African
Journals Online
Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences
Volume 8 Number 2 March 2002
Abstracts
INTRODUCTION OF ANTHEPHORA SPECIES TO THE TROPICAL RAIN
FOREST: IMPLICATIONS FOR GRAZING PROPAGATION AND BREEDING OF THE
SPECIES.
A.N.Osuagwu* and +E.E.Ene-Obong
*Department of Genetics and Biotechnology,
University of Calabar, Calabar.
The Polytechnic, Calabar, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Three species of Anthephora of derived savanna origin
were introduced into the tropical rain forest environment and
their adaptability to the region was determined through
morphological and seed yield studies. The three species, A.
ampulacea (file grass), A. nigritana and an
induced autotetraploid of A. ampulaca designated as A.
ampulacea (4x) maintained, to a large extent their biological
description, but a more luxuriant growth was recorded compared to
reports from the areas of origin. Leaf measurements (length and
with), leaf and tiller numbers were greater than twice the values
reported in literature at 50% heading. This implies that the
species exhibit phenoplasticity. Seed production was however low
in all three species and the seeds when produced were to a large
extent sterile. Grasses of the genus Anthephora can
therefore be used as both wet and dry season pasture in southern
Nigeria. The problem of sterile seed can be overcome by breeding
the species for seed production in the savanna region of the
country where the grass is indigenous and seed production is not
hampered, while growing it in the rain forest region purely for
pasture and hay-making.
Key words: Breeding, Anthephora ampulaca 2x, A.
nigritana 4x, A. ampulacea 4x, phenoplastic, pasture.
EFFECTS OF SKIP-A-DAY FEEDING PROGRAMME ON THE PERFORMANCE
AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS IN A HUMID
TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT
1Olusegun O. Ojebiyi, 2Samuel A. Offiong and 3Emmanuel S.
Bamigboye
1Foundation for Economic Research & Training
(FERT), Uyo, Nigeria.
2Department of Animal Science, Faculty of
Agriculture, University of Uyo
3Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Uyo, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The effect of Skip-a-day feeding programme for broilers
chicken, as a form of feed restriction, was investigated. Two
experiments were conducted from 3-6 weeks of age (Experiment 1)
and 6-9 weeks of age (Experiment 2). There were 5 treatments with
2 replicates in each of the two experiments. In each experiment,
treatment 1 was fed ad libitum and served as the control.
Treatment 2 was fed every other day while in treatment 3 feed was
skipped after every two days. In treatments 4 and 5 feed was
skipped after every 3 and 4 days respectively.
Results showed that in both experiments, although efficiency
of feed utilization were not significantly affected, live weight,
weight gain and feed consumption were significantly affected
(p<0.05). Dressing percentage, carcass parts and organ weights
were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the treatments.
Key words: Skip-a-day feeding, body weights, carcass
parts, organ weights.
PROXIMATE, PHYSICAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF SOY-SWEET POTATO FLOUR COOKIE.
M. O. Iwe
Department of Food Science and Technology,
Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture,
Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Flour mixtures consisting of full-fat soy flour and sweet
potato flour at 25-75% levels were used in cookie production.
Proximate, physical and sensory properties of the cookies were
determined. Physical and sensory properties investigated included
thickness, diameter, spread factor, spread ratio, fragility,
appearance, flavour, texture, aroma, internal crumb appearance
and general acceptability which were compared with those of
cookies made from whole wheat. Results showed that there was no
significant (p>0.05) difference in cookie physical
characteristics, as compared with the control sample, except in
spread factor and fragility. Cookie spread was found to be
influenced by the presence of sugar, oil and water absorption of
flour. Panelists' acceptance of cookies was at between 60 and
70%.
Key words: Properties, soy-sweet potato, flour,
cookies.
The Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Piper
guineense on the Histology of some Organs of Oreochromis
niloticus (Limn) Pisces: Cichlidae)
A. Okokon Okon
Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, Faculty of
Agriculture
University of Uyo, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The effect of the sub-lethal dose 3.0mg/l (of dechlorinated
water) of Piper guineense on the histology of Liver and
Kidney of Oreochromis niloticus exposed for 21 days in a
static bioassay revealed some pathological changes in liver and
kidney of the fish. These include vacuolation, liver cord
disarray/necrosis and the distortion of the organized cellular
pattern. These findings revealed the destructive property of P.
guineense as an ichthyotoxic plant. The effects of
ichthyotoxic plants vis-à-vis other fish poisons are discussed
in the wild and natural environment.
Keywords: Ethanolic extract, Piper guineense,
static bioassay, ichthyotoxic plants, Liver, Kidney.
