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Effects of Five Application Rates of Powdered Vernonia amygdalina Leaf in the Management of Meloidogyne incognita on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Tanimola, A. A. And Asimiea, A. O.

Department of Crop and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Corresponding author: tanimoladebo@yahoo.com

Abstract: Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaf has been used in the management of Meloidogyne incognita (MI) on crops at diverse formulations and application rates. Determination of optimum application rate of VA for the management of MI on okra will ensure sustainability of VA and reduce cost of management. Effects of five rates of powdered VA leaf and carbofuran in managing M. incognita on okra were determined in screenhouse and field experiments laid out in completely randomized design and randomized complete block design, respectively. Two-week old okra seedlings were each inoculated with 5,000 eggs of MI except the uninfected control. Powdered VA leaf was applied at 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg/ha and carbofuran at 3 kg a. i./ha to MI-infected okra at one week after inoculation (WAI). At 8 WAI, data were collected on vegetative growth, fruit weight, gall index (root damage), nematode population and reproduction. Quantification of phytochemicals in VA leaf was also carried out. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and means partitioned with least significant difference (P≤0.05). Activity of VA leaf on MI-infected okra was rate dependent (higher rate >lower rate). Vernonia amygdalina leaf at 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg/ha and carbofuran at 3 kg ai/ha significantly improved vegetative growth by 51.2, 85.2, 111.7, 131.8, 159.5 and 147.8% in pot; and 55.1, 114.1, 187.4, 266.7, 317.8 and 232.8% in field, respectively than infected-untreated okra. Rates of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg/ha and carbofuran significantly reduced root damage by 44, 64, 80, 80, 80 and 84% in pot; and 31.5, 47.4, 47.4, 47.4, 47.4, and 60.5% in field, respectively than infected-untreated okra. Nematode population and reproduction rate of MI were reduced in similar trend observed in root damage. There was no significant differences among VA leaf-treated okra at 150, 200 and 250 kg/ha and carbofuran in improvement of growth, yield, reduction of root damage, nematode population and reproduction. Vernonia amygdalina leaf had saponins (48.2 mg/g), Alkaloids (19.1 mg/g), flavonoids (5.5 mg/g), tannins (4.5 mg/g) and phenol (4.2 mg/g) that confer nematicidal properties. Powdered VA leaf should be applied at 150 kg/ha in the management of M. incognita on okra since it compared effectively with carbofuran and other VA higher rates.

 [Tanimola, A. A. And Asimiea, A. O. Effects of Five Application Rates of Powdered Vernonia amygdalina Leaf in the Management of Meloidogyne incognita on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):1-10]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 1. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.01.

Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, Meloidogyne incognita, carbofuran, application rate, management, phytochemicals, okra.

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Aquatic versus Land Based Dual Task Training on Postural Stability in Stroke Patients

Nawal Abd El- Raouf Abou- Shady¹; Tamer Emara² and Ahmed El Bokl²; Maged Moris Beshay Rezk¹

¹Department of Neuromuscular Disorder and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

²Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Email: magedmoris88@yahoo.com

Abstract: Background: For activities of daily life, person should be able to maintain and adopt various postures, react to external disturbances and use automatic postural responses. After stroke some or all of these tasks become more difficult. Daily living requires balance and walking ability while performing other tasks. Purpose: was to Investigate the difference between the effect of aquatic dual task training and land based dual task training on postural stability in stroke patients. Methods:- thirty stroke hemiparetic patients were assigned into two equal group (Group A and B): group A received land based dual task training while group B received aquatic dual task training. Subjects were assessed using Biodex balance system (bilateral postural stability test) and clinical tests (time up and go, functional reach test). Results: Our study showed significant improvement of postural stability in stroke patients in both groups with greater improvement of group B (aquatic training ) than group A (land based training), in all measured variables. Conclusion: The use of Aquatic dual task training, land based dual task training can effectively improve postural stability in stroke patients. Aquatic dual task training offered a greater improvement of postural stability in comparison to land based dual task training.

[Nawal Abd El- Raouf Abou- Shady; Tamer Emara and Ahmed El Bokl; Maged Moris Beshay Rezk. Aquatic versus Land Based Dual Task Training on Postural Stability in Stroke Patients. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):11-20]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 2. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.02.

