Comparative effects of Varying Rates of Moringa Leaf, Poultry Manure and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschusesculentus L. Moench)

The fertilizer management practices have not ensure the desired improvement in yield for okra (Abelmoschusesculentus L. Moench) due to differences in fertilizer types. The search continues for nutrient sources that would provide adequate nutrition for the crop on the season. A pot experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria to evaluate the growth and fruit yield responses of okra (Abelmoschusesculentus L. Moench) to the application of air-dried milled moringa leaf (MML), poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer. The MML was applied at 400, 800, and 1200 kg/ha; NPK 15-15-15 at 250 kg/ha and PM at 10 t/ha separately and in all possible combinations in completely randomized design in three replicates. The parameters measured were plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area, number of fruits and fruit weight. The single treatments differed significantly (P = 0.05) with the combinations of the treatments giving better performance. The 800 kg/ha MML + PM treatment gave the tallest plants (103.33 cm) and followed by single application of PM (102.33 cm). The application of 400 kg/ha MML + PM + NPK produced the highest number of fruits but 800 kg/ha MML + PM + NPK gave the highest fresh fruit (42.70 g) and dry fruit (20.50 g) weight. 800 kg/ha gave best growth performance among MML but 1200 kg/ha gave best yield. This suggests that MML can be used as source of nutrients to grow okra

Anthropometric Characterisation Of Manual Workers In The Food Manufacturing Industry In Nigeria

Manual lifting is a necessary job duty that is frequently associated with occupational damage. The   main goal ofstrategies to lower the risk of injuries is to make sure that workers are physically capable of performing essential jobduties safely. The aim of this study was to investigate anthropometric characteristics associated with manual liftingactivities. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) subjects comprising 337 males and 47 females from three (3) foodmanufacturing companies participated in the survey. Measurement of the body segments was done using anthropometer,vernier caliper and the weighing scale and analysed using statistical analysis of measures of dispersion and 2 tail t-test analysis at 5% significance level to find the relationship between the male and female population. The results indicated that there is no significant difference between the Wrist-to- Foot and the Knee-Joint-to-Leg-Wrist. However, the other twelve (12) body segment measurements show there are significant differences in the means of the male and the female population. Conclusively, the human body plays a crucial role in the design of human-machine interfaces (HMI). This study has highlighted the necessity of conducting a robust anthropometry survey in Nigeria for the user population. Such information can be utilised to set up the workspace in a way that will improve its ergonomic suitability, functional efficacy, and human convenience.Keywords: Anthropometry, Characterisation, Musculoskeletal, Ergonomics

AN ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING MATERIAL STOCK CONTROL PRACTICE ON SELECTED CONSTRUCTION SITES IN NIGERIA

This research examines the stock control methods utilized by construction firms on construction sites with a view to assessing the factors affecting material stock control practice by construction firms as well as determining the impact of factors affecting material stock control on building project performance. Data were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaire administered on a number of construction professionals and technicians in some randomly selected building construction firms in South Western Nigeria. The data generated were further analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study showed that the stock control method utilized by most construction firms on their sites is the Action Level method. Also, the identified factors that affect material stock control practice on construction sites have significant impact on building project performance in respect of cost, time and quality. Based on the findings, it was recommended that material stock control should be practised on all sites and by all categories of building construction firms in strict compliance with Action Level Method coupled with proper use of project bill of quantities, schedule of materials, construction programme, specification, proper stock accounting and security systems; also a competent and experienced personnel with basic managerial skills in material management should be engaged on site as store officer to enhance material stock control practice

Cost of treatment as a barrier to access and continuity of healthcare for patients with mental ill-health in Lagos, Nigeria