The use of Piper guineense fruit oil (PFO) as protectant of
dried fish against Dermestes maculatus (Degeer) Infestation.
*Amusan, A. A. S and Okorie, T. G.
*Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural
Sciences
University of Agriculture, P M B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of
Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
E-mail [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The efficacy of Piper guineense fruit oil in protecting dried
fish against Dermestes maculatus (Degeer) infestation was
investigated in the laboratory. Piper fruit oil extract
were applied at dosages of 0.075ml/25g, 0.10ml/25g, 0.125ml/25g
and 0.150ml/25g as protectant of dried fish (Clarias spp)
against D. maculatus. Piper fruit oil at dosages of
0.125ml/25g fish and 0.150ml/25g fish were found to be efficient
in the control of the development of D. maculatus adults
and larvae stages on tested dried fish and was therefore
recommended as appropriate dosage for prevention of insect
infestation on dried fish.
Keywords: Dried fish, Piper guineense, protectant,
Dermestes maculatus
PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES AND COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF THE CRUDE
EXTRACTS OF SOME HAEMOSTATIC PLANTS IN EDO AND DELTA STATES OF
NIGERIA
B. O. Obadoni And P. O. Ochuko
Department of Botany, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo
State, Nigeria
Department of Botany, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo
State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Leaves of Ageratum conyzoides (L), Alchornea cordifolia (Schym
and Thonn) Muel. Arg, Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D.
Adams, Baphia nitida (Lodd), Chromolaena odorata (L)
K. R., Landophia owariensis (P. Beauv) and sap of Jatropha
curcas (L) used traditionally to arrest bleeding in fresh
cuts were comparatively investigated phytochemically and their
ability to precipitate and coagulate blood plasma. Saponins and
tannins were the most abundant compounds in these plants while
flavoids were the least. Crude aqueous extracts of alkaloids,
flavonoids, tannins and saponins from these plants precipitated
and coagulated blood plasma within time limits of 4 to 120
seconds (for precipitation) and 15 to 1500 seconds (for
coagulation). Results from prothrombin timing showed that A.
afriana was the most efficacious haemostatic plant followed
by L. owariensis, and L. curcas the least. Some
similarities in their chemical composition established a
scientific basis for common usage in traditional medicine.
Key words: Phytochemical, crude extracts, haemostatic
plants.
EFFECTS OF PROCESSING METHODS ON THE QUALITY OF
MAIZE-GROUNDNUT INFANT WEANING FOOD
Stanislaus U. Okorie And Emmanuel C. Nwanekezi
School of Food Science and Technology
Imo state university, Owerri Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Five infant weaning foods were formulated from alternate
mixtures of fermented maize-fermented groundnut (FMFG), fermented
maize-roasted groundnut (FMRG), fermented maize-malted groundnut
(FMMG), malted maize- malted groundnut (MMMG) and unprocessed
maize-roasted groundnut (UMRG). The products were each
complemented with skim milk since maize and groundnut are
deficient in lysine and methionine. These mixtures were compared
with Cerelac, a commercially available weaning food in Nigeria.
The proximate compositions of alternate formulated mixtures
compared favourably with Cerelac. Fermented maize-fermented
groundnut had the highest protein and fat contents (15.1 and
10.5% respectively). Sensory evaluation studies showed
significant differences in colour, aroma and consistency between
the maize-groundnut infant formulations and Cerelac at P<0.05;
but not in taste. The effect of variation of processing method on
the nutritional quality indicated no significant difference
(P>0.05) between rats fed with Cerelac and the four
experimental based diets (FMFG, FMRG, FMMG AND UMRG) while the
viscosities of all the diets and Cerelac fell within the accepted
values for weaning foods. Also the variation of the processing
methods showed similarity in the reconstitution time of the
products. Rats fed with Cerelac and UMRG respectively differed
significantly from those fed with MMMG. FMMG. PER and FER study
showed that MMMG and FMMG had the highest values.
Keywords: Malting, fermentation, maize-groundnut
weaning foods, nutritional quality.
BIODEGRADABILITY OF THE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF BONNY LIGHT
CRUDE OIL BY Bacillus Subtilis
Atim A. Esin And Sylvester P. Antai
Department Of Microbiology,
University Of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Of the known 92 potential hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria and
fungi isolated from crude oil polluted soil and water samples,
only one soil bacterial isolate (SB17), identified as Bacillus
subtilis, was found to efficiently degrade 72.23% of the
Bonny light crude oil sample after 25 days of incubation, and
thus was used for further investigations. Biodegradability of the
major components of Bonny light crude oil was determined by
column chromatographic analysis, and asphaltene, saturated
hydrocarbon fractions, aromatic fraction and the nitrogen –
sulphur – oxygen (NSO) containing fractions were found to be
the major components. The chromatographic analysis after 25 days
of incubation at 28oC also revealed that during the
degradation of Bonny light crude oil, there was a continuous
decrease of the saturated fraction and a relative increase of the
aromatic and NSO fractions. These results suggest that Bacillus
subtilis is a good candidate for microbial seeding of Bonny
light crude oil polluted terrestrial environment.
