Indoor and outdoor dust in Damaturu Nigeria : composition, exposure and risk to human health

Harmattan and Dust (sand) storms together with anthropogenic activities including the use of firewood and kerosene as fuel for cooking, and diesel/petrol generators for electricity generation are potential sources of particulate and gaseous pollutants in homes in Damaturu town, Nigeria. Other activities like the burning of locally produced incense and mosquito coils as well as the use of aerosol sprays are further possible sources of indoor pollution, which may result in exposure of people to a range of pollutants through inhalation, by ingestion of settled dusts as well as dermal contact. Local people associate occurrence of dust events with adverse health effects and hence there is a need for an understanding of the composition of the settled and airborne dusts in order to assess the possible associated health risks. The first phase of the study involved selection and development of methods of dust sampling and analysis. For validation of the methods employed and to establish a broad understanding of the characteristics of the settled dusts, an initial survey study was conducted involving the application of thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD/GC/MS) analysis for organic compound analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for analysis of metals, and microbiological analysis. Airborne samples were also collected using sorbent tubes to determine organic compounds in air during activities such as cooking with kerosene, gas, and firewood as well as during electricity generation with fossil fuels. Carbon monoxide (CO) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) monitored simultaneously during some of the household activities. The study involved a novel method of extracting organic chemical emissions from dust by heating of the dusts directly in a micro chamber (μ-CTETM) and collection of emissions on sampling tubes. The method provided a relatively quick way of collecting chemical emissions from dusts that are readily available for release. The sampled tubes were analysed by TD/GC/MS. The conventional solvent extraction of the dusts was also carried out and the extracts were analysed by liquid injection-GC/MS and results of the two methods compared. The study determined a number of constituents (metals, SVOCs, phthalates and physical properties) of dusts collected from households in Damaturu during different weather events and from different indoor/outdoor locations; and compared with some UK samples. The samples investigated include dusts deposited; during two notable dusty-weather events (Harmattan and Storm) as well as when there was no notable dust event; during human activities; and dusts from different types of buildings (modern and traditional homes) as well as inside and outside homes. A standard reference material for organic chemicals (SRM 2585) was also analysed. The physical characterization of the settled house dust samples analysed revealed the various shapes and sizes, and elemental composition of the constituents, which included respirable particles. The microbial analysis also indicated the presence of the spores of a host of fungi and bacterial species; and the possible contributions of household activities to the increased production of pollutants (UFP and CO) ascertained. The μ-CTE extraction of the house dusts by heating with TD/GC/MS analysis of the emissions as well as the solvent extraction-GC/MS revealed the presence of many organic chemical compounds with different analytical retention times and varying concentrations in the dust samples. Chemicals of interest quantified: benzene, hexanal, nonanal, diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutylphthalate (DIBP), dibutylphthalate (DBP), and diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP). A host of other chemicals commonly present in the analysed samples identified using the NIST library associated with the MS system software. These chemicals included naphthalene and C10-C16 aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, which would need confirmation by running the pure compound samples. There was an observed higher concentration of the chemicals in the solvent extracts than the μ-CTE extracted dust. The higher concentration of the chemicals in the solvent extracts expected due to the aggressive removal of the chemicals by the organic solvent whereas in the case of thermal extraction only the readily available chemicals (loosely bound to the matrix) released by increases in temperature were removed. Generally, the concentrations of the chemicals found were higher in the indoor than in the outdoor dust samples. In the analysis of the dusts collected during weather events; higher chemical concentrations observed in the samples collected during Harmattan period than the other periods. The Harmattan dust period may pose increased exposures to dust and possible health risks. More exposure is expected to occur in the traditional homes compared with the modern homes due to the higher concentrations of the chemicals in both the indoors and the outdoors and this may be especially important to women and children who spend most of their times at home. Metal analysis involved microwave-assisted digestion of the dust samples followed by ICP-MS analysis. The total quant method of metal analysis for a general profiling indicated the presence of more than 50 elemental contaminants in house dust. The results of the quantitative analysis for six target metals: Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn showed their presence in all indoor and the outdoor dust samples. The mean concentrations showed that the metals were in higher concentrations in the indoor dusts than in the outdoor dusts. The quantitative analysis carried out indicated higher metal contents in the storm dusts than the dusts during the other periods. Results of the dusts collected from modern and traditional homes indicated the presence of the metals in higher concentrations in the dusts from traditional homes than the dusts from the modern homes. The estimated mean concentrations of the metals and phthalates inadvertently ingested as a constituent of dust indicated that some of the pollutants could exceed the tolerable daily intake (TDI) due to high exposures to dust expected to be the case in Damaturu. The results of the investigation of the dust composition, combined with information on exposure to dust and pollutants, show that dusts are a risk to the health of people in the Damataru community. Recommendations are made for more studies to provide a better understanding of dust ingestion and exposure to some phthalates and heavy metals in particular and the possible health risks. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first ever research study of airborne and settled dusts undertaken in North-Eastern Nigeria