In Nigeria, there are several barriers to access to effective mental healthcare, e.g. cost, distance to the mental health facility, social stigma, cultural beliefs, attitudes and taboos. This study aimed at i) determining the cost of treatment of a random sample of psychiatric patients and to compare the sample with a matched group of patients from the internal medical department clinics; ii) assessing the impact of cost on access to care and maintenance treatment for the study group in the context of their exclusion from the Lagos State free health services and the National Health Insurance Scheme. Medical records of 100 patients currently attending the outpatients’ clinic of the Department of Psychiatry of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (Ikeja, Nigeria) were randomly selected and audited. A similar exercise was also conducted for patients attending the medical outpatients’ clinic in the same hospital. The monthly costs of prescribed medications were computed and compared. The monthly cost of treatment of patients from the Department of Psychiatry compared to patients with physical ailments from the medical outpatients’ clinic was found to be significant vis à vis the average income of average Nigerians. Contrary to expectations, the mean cost of drug treatment borne by medical outpatients was much higher (N=2549.07 vs N=1904.5) (P<0.05) than that of patients attending the psychiatric outpatients’ clinic. However, the expensive cost for the psychiatric patients far exceeded the expensive costs for the medical patients. The findings from this study showed that the average monthly cost of treatment of patients attending the psychiatric clinic was lower than patients from the medical outpatients’ clinic. However, the most expensive cost for psychiatric patients far exceeded the most expensive cost for medical patients. This study also revealed that there is no free health program covering psychiatric treatment anywhere in Nigeria and mental health drugs are funded from personal and family expenses. It is thereby suggested that policy makers should change policy regarding the coverage of Nigerians with mental illness. In doing so, the major barrier to assess and the treatment gap can be reduced

A community survey of the pattern and determinants of household sources of energy for cooking in rural and urban south western, Nigeria

Introduction:The use of solid fuels for cooking is associated with indoor pollution and lung diseases. The objective of the study was to determine the pattern and determinants of household sources of energy for cooking in rural and urban South Western, Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study of households in urban (Ado-Ekiti) and rural (Ido-Ekiti) local council areas from April to July 2010. Female respondents in the households were interviewed by trained interviewers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 670 households participated in the study. Majority of rural dwellers used single source of energy for cooking (55.6%) and urban dwellers used multiple source of energy (57.8%). Solid fuel use (SFU) was higher in rural (29.6%) than in urban areas (21.7%). Kerosene was the most common primary source of energy for cooking in both urban and rural areas (59.0% vs.66.6%) followed by gas (17.8%) and charcoal (6.6%) in the urban areas, and firewood (21.6%) and charcoal (7.1%) in the rural areas. The use of solid fuel was strongly associated with lack of ownership of dwellings and larger household size in urban areas, and lower level of education and lower level of wealth in the rural areas. Kerosene was associated with higher level of husband education and modern housing in urban areas and younger age and indoor cooking in rural areas. Gas was associated with high income and modern housing in the urban areas and high level of wealth in rural areas. Electricity was associated with high level of education, availability of electricity and old age in urban and rural areas respectively. Conclusion: The use of solid fuel is high in rural areas, there is a need to reduce poverty and improve the use of cleaner source of cooking energy particularly in rural areas and improve lung health. Pan African Medical Journal 2012; 12:

Cancer pain control in a Nigerian oncology clinic: treating the disease and not the patient

Introduction: inadequate pain control negatively impacts the quality of life of patients with cancer while potentially affecting the outcome. Proper pain evaluation and management are therefore considered an important treatment goal. This study assessed the prevalence of pain, the prescribing patterns, and the efficacy of pain control measures in cancer patients at the Radiation Oncology Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. Methods: this was a longitudinal study design recruiting adults attending outpatient clinics. Participants were assessed at initial contact and again following six weeks using the Universal Pain Assessment Tool developed by the UCLA Department of Anaesthesiology. Results: among the patients reviewed, 34.0% (118 of 347) were at the clinic, referred for initial assessment following primary diagnosis. All respondents had solid tumours; the most common was breast cancer. The prevalence of pain at initial assessment was 85.9% (298 of 347), with over half of respondents, 74.5% (222 of 347) characterising their pain as moderate to severe. Over a quarter, 28.9% (100 of 347) of patients were not asked about their pain by attending physicians, and none of the patients had a pain assessment tool used during evaluation. In 14.4% (43 of 298) of patients, no intervention was received despite the presence of pain. At six weeks review, 31.5% (94 of 298) of patients had obtained no pain relief despite instituted measures. Conclusion: under-treatment of cancer pain remains a significant weak link in cancer care in LMICs like Nigeria, with a significant contributor being physician under-evaluation and under-treatment of pain. To ensure pain eradication, the treatment process must begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient's pain, an explicit pain control goal and regular reevaluation

