Table of Contents

Geophagic Practice and Its Possible Health Implications – A Review

Ogidi Odangowei I. and Omu Okiemute                                                                              1 – 12

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soils within Selected Communities

In Delta State

Ivwurie W., Emelife S.C., Sun C. and Snape C.                                                                          13 – 18

Impacts of Solid Waste Management Strategies on the Health of School Children

in Oil Producing Communities of Rivers State

Wokocha G.A.                                                                                                                          19 – 23

Studies on the Abiotic Conditions of Karidna Reservoir in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abdulazeez, M.T., Wada, Y., Areo, O.O., Balarabe, M.L., Abdullahi, S.A.                                              24 – 34

Economic Analysis of Pineapple Production in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government

Area of Imo State, Nigeria

Uche Okeke                                                                                                                             35 – 46

Analysis of Credit use by the Beneficiaries of Bank of Agriculture in Onitsha

Agricultural Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria

Uche Okeke                                                                                                                             47 – 59

Mechanism of Thiosulphate Oxidation by Di-μ-Oxo-Tetrakis

(2, 2’- Bipyridine) – Dimanganese (iii, iv) Perchlorate in Acidic Medium

O.A. Babatundeand Patricia Ese Umoru                                                                                                           60 – 72

Characteristics of Cookies Produced from Wheat and Egg Shell Flour

Animashaun, O.H., Bamgbose, A.& Olorode O.O.                                                                                        73 – 80

Mean Cardiac Size Parameters in an Adult Ghanaian Population

(Running Title: Mean Cardiac Size Parameters in Ghanaian Adults)

Edmund K. Brakohiapa, Eric K. Ofori & Jerry Coleman                                                           81-87

Effect of Salinity and the Presence of Pharmaceutical Active Compound

on a Laboratory Scale Biological Wastewater Treatment Reactor

William-Ebi, D. Saroj, D.P. and Jones, C.                                                                                 88-93

Paradigm Shift in the Management of Labour Pain: A Challenge in

Low Income Countries

Dalhatu A., Muhammad, S.M., Amina, S.R.,Nuhu, K. & Abdullahi, A.                                     94-100

PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LABOUR PAIN: A CHALLENGE IN LOW INCOME COUNTRIES

Dalhatu A^a., Muhammad, S.M.^b., Amina, S.R.^a,Nuhu, K ^a. & Abdullahi, A. ^a.

^aDepartment of Nursing Sciences, Bayero University, Kano

^bDepartment of Medicine, Bayero University Kano and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Email: adamudalhatu206@gmail.com

Abstract: One of the basic functions of government is to provide quality and effective health care services to its citizens. Pain relief in labour has always been surrounded with myths and controversies. Hence, providing effective and safe analgesia during labour has remained an ongoing challenge by social and health care system deficiencies that are aggravated by economic problems.  Health care sector in low income countries is still face with enormous challenges that must be overcome if quality and effective health care service is to be made available to the laboring mothers. This article reviewed relevant literatures related to labour pain, non-pharmacological and pharmacological techniques used in labour pain management which were published by journals nationally and internationally. An overview of the literatures showed that labour pain has been related to evil, magic, witchcraft and demons. As such, pain relief in general was the responsibility of sorcerers, shamans, priests and priestesses who used herbs, rites and ceremonies as their protocol in managing labour pain. Primitive pain management in labour had been crude and largely ineffective and attempts to help relieve pain were based mainly on suggestions and distractions. There has been a great change in the field of labour analgesia with the practice of comprehensive methods of labour pain management using evidence-based Nursing. The major challenges of adopting the shift from the primitive era of labour pain management to the present day practice of using evidence based nursing in low income countries are: social and health care system deficiencies that are aggravated by economic problems. This article concluded by recommending that there should be an increase need in government to standardized maternity health care system in low income countries, empowering research amongst healthcare workers in maternity settings to providing evidence based nursing practice.

EFFECT OF SALINITY AND THE PRESENCE OF PHARMACEUTICAL ACTIVE COMPOUND ON A LABORATORY SCALE BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT REACTOR

¹William-Ebi, D. ²Saroj, D.P. and ³Jones, C.