Keywords: Stroke- Postural Stability- Aquatic Dual Task Training- Land Based Dual Task Training

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Biological studies on moringa leaf extracts and its relationship with obesity and diabetes mellitus diseases

Maha A. Hijazi

Food and Nutrition Department, Faculty of Home Economics, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia.
mhijazi@kau.edu.sa

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of moringa leaf extract consumption on obesity and diabetes mellitus diseases. Thirty five Albino rats weighting (190 ± 20g) were divided into 5 equal groups, one was kept as normal control, while, the other 4 groups were injected byalloxan after induction of obesity. Obese diabetic rats were fed orally with 100,200 and 300mg moringa leaf extract. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed efficiency ratio serum liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), renal enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase), serum lipids profiles (total cholesterol and triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein) and glucose levels were examined. The obtained results revealed that moringa leaf extracts contains several classes of phytochemicals with other compounds, are able to prevent or inhibit obese and diabetes complications through liver serum enzymes lowering activity, renal enzymes lowering and enhancing the serum lipid profile. In conclusion, moringa leaf extracts produce anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects in obese diabetic rats. These results provide scientific evidence to substantiate the traditional use of moringa leaf as a drink in treating obesity and diabetes.
[Maha A. Hijazi. Biological studies on moringa leaf extracts and its relationship with obesity and diabetes mellitus diseases. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):21-28]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 3. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.03.

Key words: moringa leaf extract, phytochemicals, serum glucose, liver functions, kidney functions

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Effect of Electric Arc Furnace Slag on Nuclear Attenuation Properties of Smart Concrete

A.G. Asran¹, M.M. Sadawy², M. Nooman³, A.A. Nada⁴

¹Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.

²Mining and Petroleum Engineering Department, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11371, Egypt.

³Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.

⁴Civil Engineering Department, Higher Technological Institute 10 ^Th. Of Ramadan city, Al Sharqiya, Egypt

Egy_scofield@yahoo.com

Abstract: A series of concrete maxis were designed and prepared by replacement percentages (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) of cement by electricarc furnace slag (EAF). Mechanical properties, and different types of Nuclear radiation three types of neutron energies as well as six gamma ray energy lines (122 - 1332 keV) were used to evaluate the macroscopic neutron cross-sections (Σ,cm-1) and mass attenuation coefficients (σ, cm2/g) of gamma ray, respectively, in investigated concrete samples. The results showed that, the mechanical properties of concrete decreased with increasing electric arc furnace slag up to 20 wt. %. While, 15 wt % was the optimum percentage for the values of mass attenuation coefficients of most investigated γ-ray energy lines in concrete maxis. Moreover, there is no a significant variation of the values of Σ for all used neutron energy by adding a different percentage of slag as a cement in concrete.

[A.G. Asran, M.M. Sadawy, M. Nooman, A.A. Nada. Effect of Electric Arc Furnace Slag on Nuclear Attenuation Properties of Smart Concrete. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):29-35]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 4. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.04.

Keywords: Electric Arc Furnace Slag, Nuclear Attenuation Properties, Smart Concrete.

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Growth and nu1`tritional status of Ewaise mango trees grown under Upper Egypt conditions as affected by application of nutrients, plant extracts, selenium and silicon

Ahmed, M. M. A. Akl¹; Ahmed Y. M. Ahmed² and Ahmed A. F. Oraby¹

¹Hort. Dept. Fac. of Agric. Minia Univ., Egypt.

²Tropical Fruit Res. Dept. Hort. Res. Instit. ARC, Giza, Egypt

Faissalfadel@yahoo.com

Abstract: During 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons, Ewaise mango trees grown under Upper Egypt conditions were subjected to three sprays with N, P, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and B, plant extracts namely extracts of turmeric and green tea and oils of garlic, onion, moringa and nigella, selenium and silicon. Length and thickness of shoot, number of leaves/shoot and leaf area in the spring growth cycle as well as chlorophylls a & b, total chlorophylls, total carotenoids, N, P, K and Mg in the leaves as affected with the present treatments were investigated. Treating the trees with different nutrients alone or in combined with any plant extracts, selenium or silicon had an announced promotion on all growth aspects, pigments and nutrients in the leaves relative to the control. Using selenium and/or silicon was favourable than using any plant extracts with nutrients in enhancing growth and leaf chemical components. The best plant extracts applied with nutrients, in descending order, were turmeric extract, oils of garlic, onion, moringa, nigella and green tea extract. For stimulating growth and tree nutritional status of Ewaise mango trees grown under Upper Egypt conditions, it is recommended to spray the trees three times with a mixture of N, P, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and B plus selenium and silicon.

