residue management and starter nitrogen (N0K0) led to negative nutrient balance (-27 Kg N ha-1).

The in vitro permeability of valsartan through excised rat skin was investigated using Franz-type diffusion cells. The permeation was assessed by studying the effect of water, polysorbate-80 and eucalyptus oil on the permeability flux of valsartan through excised rat skin. The slope of linear portion of the graph obtained by plotting the cumulative amount of valsartan permeated per unit skin surface area as a function of time provided the permeability flux. Of the vehicles studied, only 6.0 % w/v polysorbate-80 solution provided most permeation of valsartan through the rat skin as evidenced by the highest permeability coefficient of valsartan. Keywords: Valsartan, Anti-hypertensive, In-vitro permeability study

The effect of ethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, polysorbate-80 and sodium lauryl sulfate on the aqueous solubility of sparfloxacin was studied. It was found that all these substances increase the aqueous solubility of the drug. Of the solubilizing agents used, sodium lauryl sulfate was observed to be the most effective. The increase was in the following order: sodium lauryl sulfate > polysorbate-80 > propylene glycol > glycerol.

The ethanol extracts of leaves, root bark and stem bark of Clausena anisata were tested for their ability to control convulsion induced by pentylenetetrazole in mice. Test animals were given sublethal but convulsive doses of pentylenetetrazole subcutaneously. The extracts tested were administered intraperitoneally in varying doses 2 h before pentylenetetrazole was administered. Of the three extracts, two (leaves and stem bark) were found to be ineffective in protecting the animals, but showed some sedative properties. The third (root bark) exhibited partial protection at a dose level of 800 mg/kg of mice. Keywords: Clausena anisata , Anticonvulsant activity, Ethanolic extracts of leaves, root bark, stem bark.

Potentials of plant derived pesticides ( Monodora myristica Gaertn) Dunal and Aframomum melegueta (Rosch) each at 3 concentrations of 5, 10 and 15g were evaluated in the laboratory against the stored pest of maize Sitophilus zeamais. The Aframomum treatments, which achieved adult mortality of 64%, 63% and 45% in week 1 at the three dosage levels of 15, 10 and 5g per 150g maize in that order was not as potent as Monodora powder in the control of S. zeamais. It was however, obvious that pirimiphos methyl and the two doses of Monodora proved very efficacious in the control of the weevil with 100%, 83% and 72% mortality respectively. Pirimiphos methyl offered complete inhibition of post-embryonic development, followed by Monodora treatments, which also remarkably halted progeny emergence. Aframomum treatments were less effective though significantly better than the control. Grains treated with pirimiphos methyl and Monodora were better protected against damage than Aframomum treatments. No weight loss was recorded in Pirimiphos methyl treated grains, and only marginal losses were observed in Monodora treatments as a result of insect activities compared to the increased weight loss in Aframomum treatments, which were nevertheless significantly heavier than the control grains. The test botanicals did not exert adverse effects on seed quality, taste and viability after storage. Keywords: Toxicity, biopesticides, S. zeamais , stored maize

A total of 28 plant species visited by the honeybee Apis mellifera adansonii Latrielle were observed and collected from September 2006-January 2008 in Zaria, Nigeria using secateur and plant presses to cut and preserve the specimens. A digital camera was used to photograph the honeybees on plants. The plants were categorized into 15 Families with Leguminosae having 5(18%) of the Families being the largest followed by the Family Asteraceae 4(14%). About 57.1% were annuals while 42.9% were perennials. The discussion is focused on the identification of indigenous plants that produce nectar and pollen with good honey potentials in parts of northern Nigeria. It is recommended that wild plants with good honey production potentials be identified and cultivated to supplement available food sources for increased honey production. Keywords: natural food, nectar, pollen, african honeybee, Apis mellifera adansonii

Terrestrial insects belonging to 8 species groups were collected from 5 sites in A.B.U. main campus and analysed for nutritional constituents using standard biochemical methods. The highest level of crude protein was found in Catarrtopsilus taeniolatus (40.57%) and the lowest in Microtermes sp (24.85%). Crude protein and lipid contents varied significantly (P 0.05) and decreased in the order nymph> winged adult> de-winged adult. Carbohydrate (LSD(0.05) =1.09) and crude fibre (LSD(0.05) = 0.79) also varied significantly between the groups. The ash content ofMicrotermes sp was about 4 times higher than the level in any other species group. The significance of these nutrients and their role as suitable substitutes and supplements in human and livestock diets are discussed. Keywords: Terrestrial insects, nutrients composition, Samaru, Nigeria

This work evaluated the effects of alley cropping with Gliricidia septum and NPK fertilizer application on soil productivity using A maranthus cruntu s L. as indicator crop in Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria. The treatments were, no application of NPK fertilizer, alley crop and NPK fertilizer and alley crop (control), application of alley prunings and NPK fertilizer (Alley crop + NPK fertilizer), NPK fertilizer alone (NPK fertilizer) and alley prunings (alley crop). The result of the study showed significant increase in percent total nitrogen, percent organic matter, available phosphorus and exchangeable cations at (p alley crop as low input technology for low income farmers is recommended. Keywords: Alley crop, NPK fertilizer, soil productivity , Amaranthus cruntus

This study described the structure, conduct and performance of banana market in Anambra State of Nigeria. The specific objectives are to describe the structure of the banana market; analyze the conduct of the banana market; determine banana market performance; and examine the major problems of banana marketing in the area. One hundred and twenty respondents spread in six major urban centers in the State and their concomitant major markets were randomly selected for interview. Descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient measure and the price spread analysis were used to analyse data. The study revealed that the activities of the banana market structure is almost optimum with a good conduct and performance as farmer’s share of the consumer spending is 56%. The study also shows that lack of storage facilities and capital were the most pressing problems of the middlemen while the farmers were constrained from increased production by lack of capital, high yielding and disease resistant banana varieties. Policy recommendation to this effect was suggested. Key words: Policy, structure, conduct, performance and banana.

No Abstract.