Niger Delta University, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Wilberforce Island. Bayelsa State

Department of Water Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey. United Kingdom

Department of Water Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey. United Kingdom

Email: rhodagumus@yahoo.com

Abstract: The effects of salinity and the presence of Pharmaceutical active Compounds (PhaCs) on the biological treatment efficiency of a lab scale bioreactor with aeration were investigated. The combined effect of salinity and Presence of a pharmaceutical compound Naproxen on the nitrification process was investigated. Naproxen was observed to cause significant inhibition of the ammonia oxidation process with a consequent decrease in nitrification activity and efficiency.  An initial Nitrification rate of 4.5mg NH₄-N L^-1 h^-1was estimated.  Decreased Nitrification rates were observed  with the introduction of naproxen into the reactor system. Decrease in Nitrification rates from 4.5 mg NH₄-N/l-h to 2.5mg NH₄-N/l-h at 1ml, 0.5mg NH₄-N/l-h at 5ml and 0.5 mg NH₄-N/l-h at 100ml naproxen solution respectively.Though inhibition was pronounced the system was observed to have recovered and oxidixed ammonia to nitrates.

Keywords: Salinity, PhACs, Naproxen, Bioreactor, Aeration,Nitrification, Denitrification

MEAN CARDIAC SIZE PARAMETERS IN AN ADULT GHANAIAN POPULATION

(RUNNING TITLE: MEAN CARDIAC SIZE PARAMETERS IN GHANAIAN ADULTS)

Edmund K. Brakohiapa¹, Eric K. Ofori ² & Jerry Coleman ³

¹ University of Ghana, School of Medicine and Dentistry,Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana

^2, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana

^3, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana

Email: ebrakohiapa2000@yahoo.com, erikof2001@yahoo.co.uk & jerryc714@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT:

PROBLEM STATEMENT: Plain chest radiography is a quick, non-invasive way to evaluate the size of the heart. There is a lack of local data on the normal range of heart sizes parameters for Ghanaian adults. This study therefore aims to generate values for mean heart sizes of Ghanaians.

APPROACH: Aretrospective study involved the reviewof 1047 radiological images of adults aged 20 to 80 years, who had plain frontal chest radiographs between January 2012 and November 2013 by 3 radiologists. Data recorded included the transverse cardiac and thoracic diameter and the cardiothoracic ratios. Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out using the statistical package for social scientist version 17.

RESULTS: The mean age and standard deviation for the study population was 35.1 ± 12.7. The mean and standard deviations for the transverse cardiac diameter, thoracic diameter, and the cardiothoracic ratios for male participants were 13.08cm ± 1.2, 29.7cm ± 2.7 and 46.6 % ± 3.9, and 12.9 cm ± 1.3, 27.1 cm ± 2.6, and 47.8 % ± 4.8 for females. Significant differences (p-values = 0.001) for all the variables were observed between males and females. Significant differences in measurements were observed in males between the 21 – 40years age group and the 41 – 60 years age group only, with respect to the TCD (p= 0.001), CTR (P= 0.032) and TTD (P= 0.001), whilst for females, significant differences were observed in the measurements of TCD and CTR between the age group 21-40 only and all other age groups.

CONCLUSION: The measured average transverse cardiac diameter, transverse thoracic diameter and cardiothoracic ratio for selected Ghanaian adults varied from values suggested by authors in and outside Ghana. Differences in the values between the sexes and among age groups were also observed.

Keywords: Heart Sizes, Transverse Cardiac Diameter, Cardio-Thoracic Ratio.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COOKIES PRODUCED FROM WHEAT AND EGG SHELL FLOUR

^*Animashaun, O.H., Bamgbose, A.& Olorode O.O.