[Ahmed, M. M. A. Akl; Ahmed Y. M. Ahmed and Ahmed A. F. Oraby. Growth and nu1`tritional status of Ewaise mango trees grown under Upper Egypt conditions as affected by application of nutrients, plant extracts, selenium and silicon. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):36-44]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 5. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.05.

Keywords: Ewaise mango trees, nutrients, silicon, selenium, plant extracts, vegetative growth characteristics, tree nutritional status.

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Awareness of Biological Treatments in Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Yasser Mohammed Bawazir¹, MD, Sami Bahlas², FRCPC, Ibtisam Jali³, MD, Atlal Abusanad⁴, MBBS, MSc, ABIM, CIP, FRCPC, Hibatallah Issam Mashat⁵ and Marwa Ziyad Rambo⁵

¹Assistant professor and Consultant of Medicine and Rheumatology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Professor and Consultant of Medicine and Rheumatology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³Assistant Professor and Consultant of Medicine and Rheumatology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

⁴Assistant Professor and Consultant Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

⁵Medical student, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

ymbawazir@kau.edu.sa

Abstract: Background: The use of biologic agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients sometimes lead to increase in the risk of infections and opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis (TB). Improving awareness might help in a more efficient and safer practice. Objectives: To evaluate patient awareness towards potential risks of drugs prescribed to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: The present research study was conducted at King AbdulAziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah Region (western province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). A total of 72 subjects were recruited for the study and were further categorized into 42 females and 30 males. The study included participants 20 years of age and above. A structured questionnaire along with a consent form was asked from each patient (phone interview) to obtain their demographic and clinical information. Patients were categorized by age, gender, level of education, occupation, biologics they use, other treatments, side effects of biologics and history of TB exposure. A simple descriptive statistical analysis is reported as proportions for qualitative variables to assess the awareness of biologic treatment in arthritis patients such as type of biologics they used and their side effects. Results: The finding showed that the majority of the arthritis patients 35(48.6%) were above 50 years of age, where female predominance 42(58.3%) was found. It was noted that 33(41.7%) were literates and have achieved college education, however, 25(34.7%) were noticed without any occupation. It was further documented that 41(56.9%) of patients were aware of the biologics they were using. In patients’ frequency of usage of Adalimumab 66(91.7%) was high compared to Etanercept 6 (8.3%). Patients with other treatments like MTX treatment were also in high frequency 38(52.8%). However, less number 18(25%) of patients were aware of the side effects of the biologics and 41(56.9%) of them were aware that biologics are teratogenic in nature. High frequency of patients 24(33.3%) stopped using medications when they have UTI symptoms. Moreover, 45(62.5%) of patients were not familiar about vaccination prior to treatment and 35(48.6%) of patients were aware of side effects of anti-TB. Throughout the questionnaire, it was noticed that 7 (9.7%) were exposed to T.B, and 2(2.8%) and 3 (4.2%) of patients had previous history of T.B and family history of T.B respectively. Further, 12 (18.2%) of patients were positive for PPD skin test. One of the patients had a positive CXR. Conclusion: Based on the results it is clear that the awareness of biologics and their complications in the arthritis patients requires more effort, especially T.B, UTI, skin diseases and other side effects of biologics being used, which may cause potential adverse effects in patients.

[Yasser Mohammed Bawazir, Sami Bahlas, Ibtisam Jali, Atlal Abusanad, Hibatallah Issam Mashat and Marwa Ziyad Rambo. Awareness of Biological Treatments in Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):45-51]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 6. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.06.

Key words: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tuberculosis, Urinary tract infection, skin test, biologics, Humira and Enbrel .

