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Item IMPACT OF YAM ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVELIHOOD OF FARMERS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA(2007) KOMOLAFE, SOLA EMMANUELGlobally, entrepreneurship skills development is regarded as one of the sustainable ways out of poverty. Hence, agriculture experts have expressed the need for more empirical studies in agricultural entrepreneurship as a necessity for effective agricultural extension policy process that will translate to improved agricultural production enterprises and sustainable livelihood of rural dwellers. Yam farming is widely practiced for livelihood in Ekiti State, therefore this study examined the impact of yam entrepreneurial activities on livelihood of farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of yam 16 farmers; (ii) examine the yam entrepreneurial activities of the farmers; (iii) assess the perceived level of influence of yam entrepreneurial activities on access to livelihood assets of farmers; (iv) investigate the knowledge level of yam entrepreneurial skills of farmers; (v) examine the capacity building needs of farmers on yam entrepreneurial skills; and (vi) identify the constraints to yam entrepreneurial activities of farmers. A two-stage random sampling technique was used to select 640 respondents from the list of contact yam farmers from Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). Ekiti State ADP consists of 16 blocks. First stage involved a random selection of 2 farming communities from each block. Second stage involved a random selection of 20 yam farmers from selected communities making a total sample size of 640. Data were collected through interview schedule. Only 580 of the instrument were retrieved and analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency counts and Multiple Regression Analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that: (i) majority of the respondents (72.8%) were male, 67.5% literates with mean of 30 years of farming experience and average farm net income of N3,738,650 per season; (ii) yam entrepreneurial activities of respondents were marketing (73.8%), transporting (56.3%) and processing (47.8%); (iii) about 98.8% of the respondents had positive attitude towards yam entrepreneurial activities and it was perceived to have medium level of influence on access to livelihood assets (grand mean= 0.44); (iv) majority (62.6%) of the respondents had low knowledge level of yam entrepreneurial skills; (v) capacity building skills were needed in identifying market opportunities of yam enterprises (𝑋̅=2.66), sourcing for machinery (𝑋̅=1.85), sourcing for fund (𝑋̅=1.75), record keeping (𝑋̅=2.44), planning of tasks (𝑋̅=2.26), risk management (𝑋̅=1.22), and communication and negotiation skills (𝑋̅=2.36); (vi) constraints to yam entrepreneurial activities include destruction of yam farms by cattle/herdsmen (𝑋̅=1.45), unstable pricing of yam (𝑋̅=1.14), and frequent illness (𝑋̅=1.13); and (vii) participation in yam entrepreneurial activities identified had positive significant (p < 0.05) impact to respondents’ livelihood. The study concluded that yam entrepreneurial activities had played significant role in accessing livelihood assets among farmers in Ekiti State. It is therefore recommended that extension agents should train yam farmers in the needed areas of entrepreneurial skills such as marketing, sourcing for machinery and risk management.Item Rhinometry: Spectrum of nasal profile among Nigerian Africans(2011) Jimoh RO; Alabi SB; Kayode AS; Salihu AM; Ogidi ODAbstract Nasal parameters measurements are useful in anthropology to distinguish people into racial and ethnic groups. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey among Nigerians aged 18 to 70 years of Nigerian parentage randomly selected at the ENT Clinic of the University of Ilorin teaching hospital (U.I.T.H.), Ilorin, Nigeria without gender discrimination had measurement of their nasal parameters done using a sliding caliper: Nasal height, width, tip protrusion, alar thickness, nasal septal thickness and nares diameter. Results 105 subjects were seen, the age range 18 to 70 years (mean of 28.63 + 13.06 years). There was 58 males and 47 females with a male/female ratio of 1.2:1. The mean nasal width/height (Nasal index -NI) was 90.7 in males and 88.2 in females. Males had a higher NI compared to female (p < 0.03). The commonest type of nasal variability is Type A (70.5%), Platyrrhine nose, Type B (26.7%) especially in females (mesorrhine) and Type C (leptorrhine) (2.8%). Conclusions There is significant association between the sex of an individual and type of Nose. Platyrrhine nose, among males and mesorrhine among females, only 2.8% being leptorrhine. The nasal indices were higher in males than in females.Item Development of an Advanced Public Transportation System for captive commuters on urban arterials in Ilorin, Nigeria(2013) Adeleke OO; Jimoh YA; Akinpelu MAThe study developed an Advanced Public Transportation System (APTS) software package that serves as an intelligent movement system for captive commuters. Although a typical APTS has an Automated Trip Scheduling System (ATSS), a Digital Geographic Database (DGD), and an Automated