Department of Food Technology,

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta

Email:  traj332002@yahoo.com

Abstract: Cookies are popular snacks commonly consumed by children and adults to provide energy. Quality evaluation of cookies from composite flour of wheat-egg shell powder was assessed. Egg shell was made into powder and fortified in ratios (100:0%, 97.5:2.5%, 95:5%, 92.5:7.5%, 90:10%) for wheat and egg shell flour respectively). The different flour blends was processed into cookies. The cookies produced were then evaluated for proximate composition, mineral composition and sensory attributes using laboratory standard methods. The result of the proximate analysis showed that ash, fibre and protein contents of the cookies sample increased significantly with increase in the level of egg shell powder incorporated with values ranging from 1.70-4.92%, 3.10-6.60%, and 6.52-15.32% respectively. Sample with 10% egg shell powder had the highest value for each of the parameters while control sample (100% wheat) had the least value. The result of the mineral composition also showed that calcium, magnesium and iron content of the samples increased significantly  with increased level of egg shell powder with values ranging from 131-514mg/100g, 48.55-96.26mg/100g and 0.248-1.060mg/100g respectively. The aroma, texture, crispiness, and taste of the fortified cookies had mean scores of 4.7-8.3, 5.4-7.8, 5.4-7.7 and 5.1-8.2 respectively. Cookies fortified with egg shell powder were generally accepted by the panelist up to 10% egg shell powder. Inclusion of egg shell powder up to 10% level is found to improve the nutritional and sensory attributes of the cookies.

Mechanism of Thiosulphate Oxidation by Di-μ-Oxo-Tetrakis (2, 2’- bipyridine) – Dimanganese (III, IV) Perchlorate in Acidic Medium

O.A. Babatunde ¹ and Patricia Ese Umoru²

Department of Chemistry,

Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria

Email: patriciaumoru@yahoo.com

Abstract: The mechanism of the oxidation of di-μ-oxo-tetrakis(2,2’ – bipyridine)-dimanganese (III,IV) perchlorate (herein referred to as [(bipy)₂ Mn^IIIO₂Mn^IV(bipy)₂]³⁺ with S₂O₃^2- was studied at constant concentration of [(bipy)₂ Mn^IIIO₂Mn^IV(bipy)₂]³⁺ at 6 x 10^-4 mol dm^-3,  ionic strength  of 0.5 mol dm^-3, [H⁺] = 1 x 10^-3 mol dm^–3 and λ_max = 683 nm. The stoichiometry of 1: 3 was observed for the system. The order of reaction is first order in the oxidant and reductant, giving an overall second order rate constant. Acid dependence rate constant on oxidant were positive for the system. The acid dependent rate equation is given as: k_H⁺ = (a + b [H⁺])[(bipy)₂ Mn^IIIO₂Mn^IV(bipy)₂][S₂O₃^2-]. Negative salt effect was observed for the system. The results of spectroscopic and kinetic investigation did not indicate intermediate complex formation in the course of the reaction and acrylamide addition did not indicate gel formation. Based on the results obtained, a plausible mechanism for the reaction has been proposed in line with Proton Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) reaction pathways.

Keywords: Mechainsm, Thiosulphate Ion, Di-μ-Oxo-Tetrakis (2,2’- bipyridine)-Dimanganese (III,IV) Perchlorate.

ANALYSIS OF CREDIT USE BY THE BENEFICIARIES OF BANK OF AGRICULTURE IN ONITSHA AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Uche Okeke

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension,

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,

                                           Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria          

Email: victorokeke76@gmail.com

Abstract: The studies evaluate the credit use by the beneficiaries of Bank of Agriculture in Onitsha Agricultural Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. it specifically examine the socio-economic characteristics of the small-scale farmers that benefited from B.O.A. credit facilities; identify other sources of credit available to the farmers and utilization of credit; determine amount requested, amount approved amount disbursed and amount repaid by the beneficiaries during the study period; compare the relationship between amount requested, approved, disbursed and repaid; identify constraints to credit provision and utilization by the bank and farmers respectively and derive policy implication base on finding. Sampling procedure will involve multistage random sampling method where stage one will be selection of five L.G.A. Out of thirteen L.G.As. Stage two will involve random selection one community from each of five selected L.G.As. They include Omor, Aguleri, Umunya, Nkpor, and Atani communities. Finally at stage three, 10 farmers will be selected by random method from each of the five selected communities making it 50 respondents. Data collected was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics tools such as means frequency distribution, percentages and paired sample T-test. The result of the study showed that 52% of the respondents collected credit from B.O.A. the loan volume requested is N97, 4 billion amount approved was N82, 2 billion repaid, amount due was N73, 8 billion and amount outstanding was N18.6 billion. The constraints are difficulty of providing acceptance guarantor, cumbersome bureaucratic problem, high interest rate and untimely loan.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION IN AHIAZU MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Uche Okeke

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension,

Anambra State University, Uli

E-mail: victorokeke76@gmail.com.