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Effects of Inclined Treadmill Training on Gait and Balance in Stroke Patients

Gehan M. Ahmed¹, Ebtesam M. Fahmy², Abeer AboBaker Elwishy³, Khaled M. Assem⁴, Fatma S. Zidan⁵

¹Professor of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular Disorders & its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

² Professor of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt

³Professor of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular Disorders & its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

⁴ Lecturer of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, the Egyptian Chinese University, Egypt

⁵ Demonstrator of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Badr University in Cairo, Egypt

fatmasaid9977@gmail.com

Abstract: Background: Stroke is the most leading cause to functional disability and gait problems.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inclined treadmill training on balance and kinematic characteristics of gait in stroke patients.Methods: Thirty male stroke patients participated in this study. The patients were assigned randomly into two equal groups, (study and control). Patients in the study group received treadmill training with 10% of inclination in addition to selected physical therapy program for Stroke patients. Patients in the control group received treadmill training without inclination in addition to the selected physical therapy program including: strengthening exercises, PNF technique, stretching exercises.The Outcome Measures: Biodex gait trainer 2 TM was used to assess selected gait kinematics (walking speed, step length of paretic leg, step length of non-paretic leg, time on paretic foot and time on non-paretic foot) before and after six weeks training period (end of treatment) for both groups. Biodex Balance System SD was used to assess patients balance (Overall stability index). Results: There was a statistical significant improvement in balance and gait speed post training in the study group. There was no statistical difference between both groups in step length of paretic, non-paretic legs and time on paretic and non-paretic feet. There was a statistical significant increase in step length of paretic and non-paretic leg in the study group. There was statistical significant increase in time on paretic leg and decrease time on non-paretic leg on both groups.Conclusion: Inclined treadmill training is effective in improving balance and selected gait kinematics in stroke patients when added to the selected physical therapy program.

[Gehan M. Ahmed, Ebtesam M. Fahmy, Abeer AboBaker Elwishy, Khaled M. Assem, Fatma S. Zidan. Effects of Inclined Treadmill Training on Gait and Balance in Stroke Patients. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):52-56]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 7. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.07.

Keywords: Stroke, Inclined treadmill, Gait-post stroke, Balance.

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Effect of Tamarindus indica L and Ginkgo biloba L., Leaves Extracts on Hepatorenal Functions of Male Rats intoxicated with CCl4

Maha A. Hijazi

Food and Nutrition Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of alcoholic leaves extract of Tamarindus indica L (TI), Ginkgo biloba L (GB) and their combination on serum levels of lipid profile, hepatorenal function as well as feed intake and body weight gain in hepatotoxic rats. The experiment was performed on 80 adult male rats distributed into 8 equal groups. Group (1) was kept as negative control (NC) (fed on basal diet), while the other 7 were subcutaneously administered a single dose of Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce experimental hepatic toxicity. Group (2) was left as a positive control (PN) group, hepatotoxic rats and groups (3), (4), (5) and (6) were orally administered TI extract 200 and 400 mg/kg, and GB extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively, once daily for 4 weeks. Groups (7and 8) were orally given combination of the small dose and the large dose of TI and GB extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt.) respectively. Feed intake, body weight gain were determined as well as the activity of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, (TC) triglycerides (TG) lipoprotein fractions, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid and creatinine concentrations were also estimated. The results demonstrated that the high dose (400 mg/kg b.wt) of both extracts and their combinations significantly decreased the levels of serum AST and ALTenzymes, TC, TG, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), BUN, uric acid and creatinene in hepatotoxic rats. On the other hand the high dose of both extracts and their combinations increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Conclusively, TI and GB and their combinations are considered hepatoprotective herbs.This study recommended that consumption TI and GB are useful for patients who suffer formhepatorenal disorders.

[Maha A. Hijazi. Effect of Tamarindus indica L and Ginkgo biloba L., Leaves Extracts on Hepatorenal Functions of Male Rats intoxicated with CCl4. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):57-63]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 8. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.08.

Keywords: Ginkgobiloba,tamarindusindica,CCl4, Hepatotoxicity,Nephrotoxicity.

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Phytochemical screening and anti-nutrient profile of an edible mushroom, Termitomyces robustus (Beeli) R. Heim in Kwara State, Nigeria

Adedeji Olayinka Adebiyi

Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

djadebiyi@yahoo.com

Abstract: The phytochemical screening and anti-nutrient analysis of an edible mushroom, Termitomyces robustus purchased from a local market in Oro, Kwara State, Nigeria were carried out using standard methods to determine its relevance in ethno medicine and also determine the effect of the anti-nutrients on human health. The mushroom was screened for the absence or presence of phytochemical compounds such as saponins, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, phenols, anthraquinones and phlobatannins. For the anti-nutrient composition, oxalate, phytate and cyanide contents were determined. The results of the qualitative phytochemical analysis of the mushroom showed the presence of saponins and flavonoids only. This result suggests that the mushroom may not be of immense therapeutic uses. The quantitative analysis of the phytochemical properties of the mushrooms showed saponins (3.51%) and flavonoids (18.58%). The results of the anti-nutrient analysis revealed that the mushroom contained 0.33mg/100g of oxalate, 0.15mg/100g of phytate and 29.07mg/100g of cyanide. The concentrations of the anti-nutrients were below levels considered harmful.