Vehicle Location Equipment (AVLE) as subsystems, the fact that vehicles in the study area are not equipped with AVLE made the authors to design for an APTS that has only the ATSS and DGD components. The ATSS subsystem has the specific objectives of reducing commuters waiting time at bus terminals, automating trip booking thus assuring a passenger of the availability of a bus and also keeps an inventory of passengers and trips made by commuters and the vehicles. The DGD allows maps of the service area to be displayed to the scheduler/operator and the commuters/clients on computer screen. The Ilorin metropolis a typical urban center in Nigeria, a developing economy, is used as the study area. Nigeria stands to benefit from ITS potentials if the developed package is put to use by urban transit operators.Item Kinetics of measles antibody by hemagglutination inhibition assay in children in south-west and north-central Nigeria(2013) Onoja AB; Adeniji AJSummary Objectives We investigated the antibody level of children against wild measles virus in view of recurrent measles epidemics, in order to provide information on immunization status for health policies and for the global measles mortality reduction initiative. Methods Two hundred and seventy-three children between the ages of 10 months and 13 years were recruited for this study from three hospital facilities in south-west and north-central Nigeria. Serum samples were collected from February to July 2009, and laboratory examination commenced in August of the same year. Measles hemagglutinin (HA) antigen was prepared by culturing the measles vaccine virus strain (Edmonston-Zagreb) in a vero/hSLAM cell line. Serum samples were treated to get rid of potentiating factors, non-specific inhibitors, and agglutinins before the HA/hemagglutination inhibition (HI) procedure. Results Out of the 175 children vaccinated in Ibadan, 60 (34.3%) had an antibody level not sufficient to protect against measles infection. Likewise, 12 (25.0%) vaccinated children from Ilorin had an antibody level not sufficient to protect against measles infection. There was no significant difference in the level of protection between the children in Ibadan and Ilorin (p>0.05). The geometric mean titer (GMT) was 53.83 for males and 48.64 for females. There was no significant difference between the GMTs of females and males in both locations (p>0.05). Also, no significant difference was observed in the GMTs of children in both locations (p>0.05). Conclusions Of the vaccinated children, 157 (57.5%) developed protective measles virus HI antibody, which is not enough to maintain protective herd immunity. Hence there is a need for catch-up and follow-up vaccination programs, especially in rural areas and places with difficult terrains, in order to reduce measles mortality.Item Frequency of twinning in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria(2013) Iyiola OA; Oyeyemi FB; Raheem UA; Mark FOBackground Twin birth prevalence varies widely among the world population. Several factors such as genetic, maternal, socio-economic and environmental have been implicated in its incidence. Although these factors are still the subject of a number of investigations variations do exist in the reported incidence of twinning across the world. There is limited information on the frequency of twinning in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria. Aims This study aims to determine the frequency and prevalence of twinning in Kwara state of the North Central Nigeria. We wish to update the current knowledge on the trend and frequency of twinning in North-Central Nigeria and thereby contributing to the demographic studies in the country. Subjects and methods We carried out an 11-year retrospective study on the incidence of twin births between 1998 and 2008. Data were collected from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin (UITH), Omosebi Hospital, Ilorin (OHI) and Erinle General Hospital, Erinle (EGHE) all in Kwara state, North-Central Nigeria. These data were pooled together and analyzed by year and maternal age groups of 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, and 45–49years according to the standard method. Results Frequencies of twin births of 37.60, 35.01, and 35.9 per 1000 deliveries were recorded for UITH, OHI and EGHE respectively. The overall average frequency of 37.4 per 1000 deliveries for the three hospitals was recorded in the study. The maternal age group of 25–29years had the highest occurrence of twin births (35.33%), while the lowest was recorded in the 45–49years age group (1.32%). Conclusion This study shows that there is an increase in twinning rate in the Kwara state when compared with previous reports on this subject matter. This is probably due to an increase in awareness and use of ovulation stimulating drugs or multiple embryo transfers among women.Item EFFECT OF GRADED LEVELS OF WATER LEAF (Talinum triangulare) EXTRACT ON OXDATIVE STABILITY OF BROILER MEAT(2013) ZUBAIR JAMIU IBRAHIMAntioxidant effect of graded levels of Talinum triangulare (Waterleaf) extract on cooked and raw broiler meat was evaluated and compared with Butylated Hydroxyl Anisole (BHA), a synthetic antioxidant, using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The