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF ISE IN DA’WAH ACTIVITIES IN EGGONLAND

This paper documents and also assess the different method employed by ISE for its Da’wah Activities in Eggonland. The study highlight the Da’wah approaches and methodology of Islamic Society of Eggonland and its contributions. The study also found that the coming of ISE with modern Da’wah train, a different Da’wah to proselytize Islam and its beauty to people of Eggonland and the wider world through its various humanitarian programmes that are geared towards building the Ummah is yielding result. It is a successful of because in its humanitarian programme people are equally treated irrespective of their religion. The study adopted Survey method using primary sources, where interview and observation were to obtain data on the Da’wah activities of the ISE. This research is expected to become a model for the development of Da’wah in a multi-religious society. The findings are essential for Islamic Da’wah organizations to redesign and formulate various modern Da’wah programmes in order to ensure improved way to engage the people. &nbsp

Potency of partially purified anthocyanin from leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis against carbon tetrachloride-induced lipoperoxidation in rats

Anthocyanin was extracted and partially purified from the ethanolic leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis (GS). The recovered anthocyanin extract was found to have a concentration of 8mg/cm3 and an absorption spectrum with peak at 268nm. In order to assess the preventive action of the anthocyanin against lipoperoxidation, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was analyzed in rats administered with 1mg/kg of the anthocyanin before induction of lipoperoxidation in the rats using carbon tetrachloride (CC14). Serum MDA was also analyzed in rats administered with 1 and 2 mg/kg of anthocyanin for up to seven (7) days after induction of lipoperoxidation in the rats in order to determine the curative effect of the extract. The results suggest that anthocyanin extracted from GS leaves are more effective in the cure than prevention of lipoperoxidation, and the most effective daily dose of treatment is 1mg/kg for 7 days. Key words: Guiera senegalensis, Anthocyanin, Potency, Lipoperoxidatio

CORRUPTION AND ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA: EXAMINING THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTION

Corruption is one of the socioeconomic malaises that bedeviled the Nigerian State for many decades which virtually eroded all aspects of good governance and effective service delivery to the populace. It has affected democratic governance particularly electoral process with vote buying, bribing of electoral body officials and manipulation of the entire process. This paper investigated how corruption affected the process and outcome of the 2015 General Elections. The methodology adopted is qualitative case study of data collection and analysis where some agencies and stakeholders that are related to the area of study were selected for interview including INEC, EFCC, politicians, party stakeholders, academicians and members of the general public through focus group discussion. The paper discovered that, the entire process of 2015 General Elections was affected by corruption and corrupt practices in terms of using public treasury for campaign activities by politicians from the two major parties; APC and PDP in their campaign and other electoral activities comprising of vote buying, excessive media campaign, spending above limit and bribing of INEC officials. The paper recommends that, for corruption to be eschewed in the electoral process, the INEC should be allowed a free hand in running the elections and the EFCC should be involved in screening contestants for political office and violaters of electoral laws should be banned from active politics permanently. The paper contributed to the existing knowledge by presenting an area that has not been given adequate attention particularly in the methodology of research of this nature

Women and Urbanisation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

This study examines women's role in the urbanisation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. From the standpoint of feminist theory, urbanisation is believed to create expanded opportunities for the general populace as well as for women, who typically face discrimination in rural economies. However, the initial FCT master plan ended up being distorted by the dynamics and complexities of Abuja's urbanisation and growth process over time, which is driven by political and economic realities. There are drawbacks to urbanisation in civilisations with strong sociocultural norms and values, such as the fact that women must endure various forms of gender inequality, discrimination, and exclusion, particularly in the political sphere, which present significant difficulties. This study makes use of secondary data to demonstrate how the FCT's 2003 reconstruction to its original Master Plan provided chances for active participation in which women were included for both native people and newcomers. In a similar vein, the Federal Capital Development Authority's (FCDA) and other local council offices, which hired indigenous people for their departments and agencies, significantly altered the way of life for women from being rural farmers to empowered workers. In order to address the issues facing women in the FCT, empowerment must be a multifaceted process that transforms the economic, political, social, psychological, and legal conditions of the weak (women). It must also aim to demolish cultural, traditional, and social norms that devalue, disempower, and dispossess women, with a primary goal of meeting their needs

Diluent performance of a three component co-processed excipient for formulating ibuprofen tablets by wet granulation