[Adedeji Olayinka Adebiyi. Phytochemical screening and anti-nutrient profile of an edible mushroom, Termitomyces robustus (Beeli) R. Heim in Kwara State, Nigeria. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):64-68]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 9. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.09.

Keywords: Phytochemical, anti-nutrient, ethno medicine, mushroom.

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Rate of G6PD deficiency in male population: A comparison between two methods

Umme-Hani¹, Zumar Hafeez¹, *Muzammal Mateen Azhar², Aamer Mahmood Qazi² and Nida Baig²

^1.  Dow Institute of Medical Technology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

^2.  Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore, Lahore Pakistan

Corresponding author: mateen0092009@gmail.com

Abstract: Background: To compare two methods (formazan ring method and dye decolorization method) of G6PD screening and to determine the prevalence rate of G6PD deficiency in male children aged 0 to 7 years admitted in ward or outpatient department in Pediatric Hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most frequent and commonest X-linked red cell enzymopthyies, hemizygous males and homozygous females are the ones that are mainly affected. Deficient subjects become symptomatic when there is oxidative stress induced by infection, drugs etc Approximately 400 million people carry the defective gene globally, and the recent meta-analysis reported prevalence of 4.5%. Various local population based studies have shown that G6PD deficiency is not a rarity in Pakistan, reporting prevalence of 2 to 3.8% with highest frequency of 8.6% observed in Pathans. Material and Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study conducted at National Institute of Child Health, from August’ 2014 to November’ 2014. 100 samples were collected with a clinical history of jaundice, clinical and biochemical history of anemia. The recruited subjects were screened using a commercially available kit based on Dye Decolorization method which is a qualitative visual colorimetric assay. The frequency of G6PD deficiency was determined using SPSS 16.0. Results: Out of hundred males screened, 9 (9%) were found to be G6PD deficient. The mean age was 3.6 years and mean hemoglobin was 6.8 mg/dL. Of the 9 screened positive 5 were clinical jaundiced and 7 were both clinical and biochemically anemic. Conclusions: This study like others provide evidence to believe that G6PD deficiency is not a rarity in Pakistan. 9% of prevalence reported in this study, emphasizes on the need to conduct epidemiological studies to determine the carrier rate, whether we need to screen all our neonates and to find out which screening and confirmatory test is cost-effective to be adapted in our setup as a part of screening program.

[Umme-Hani, Zumar Hafeez, Muzammal Mateen Azhar, Aamer Mahmood Qazi and Nida Baig. Rate of G6PD deficiency in male population: A comparison between two methods. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):69-71]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 10. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.10.

Keywords: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, X-linked red cell, hemizygous, oxidative stress, anemic

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Commuting Pattern and Transportation Challenges in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria

Gladys Chineze Emenike, Olabode Samson Ogunjobi

Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

gladysemenike@uniport.edu.ng

Abstract: Background: Many urban centers in Nigeria suffer from inadequate facilities that could ensure smooth urban movement. Introduction: The increase in commuting distance has impact on trip attraction, fares paid by commuters, traffic build-up in some land use areas; and shows the need for different modes of transportation. Aim of the study: The study examined the commuting pattern and transportation challenges in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total number of 398 copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to commuters along the selected roads (Oyemekun road, Ondo road, Oba Ile road, Arakale road, Oke Aro road, Hospital road, Ijoka road, Oda road, Danjuma road, and Sijuade road). Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings showed that 52% were males and more than 70% of respondents were above 20 years. The mostly used type of transport in Akure City was public taxi (40.5%) and majority (49.7%) spent ≤ 30 minutes on the road before reaching their working place while the distance from home to work of more than 50% was ≤ 2km. The main trip purpose for commuters was education (33%) while most of the trips were made in the morning only (29.4%); and morning and evening (32.4%). However, 47.5% of commuters agreed that the peak hour of congestion is always between 7am and 9am. Findings also revealed that 55.3% agreed that the road conditions were not good while 31% and 26% of respondents agreed that the transport challenges were bad road and traffic congestion respectively. Among the selected roads, Oyemekun road (19.1%), Arakale road (12.8%) and Ijoka road (11.3%) were mostly prone to traffic congestion and the major causes of the traffic congestion were illegal parking (35.7%) and bad road (31.2%). Conclusion: Traffic congestion, bad road and illegal parking were the prominent problems along the road corridors and most trips are mostly generated for both educational and occupational reasons. Recommendations: The study therefore recommended among others that provision of off-street parking facilities in designated areas within Akure Metropolis is required and drainage facilities should be provided because of occasional flooding that may lead to the development of potholes on the roads.