minced broiler meat was weighed into five samples of 700g each. The treatments consist of a control without additive; waterleaf extract was separately added at a rate of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% of the weight of the minced meat, while BHA was added at a rate of 0.01%. Each sample was divided into 56 parts of 12.5g each. Twenty eight of these were cooked in microwave oven over 1minute, 30 seconds, while the other twenty eight samples were left raw. Both cooked and raw samples were stored in a refrigerator for 14days at a temperature of 4°c.Oxidative stability of the cooked and raw samples was monitored at 2-day intervals. The result shows that no levels of waterleaf extract were able to reduce lipid oxidation in both raw and cooked meat samples. This was shown by their higher TBARS values which were significantly different. BHA was able to reduce lipid oxidation in both cooked and raw meat samples. However, its antioxidant potency was well expressed in raw meat samples. Talinum triangulare (waterleaf) extract should not be considered as 12 the possible source of natural antioxidant in the prevention of broiler meat against lipid oxidation under refrigeration storage. Key words: Antioxidant, Waterleaf, Butylated Hydroxyl Anisole (BHA), Thiobarbituric Acids (TBA), broiler meat.Item Obstacles and Suggested Solutions to Effective Communication in Marriage as Expressed by Married Adults in Kogi State, Nigeria(2014) Esere MO; Yeyeodu A; Oladun CPurpose Marriage involves exchange of ideas and feelings. It requires honesty and sincere expression of feelings. A discussion between husband and wife promotes marital harmony and stability. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to investigate obstacles and suggested solutions to effective communication in marriage as expressed by married adults in Kogi State. It also examined the influence of gender, age, religion and years of marriage as obstacles to effective communication in marriage in Kogi State. Design The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A multistage sampling method comprising purposive, stratified and simple random techniques was used to draw a sample of 660 married adults across the three senatorial districts in Kogi State. Instrument The research instrument adopted for the study was a researcher-developed questionnaire titled ‘Obstacles and Suggested Solutions to Effective Communication in Marriage Questionnaire’ (OSSECMQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Counselor Education Department, University of Ilorin. Two research questions were raised and answered. Findings The findings of the study revealed that the respondents are of the view that obstacles to effective communication include getting home late on regular basis, harsh tone of voice during conversation and bringing up memories of past events, and suggested solutions to the obstacle to effective communication were; considering one's spouse's contribution, having trust in one's spouse and considering spouse's opinion when discussing issues. The implication of the study is that there is the need to sensitise the community at large on how effective communication can be practiced through seminar, awareness workshop e.t.c. Recommendations In relation to the findings of the study it was recommended that couples need to find ways to talk about their differences amicably through effective communication in order to have a healthy relationship. Couple should recognize everyone has a unique way of communicating his feelings and couples should enhance their relationship by understanding and applying a few rational communication concepts to their relationship.Item Chemical composition of wet precipitation in ambient environment of Ilorin, north central Nigeria(2014) Abdus-Salam N; Adekola FA; Otuyo-Ibrahim MThe physico-chemical quality of rainwater in the atmospheric environment of Ilorin in the north central Nigeria has been evaluated. Rainwater samples were collected at every rainy day between March and October 2008. Samples were analysed for pH value, conductivity and water-soluble cations and anions: Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, NO3-, SO42-, PO43-, and Cl−. The average monthly pH ranged between 6.6 and 7.4 with the highest value recorded during the early months of precipitation while the average annual pH value ranged between 6.68 and 7.04. The average annual conductivity ranged between 108.8μScm−1 and 219.6μScm−1 with the highest and lowest values recorded at highly urbanized areas and a low density residential area. High levels of Ca2+ and NO3- ions were observed and together constituted 55% of the total ion mass. Ca2+ ion is crustal element and it alone contributed 56% to the total cations while NO3- a by-product of atmospheric oxidation of particulate from fossil fuel combustion constituted 53% of total anions measured. Generally speaking, the ionic abundance in precipitation (μgL−1) showed the general trend: NO3->Cl−> SO42-> PO43- for anions and Ca2+>K+>Na+>Fe2+>Mg2+>Pb2+ for cations. The average annual SO42- concentration ranges between 12.9 and 27.6μgL−1 while the cumulative average for Ilorin was 17.3μgL−1. The statistical analysis of physico-chemical parameters revealed