Abstract: The study examined the economics of pineapple production in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. It specifically examined the socioeconomic characteristic of pineapple famers; reassessed the influence of respondent’s socioeconomic factors on production output, estimated costs and returns and identified the constraints militating against pineapple production in the study area. Primary data used for this research were collected through the aid of structured questionnaire simple random sampling was used to select 50 respondents. Finding on the socio-economic characteristics showed that about 50% of the farmers were males; majority of them fell within the age bracket of 41-50 years. Majority (76%) were married 50% attained tertiary institution, 54% had household size between 6-10 persons, majority of the farmers (76%) had 10 years of experience in pineapple production, (68%) with farm size ranging between 0.6-1.0 hectare. The study proved that the enterprise is profitable given the positive values of gross margin (N659, 640), net farm income (N466, 480) and net return on investment (0.83). Using multiply regression, the production output indicated that farm size; cost of labour and fertilizer had statistical and significant influence on production output while others like age, house hold size, gender, level of education and marital status had no statistically and significant influence on production output. The constraints of pineapple production are lack of extension service, lack of information on modern technology; poor storage facilities etc. For more efficient production, farmers should form cooperative society to enable them negotiate for credit facilities, provide modern storage facilities etc.Keywords:              Socio-Economic Characteristics of Pineapple Farmers, Production Output, Gross Margin, Net Farm Income, Net Return on Investment and Constraints of

STUDIES ON THE ABIOTIC CONDITIONS OF KARIDNA RESERVOIR IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abdulazeez, M.T¹., Wada, Y¹., Areo, O.O¹., Balarabe, M.L²., Abdullahi, S.A.²

^*1Department of Biology Federal College of Education, Zaria, Nigeria

^*2Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Email: limnology9@gmail.com, wadayusuf34@gmail.com, olaitanareo@yahoo.com, mlbalarabe@gmail.com &shuaibu.abdull@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study seeks to investigate the Physico-chemical parameters of Karidna Reservoir in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The investigation was carried out for a period of one year between October 2013 and September 2014. Five sampling stations were chosen. The physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods, procedures and instruments. The results showed that pH had a range 6.19-8.63,Temperature 25.94-31.54 ^oC, Electrical Conductivity 38.20-64.20µS/cm, Total Dissolved Solids 19.20-37.20 mg/l, Transparency 19.40-40.10 cm  Dissolved Oxygen 2.40-6.81mg/L, Hardness 3.48-174.4mg/L Calcium 2.14-3.86mg/L, Biological Oxygen Demand 2.91-40.85mg/L, Chloride 2.28-3.58mg/L Phosphate-phosphorus 0.04-0.24mg/L, Nitrate- Nitrogen 0.14-0.30mg/L, Sulphate 0.06-0.21mg/L and Alkalinity with 2.51-5.04mg/l.  Phosphate-phosphorus, Nitrate- Nitrogen, Sulphate, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Transparency, Dissolved Oxygen and Biological Oxygen Demand were highly significant at (P<0.01) between the seasons while non-significant differences were observed in Chloride, Hardness, Alkalinity, Temperature and pH.. Calcium was the only parameter that was significant at P<0.05. Non-significant differences were obtained across the stations. All the physico-chemical parameters revealed monthly and seasonal variations across stations.

IMPACTS OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON THE HEALTH OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES OF RIVERS STATE

Wokocha G.A.

Department of Integrated Science,

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Email: wkchgideon@yahoo.com

Abstract: This survey study was carried out to determine the impact of solid waste management strategies on the health of school children in oil producing communities of Rivers State.  To achieve the purpose of this study, fifteen item questionnaires were administered on ninety respondents randomly sampled from ten secondary schools in the area.  The data obtained was analysed with simple percentage.  The findings show the various methods of solid waste management, a substandard method is used by the school children.  The management strategies used impact negatively on the health of school children in the area.  Recommendations were also made.

Keywords: Solid Waste Management, Oil Producing Communities, Health of School Children