Key words: Biodegradability, Bacillus subtilis,
Bonny light crude oil, saturated hydrocarbon fractions, aromatic
and NSOfractions.
A CHECKLIST OF DESMIDS IN NIGERIA
Medina Omo Kadiri
Department of Botany
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
E-mail: [email protected]
OR [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The paper presents a checklist of diversity and distribution
of desmid flora in Nigeria. Samples of desmids were collected by
means of 55-micrometer mesh plankton net from different
locations. There was a high diversity of desmids. A total of 478
taxa are listed in this report. These are categorized into 27
genera, 273 species, 176 varieties and 29 forma. Five of the
genera belong to saccoderm desmids while 22 are placoderm
desmids. Of all the genera, Cosmarium was dominant with 91
taxa, followed by Closterium with 84 taxa and Staurastrum
with 83 taxa. The cosmopolitan taxa were Closterium
lunula, Cl. setaceum, Cosmarium monodii, Desmidium swartzii and
Pleurotaenium trabecula.
KEY WORDS: Taxonomy, desmids, phytogeography, tropics
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF WATER LEAF PRODUCTION IN
CALABAR MUNICIPALITY AND CALABAR SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF
CROSS RIVER STATE
I. C. Idiong1, E. E. Ekpe1,
A. I. Charles1 And E. J. Udoh2
1. Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension,
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
2. Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension,
University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to determine the socio-economic
variables that affect the output of waterleaf in Calabar
Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Areas of Cross
River State.
Data for the investigation were collected from 30 farmers (15
in each location) selected for the study through personal
interviews and participatory observation. Frequency tables were
used in data presentation while an analysis involving the use of
Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression technique was
carried out. The log-linear functional form was selected as the
lead equation and used for discussion. The study revealed that
the respondents were mostly females with farm sizes ranging from
50 – 100m2.
The coefficients of fertilizer (X1), farming
experience (X2) and frequency of cutting (X3)
carried positive signs and were significant at the one per cent
level. The elasticities of production with respect to these three
variables were 1.03, 0.803 and 0.151 respectively. The
independent variables operating jointly explained about 94 per
cent of the variation in output of waterleaf in the area. The
implication of the findings is that the presence of increasing
returns to scale is an indication of existence of the potentials
for increased production vis-à-vis income by women farmers in
the area.
Keywords: Socio-economic, water leaf, determinants,
production
THE MODEL FOR LINKING SAVINGS AND CREDIT GROUPS WITH BANKS
IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA.
Emmanuel O. Eyo
Department Of Agricultural Economics
University Of Uyo,
Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
This paper assessed the operation of the financial linkage of
self-help groups with banks in Nigeria, which was introduced in
1991 to enhance the performance of loans guaranteed under the
Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme [ACGFS]. It utilized
simple statistical tools and the multiple regression analyses to
assess the lending and savings component of the linkage.
The results show that project choices of some groups are
correlated: groups only sign documents that members are jointly
liable to the banks but in actual fact, the operation of the
linkage does not encourage joint liability of groups in loan
repayment; and groups are generally effective in making the
mandatory savings when they have not obtained the loans.
The linkage program will greatly be enhanced if the design of
the linkage encourages joint liability in loan repayment and if
the savings instrument is adequately flexible such that groups
can use part of the mandatory savings to repay loans when group
income falls short of the group's financial obligations.
Key Words: Financial Linkage, Self-Help groups, Joint
liability,Banks.
TESTICULAR AND RENAL TOXICITY IN RATS ADMINISTERED EXTRACTS
OF HEINSIA CRINITA LEAVES
*Etuk, E.U.I, 1oforah, E . B., 2uko,
N.N.1
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of
Natural and Applied Science
- Department of Biopharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty
of Pharmacy University of Uyo, Uyo – Akwa Ibom
State, Nigeria.
*Correspondence
ABSTRACT
Crude aqueous extracts of the black variety of Heinsia
crinita leaves, a vegetable commonly consumed in southern
Nigeria, were orally administered to albino rats of Wistar strain
for seven days.
Organopathology of test animals showed no histological changes
in liver, heart and brain tissues, compared with control.