a strong correlation (p<0.01 and p<0.05) among some sites which was an indication of a common source of inputs of these parameters. Results of the present study suggested that both natural and anthropogenic inputs influence the changes of chemical compositions that occurred during the wet precipitation.Item Assessment of metallic pollution status of surface water and aquatic macrophytes of earthen dams in Ilorin, north-central of Nigeria as indicators of environmental health(2016) Ogunkunle CO; Mustapha K; Oyedeji S; Fatoba POThe functional quality of an aquatic ecosystem is a reflection of the health of the environment. Therefore, the present study evaluates the trace metal contamination (Pb, Cd, Ni and Mn) of water and aquatic macrophytes in Asa, Agba, Unilorin and Sobi (Moro) earthen dams, north-central Nigeria to evaluate the level of anthropogenic impact on the immediate environment. The concentrations of trace metals in samples of water and available macrophytes from the earthen dams were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Trace metal contamination of surface water in the earthen dams was assessed using metal index (MPI) and metal pollution index (HPI). The biological accumulation factor of trace metals in the aquatic macrophytes was extrapolated from trace metal concentrations in the water and macrophyte samples. The results of the MPI revealed gross metal contamination of the surface water by Pb and Cd (>6.0 for both metals) in the four earthen dams; while Agba and Sobi dams were slightly contaminated by Ni (MPIs=1.43 and 1.14 respectively). All the earthen dams were considered safe from Mn contamination (MPI100), but Asa dam (HPI=2682.4) was the most contaminated. The biological accumulation factor of Mn in the macrophytes indicated Ceratophyllum demersum, Pycreus lanceolatus and Pistia stratiotes as moderate accumulators of Mn, and can be used as bioindicators in monitoring Mn pollution of aquatic ecosystem. The obtained results in this study showed that the earthen dams are polluted by Pb, Cd and Ni which pose human health risks to the inhabitants through drinking water.Item Modeling Indigenous Footpath and Proximity Cut-off Values for Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Ilorin, Nigeria(2016) Aremu AS; Vijay RIndigenous footpaths have been the major means of passage from origin to destination before the advent of cars and town planning. Over the years, these traditional areas have retained their original attributes with additional walking links to the motorable roads. In this study, footpaths to municipal solid waste bins were modelled in order to locate waste bins within an area in Ilorin, north central Nigeria. A network dataset was built in a standard GIS application (ArcMap 10) from the downloaded satellite image of the study area. The Location-Allocation tool in the Network Analyst window was then used to determine the optimal location of facilities based on cut-off walking distance which defines command area of a waste bin. The result of this analysis could act as a decision support tool for the determination of type, size and removal frequency of each waste bin based on estimates of waste generation from each command area.Item COMPETENCY NEEDS OF EXTENSION AGENTS FOR EFFECTIVE JOB PERFORMANCE IN THE SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA(2017) UZOECHI, RICHARD ONYEKACHIAgricultural productions as well as farmers’ productivity anywhere in the world are largely dependent on a functional agricultural extension service. However, the agricultural extension agencies in Nigeria are faced by a number of problems including poor training of extension personnel which consequently makes extension service delivery to be rather ineffective. This study therefore determined the competency needs of Extension Agents (EAs) for effective job performance in the South Eastern Nigeria. The objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of agricultural extension agents; (ii) investigate the level of competencies of extension agents; (iii) determine the 12 effective educational delivery method to develop competencies; (iv) determine the level of job performance of extension agents; and (v) identify the constraints to the acquisition of needed competencies by the EAs. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select 70% of the total numbers of EAs (442) from each state to give a total sample size of 308 respondents. However, 283 copies of the questionnaire were found suitable for use in the analysis. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire; a self rating scale was used to rate competency levels of extension agents while respondent’s job performance levels were rated by their immediate supervisors. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean ratings, and standard deviations. Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used to determine relationship between competencies of extension agents on job performance. The findings of the study were that: i. majority of the respondents were married (83.4%), 46.3% were within the age bracket of 41-50 years of age, female (53.7%), all literate (100%); ii. respondents possessed high level of competency in programme planning(𝑥=3.59), teaching/communication(𝑥=3.56), evaluation(𝑥=3.55), leadership(𝑥=3.43) human relations competency (𝑥=3.38), and technical/subject matter expertise competency (𝑥=3.48) but low in computer knowledge and skills (𝑥=1.63); iii. training workshops in small groups (49.8%), large groups (30.9%), and printed and electronic learning materials (12.3%) were the most effective educational delivery methods to acquire desired competencies; iv. majority of the respondents (66.8%) had moderate level of job performance, 22.2% had high level, while 11.0% had low level; v. lack of funding (𝑥=4.05) was identified as the most important constraint for acquiring competencies, while lack of credible information (𝑥=3.38) was the least; and vi. result of Multiple Linear Regression Analysis showed that: subject matter/technical expertise (t =1.963, p = 0.045), programme evaluation (t =9.232, p = 0.001), and computer knowledge and skills (t =2.058, p = 0.041) had significant effect for effective job performance, while programme planning (t=.926, p= .355) and teaching methods (t= 1.769, p=.078) were not significant. The study concluded that subject matter/technical expertise, computer knowledge and skills, and program evaluation were competency needs for effective job performance of EAs. Other areas of competency such as programme planning and teaching methods were not highly required. The study therefore recommended that training for extension agents in the study area should focus on, subject matter/technical expertise, computer knowledge and skills, and programme evaluation competencies.Item Prevalence of intestinal parasites in newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients in Ilorin, Nigeria(2017) Obateru OA; Bojuwoye BJ; Olokoba AB; Fadeyi A; Fowotade A; Olokoba LBBackground Human immune-deficiency virus/acquired immune-deficiency syndrome predisposes to opportunistic parasitic infestations of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in newly diagnosed treatment naïve HIV/AIDS patients. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2010 to June 2011. Questionnaires were administered to 238 HIV/AIDS subjects, and 238 age and sex-matched controls. CD4+ T cell count was carried out on HIV-positive subjects. Stool samples were examined using direct microscopic and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods. Positivity of intestinal parasites was taken as the presence of worms, oocyst, cyst, ova or larvae in the stool samples. Results Ninety males and 148 females were studied for the HIV-positive and HIV-negative controls respectively. Intestinal parasitic infestation in HIV-positive subjects was 68.5%, and was significantly higher than in the HIV-negative controls 49.2% (P<0.05). In HIV-positive subjects, Cryptosporidium spp. was the commonest (55.0%) parasite isolated. Others were Cyclospora cayetanensis (41.2%), Isospora belli (3.0%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.4%), Giardia lamblia (3.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.5%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.7%), Trichuris trichiura (0.8%) and Schistosoma mansoni (0.4%). HIV-positive patients with CD4+ T cell count of less than 200 cells/ul were more at risk of opportunistic parasites compared to the HIV-negative controls. Conclusion The prevalence of intestinal parasites in newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS individuals was high, and its association with CD4+ T cell count was demonstrated. Routine screening for parasitic infestations at diagnosis is indicated to reduce the burden of the disease.Item Breast cancer patients in Nigeria: Data exploration approach(2017) Oguntunde PE; Adejumo AO; Okagbue HIBreast cancer is the type of cancer that develops from breast tissue; it is mostly common in women and it is one of the most studied diseases, largely because of its high mortality (second to lung cancer). However, it occurs in males also. This article presents a statistical study of the distribution of age, gender, length of stay, mode of diagnosis, status (dead or alive) after treatment and the location of breast cancer among 300 patients admitted in the University of Ilorin teaching hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. The study covers a period of five (5) years; from 2011 to 2016 and logistic regression was used to perform the basic analysis in this study. It was discovered that the age of patients and the location of the breast cancer (right or left) contributes significantly to the survival of the patients. However, early detection and treatment of the disease is highly encouraged. This study also recommends that awareness should be taken to the grassroots and males should not be excluded from this discussion.Item Serological survey of Chikungunya virus in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria(2017) Kolawole OM; Bello KE; Seriki AA; Irekeola AAItem Path loss predictions for multi-transmitter radio propagation in VHF bands using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System(2018) Surajudeen-Bakinde NT; Faruk N; Popoola SI; Salman MA; Oloyede AA; Olawoyin LA; Calafate CTPath loss prediction is an important process in radio network planning and optimization because it helps to understand the behaviour of radio