Pharmaceutical tablets ingested orally remain the most popular dosage form in drug delivery, while the most frequently used route for administration of therapeutic agents remains the oral route. Recently, excipient development comprising a mixture of two or more materials assembled in a single frame by means of particle engineering, known as co-processed excipients, has gained enormous popularity. To prepare ibuprofen tablets by co-processing and wet granulation method and evaluate its diluent property. From the design of experiment (DOE), the optimized composition was obtained and ibuprofen granules were prepared for the newly developed co-processed excipient (lactose, mucin and corn starch BP) and starlac®, cellactose® and lactose as standards. The granules were evaluated for their micromeritic properties and compressed into tablets. Evaluation of the ibuprofen tablets for their   physical properties and dissolution studies were done using British Pharmacopoeia methods. The results obtained showed that ibuprofen granules were flowable and compressible. The compressed ibuprofen tablets had good physical properties: minimal weight variation (495±9.46 – 501mg ±23.15), hardness (5.50 ±0.55 – 6.50±1.05 KgF), disintegration “time” < 15 min±0.37 and “friability” < 1.0 % ±0.00 - >1.0±0.07. The dissolution of ibuprofen tablets complied with British Pharmacopoeia criteria. The data obtained from the different evaluation parameters containing the co-processed excipient compared well with starlac, cellactose and lactose used as comparing standard. The co-processed excipient which performed better than starlac in terms of friability and lactose in terms of disintegration can serve as a good diluent in ibuprofen tablets

An Exploratory Study of Entrepreneurship Development in Kogi State

This study aimed to unveil the challenges confronting entrepreneurship development and the impact of government support in Kogi State. The study determined the effect of government support on entrepreneurship skills development in Kogi State and examined the influence of government policies on entrepreneurship skills development in Kogi State. The survey research design was used in this study. A convenient sampling technique was adopted, and 296 participants were taken. Data were gathered and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multiple Regression and Ordered Probit Regression. The study found that government support had a substantial effect on the development of entrepreneurship skills in Kogi State. Findings also demonstrated that government policies in Kogi State have a limited effect on the development of entrepreneurship skills. The study’s limitations are attached to the small sample size, which may not stand as a perfect representation, as well as the inability of the study to exhaust the factors challenging entrepreneurship development. The results of the study provide insight into cardinal factors affecting entrepreneurship development in Kogi State, the degree of the effectiveness of government support and the government policies that need review. Entrepreneurship skills development is crucial for driving social and economic development. Unveiling the challenges confronting it provides a pipeline for remedies and the needed support from the government. The study is novel as it links with sustainable entrepreneurship programs. The study is intended to widen the knowledge of the audience and establish a theoretical relationship that can be considered by practitioners in the field of entrepreneurship

Preparation and characterization of a poly-herbal tea with effective antioxidant properties

Many herbal teas consist of poly-herbal materials that are often folk recipes with known health benefits. Poly-herbal teas containing the leaves of Moringa oleifera, Zingiber officinale and juice of Citrus limon were developed and evaluated for its physicochemical and stability properties. The herbal tea generally showed good physicochemical properties such as organoleptic properties, excellent flow, optimal ash value and moisture content. It showed stability properties that are characteristic of a good finished herbal product. The tea also showed effective free radical scavenging properties similar to that of ascorbic acid and consistent with its antioxidant benefits. Some of its physicochemical and antioxidant properties were diminished when stored in a stress environment. Formulating the poly-herbal recipe of M. oleifera, Z. officinale and juice of C. limon into herbal tea is an effective means of presenting the herbal medicine for use

Manifestation of Income Inequality and Poverty Prevalence in Selected North Central States of Nigeria

Poverty in Nigeria has been described as pervasive owing to the fact that the nation has witnessed a persistent increase in poverty level over the years. More so, there has been a renewed and growing concern about poverty and income inequality due to their negative implications for both economic growth and social peace. In Nigeria, the twin issues of poverty and inequitable income distribution present a paradox. This is because, though the country is rich in land, human and natural resources, yet 70 percent of Nigerians are still considered poor with low per capital income. More so, it has been argued that income inequality is a manifestation as well as strong cause of poverty. The study therefore analyses the empirical relationship between manifestation of income inequality and poverty prevalence among households in selected North Central States in Nigeria. This study employed survey method using structured questionnaire. A representative sample of 600 respondents was planned for the survey in order to have at least 462 households responding. However, the study has 501 household respondents representing 84 percent success rate. The result shows that 84 percent households believe that income inequality is a major determinant of poverty in Nigeria and 76 percent also agreed that poverty occur most in rural area than urban areas. It was found that a disproportionate share in income across divide would exacerbate poverty among rural dwellers particularly farmers, artisans, and traders. The study therefore recommends a deliberate policy of reducing income inequality so as to reduce the incidence of poverty especially among the rural dwellers