BRIDELIA FERRUGINEA BARK: PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND BIOACTIVITY ASSESSMENT FOR POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

Bridelia ferruguinea bark is investigated for its phytochemical composition and bioactivity to explore its therapeutic potential. The phytochemical analysis reveals significant quantities of alkaloids (62.95 mg/g), saponins (64.31 mg/g), flavonoids (100.19 mg/g), tannins (78.08 mg/g), and phenols (253.62 mg/g). The nitrogen-free extract dominates at 53.23%, followed by crude fiber at 24.44%. Additionally, the moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and ash content in Bridelia ferruguinea bark powder are reported at 7.63%, 2.15%, 8.72%, and 3.83%, respectively. Assessment of bioactivity indicates a lipid inhibition percentage of 23.88% and a vitamin C content of 55.97%. Moreover, the bark exhibits Fe chelation (13.44%) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (83.54%). Furthermore, it demonstrates inhibition of albumin denaturation (62.71%) and antiproteinase activity (69.534%). Importantly, it shows promising α-amylase inhibition (37.60%) and α-glucosidase inhibition (58.07%). These diverse bioactivities suggest potential applications in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, warranting further studies for formulation development targeting both human and animal health. Bridelia ferruguinea bark emerges as a valuable natural resource with multifaceted therapeutic prospects, inviting extensive exploration for practical utilization

Effects of Vernonia amygdalina Extract on the Modulation of Liver Antioxidant Enzymes, Cytokines, Adipokines, DNA Biomarkers, and Growth in Aflatoxin B1-Exposed Broiler Chickens

Aflatoxicosis has emerged as a notable factor that hampers the well-being and productivity of broilers in recent times. This study examined V. amygdalina leaf extract's protective effects against aflatoxin B1-induced hepatoxicity and growth suppression in broiler chickens. 240 Cobb500 day-old chicks were divided into 4 groups: CONT (uncontaminated diet), AFTB1 (0.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 contamination), VE1AF (0.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 + 1 g V. amygdalina leaf powder/liter of water), and VE2AF (0.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 + 2 g V. amygdalina leaf powder/liter of water) in a completely randomized design. Liver catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels exhibited a marked reduction in the AFTB1 group compared to CONT and VE2AF groups (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde levels, indicative of lipid peroxidation, were markedly increased in the AFTB1 group compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ) exhibited a marked increase in the AFTB1 group compared to CONT and VE2AF groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, anti-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and oxidative DNA damage biomarkers varied significantly among treatment groups (p < 0.05). Both 1 g and 2 g of V. amygdalina leaf powder per liter of water effectively countered the detrimental effects of aflatoxin B1 on liver health in broiler chickens

Vulval leiomyoma causing coital difficulty: report of two cases

Leiomyoma is a smooth muscle benign tumor and it is a common benign lesion of the uterus in women of the reproductive age group with a prevalence of about 30%. Though the prevalence of uterine fibroid was 6.5% in Ile-Ife, and 8.5% of gynecological admissions in Ilesha, Nigeria, vulval leiomyoma is very rare and often misdiagnosed as Bartholin cyst or with other differentials like lipoma, etc. It is usually not considered a differential of vulval masses, but with detailed examination and with the use of investigative tools, the diagnosis can become clearer. This paper presents 2 cases of histologically diagnosed vulval leiomyoma seen at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) between January 2017 and December 2021 with both patients complaining of coital difficulty. During this time, the prevalence of this lesion was calculated to be 0.092% of gynecology admissions and 0.17% of gynecological surgeries done in the hospital