[Gladys Chineze Emenike, Olabode Samson Ogunjobi. Commuting Pattern and Transportation Challenges in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):72-79]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 11. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.11.

Keywords: Commuting pattern, Traffic congestion, Transportation challenges, Akure Metropolis

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Genetic Characterization of Local Chickens Population based on their Quantitative Traits in the Tropics

John-Jaja Sylvia Alwell¹, Abdullah Abdur-Rahman¹ and Nwokolo Samuel Chukwujindu^2*

¹Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Babcock University, Ilshan Remo, Nigeria.

²Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

 nwokolosc@stud.unical.edu.ng

Abstract: This study was conducted to explore the genetic characterization of local chickens based on their quantitative traits in the Ilisha-Remo, Operu-Remo and Ikenne communities. The total flock number recorded in this survey was 192 chickens, 98 female, 46 male and 48 chicks from 58 household. The parameters recorded were body length, shank length, neck length, wing span from udder, wing span from top, chest circumference, head length and beck. Repeatability estimates were also carried between the male and female local chickens and on the whole, female birds were more repeatable compared to male birds. Principal component analysis with variance maximizing orthogonal rotation was used to extract the components. Three principal components were extracted in male which explained 83.3% of the total variation in the original variables. Similarly three principal components extracted in female accounted for 74.3% of the total variance respectively. Generally, PC1 had the largest share of the total variance and correlated highly with breast width, wing length, thigh length, shank length and body length. PC1 could be used to describe the generalized form of male and female local chickens. PC2 was orthogonal to PC1 and loaded heavily on neck length and body length. The subsequent component, PC3, was highly correlated with body length, shank length, wing span from udder, and beck. The three principal components could be used to define body size of local chickens. These components could be used as selection criteria for improving body size of local chickens.

[John-Jaja Sylvia Alwell, Abdullah Abdur-Rahman and Nwokolo Samuel Chukwujindu. Genetic Characterization of Local Chickens Population based on their Quantitative Traits in the Tropics. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):80-86]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 12. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.12.

Keywords: Local Chickens; Principal Component Analysis; Repeatability Estimates; Quantitative Traits; Linear Body Measurement

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Heavy Metal Contamination Of Some Fruits Sold In Lugbe -Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria.

*Grace Oyiza Anibasa & balogun, A.O

Department Of Biological Sciences, University Of Abuja, P.M.B. 117 Abuja, Nigeria

Email: grace.oyiza-anibasa@uniabuja.edu.ng; graceanibasa@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study determined the concentrations of Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) in oranges (Citrus sinensis) and apples (Malus pumila) sold in Lugbe fruit market, Abuja- Nigeria. These fruits were randomly collected from the study area. Samples were processed and analysed for the concentration of Cu and Pb using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The results of this study showed that Pb concentration of the two fruits screened were not significantly different (p > 0.05). However, Pb concentration (68.18±6.89 mg/kg) of orange was higher than that of apple (65.81±2.14 mg/kg), while Cu concentration in the two fruits screened showed a significant difference (p <0.05) with apple having higher Cu (21.67±1.35 mg/kg) concentration than orange 15.25 ±1.39 mg/kg). Both trace metal concentrations of fruits in this study were above the permissible limits respectively set by FAO/WHO for human consumption. The values of these elements in this study suggest that these fruits might posed a potential health risk to human, who consume them. Potential sources of contamination of these fruits are also discussed and useful recommendations made.

[Grace Oyiza Anibasa & balogun, A.O. Heavy Metal Contamination Of Some Fruits Sold In Lugbe -Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria. N Y Sci J 2018;11(4):87-93]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 13. doi:10.7537/marsnys110418.13.

Keywords: Trace metals, contamination, fruits, health, risk

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