However, kidneys and testes of test animals showed significant
changes in cytological ultra-structure. The paper discusses the
possibility of renotoxicity as well as reproductive toxicity to
males of human consumers, by extrapolation.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SEPHADEX G50 RED FRACTION OF H.
ROSASINENSIS PETAL ANTHOCYANIN ADMINISTERED TO RATS IN ETHANOL
Frederick O. Obi* and Ignatius I. Ichide.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science,
University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Edo State,
Nigeria.
Andrew A. Okororo, Ogbakpah Esiri and Stephen Oghre.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science,
Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding Author
ABSTRACT
The hepatoprotective effects of the two sephadex G50 fractions
of the anthocyanin obtained from the petals of H. rosainensis
were studied. Treatment of rats with 8.40 g of the red fraction
(G50 RF) in 5% aqueous ethanol/kg body weight 5 days/week for 4
weeks before carbon tetrachloride resulted in significantly
(P<0.05) less hepatotoxicity than with carbon tetrachloride
alone, as measured by plasma L-alanine aminotransferase activity
and liver malondialdehyde levels 18 hr after carbon
tetrachloride. When similar treatment was given to rats using the
second fraction, the purple fraction (G50 PF) there was no
significant (P>0.05) decrease in hepatotoxicity relative to
those treated with carbon tetrachloride alone. These data suggest
that it is the red rather than the purple pigment of H.
rosasinensis anthocyanin that is protective against carbon
tetrachloride-induced liver injury.
Key Words: Anthocyanin; G50RF; G50PF; Hepatotoxicity; Carbon
tetrachloride
THE USE OF THE MEASUREMENT WHILE DRILLING (MWD) DATA IN
RESERVOIR IDENTIFICATION AND FORMATION EVALUATION
E.U. Egeh*, C.S. Okereke and O.O.
Olagundoye
Department of Geology, University of Calabar
Calabar, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The use of the Measurement While Drilling (MWD) tool in
formation evaluation has proved invaluable in terms of
operational cost, time and reliability of data. The tool suffers
less from invasion effect when compared to conventional wireline
tools and so can be deployed in hostile borehole environments.
Measurement While Drilling data when properly interpreted provide
useful information on the hydrocarbon type saturating the pores
of a formation, compaction condition and evaluation of over
pressure zones in the field as well as the provision of porosity,
density and fracture data of the formation logged. Interpretation
of case history on the significance of both MWD and wireline data
show that MWD offers better data borehole conditions change
rapidly after drilling. However, data from both sources when
combined offer a better and complete reservoir evaluation.
Key words: Drilling, invasion, MWD, reservoir,
formation evaluation.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ENERGY QUANTISATION
J.S. A. Adelabu
Department of Physics, College of Science & Agriculture,
University of Abuja, P. M. B. 117, Abuja FCT, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Investigations of energy quantisation in a range of multiple
quantum well (MQW) systems using effective mass band structure
calculations including non-parabolicity in both the well and
barrier layers are reported. Working with different values of
band offsets and band gap differences, the results of the
investigations show that energy quantisation is relatively more
sensitive to band gap differences than to band offsets. For the
particular case of the GaAs multiple quantum well systems, it is
observed that while the 70:30 value of band offsets gave the best
fit of theory to experiment for the electron-heavy hole
transitions under parabolic band approximations, the
electron-light hole transitions under the same parabolic band
approximation support the 85:15 value. The inclusion of
non-parabolicity however, supports values close to the 63:37
ratio. The factors observed to influence the confinement energies
include the non consideration of the <n_0 transitions, lack of
the exact knowledge of the heavy hole effective mass and the band
gap difference in addition to the well-width.
Key Words: Energy quantization, effective mass, band
structure, non-parabolicity, band offsets, band gap.
THEORY OF EARTHQUAKE ORIGIN LOCATION AND ITS APPLICATION IN
THE
ETHIOPIAN WESTERN PLATEAU.
J.B. Yerima,
Department of Physics,
Federal University of Technology,
P.M.B. 2076, Yola. Adamawa
State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Earthquakes registered on the same day by a network of
stations were assumed to come from the same source or event.
Matrix equations were developed using simple geometry laws and
standard empirical relationships governing tremors in Ethiopia.
The solutions of these equations yielded 71 epicenters. The plot
of the epicenters revealed two major sources, one a fault plane
running from NW plane into NE plane and the other appears to be
an area source in the SW plane. The mean value of epicenters
located in the NE plane is (N 15.030, E 47.080)
which is in the vicinity of Ethiopia and these epicenters can be
designated as the sources of tremors that occurred in Ethiopia on
1 June 1961.
Key words: Earthquakes, Epicenters, Fault.
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