waves in a specified propagation environment. Although several models are currently available for path loss predictions, the adoption of these models requires a trade-off between simplicity and accuracy. In this paper, a new path loss prediction model is developed based on an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for multi-transmitter radio propagation scenarios and applicable to the Very High Frequency (VHF) bands. Field measurements are performed along three driving routes used for testing within the urban environment in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, to obtain the strength values of radio signals received from three different transmitters. The transmitters propagate radio wave signals at 89.3 MHz, 103.5 MHz, and 203.25 MHz, respectively. A simple five-layer optimized ANFIS network structure is trained based on the back-propagation gradient descent algorithm so that given values of input variables (distance and frequency) are correctly mapped to corresponding path loss values. The adoption of the Pi membership function ensures better stability and faster convergence at minimum epoch. The developed ANFIS-based path loss model produced a low prediction error with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Standard Deviation Error (SDE), and correlation coefficient (R) values of 4.45 dB, 4.47 dB, and 0.92 respectively. When the ANFIS-based model was deployed for path loss predictions in a different but similar propagation scenario, it demonstrated a good generalization ability with RMSE, SDE, and R values of 4.46 dB, 4.49 dB, and 0.91, respectively. In conclusion, the proposed ANFIS-based path loss model offers desirable advantages in terms of simplicity, high prediction accuracy, and good generalization ability, all of them critical features for radio coverage estimation and interference feasibility studies during multi-transmitter radio network planning in the VHF bands.Item THE EFFECT OF MOISTURE, FEED ADDITIVES AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS ON PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT RETENTION, BLOOD PARAMETERS AND AFLATOXIN IN BROILERS.(2018) SALAKO, Abiola OlayemiAflatoxin, a secondary metabolic product of Aspergillus spp is economically important in animal health due to its biological effects, manifested in reduced performance. Eradicating aflatoxin induced disease in poultry is an essential strategy for improving productivity. The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) effects of moisture and temperature on the growth of Aspergillus paraciticus and aflatoxin concentration; (ii) in vitro binding ability of xylanase and herbal extracts to attenuate the growth of Aspergillus paraciticus and (iii) effects of the screened additives and atoxigenic Aspergillus paraciticus on performance and blood parameters of broilers fed aflatoxin containing diet and high, medium and low moisture maize (HMM, MMM and LMM). Five experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated the in vitro effects of temperature (15oC, 20oC, 25oC, 30oC, 35oC and 40oC) and moisture (4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20%) on Aspergillus paraciticus count and aflatoxin concentration in feed inoculated with Aspergillus paraciticus in a 6×5 factorial design. Experiment 2 examined the effects of xylanase, herbal extracts of ginger, turmeric and garlic and their concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/ml) on inhibition of Aspergillus paraciticus in a 4x6 factorial design. Experiment 3 evaluated the effects of dietary aflatoxin concentration (0 and 500 ppb) and herbal extracts on performance, digestibility and blood parameters of broilers in a 2x4 factorial design. Experiment 4 studied the response of broilers to dietary aflatoxin concentration (0 and 500 ppb) with or without atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in a 2x2 factorial design. Experiment 5 studied the response of broilers to types of maize (HMM, MMM, LMM) and types of binder (0, turmeric, atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus) in a 3x3 factorial design. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (p<0.05) and means were separated using Duncan multiple range test.Item Multi-technique analysis of precipitable water vapor estimates in the sub-Sahel West Africa(2018) Falaiye OA; Abimbola OJ; Pinker RT; Pérez-Ramírez D; Willoughby AAPrecipitable water vapor (PWV) is an important climate parameter indicative of available moisture in the atmosphere; it is also an important greenhouse gas. Observations of precipitable water vapor in sub-Sahel West Africa are almost non-existent. Several Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites have been established across West Africa, and observations from four of them, namely, Ilorin (4.34° E, 8.32° N), Cinzana (5.93° W, 13.28° N), Banizoumbou (2.67° E, 13.54° N) and Dakar (16.96° W, 14.39° N) are being used in this study. Data spanning the period from 2004 to 2014 have been selected; they include conventional humidity parameters, remotely sensed aerosol and precipitable water information and numerical model outputs. Since in Africa, only conventional information on humidity parameters is available, it is important to utilize the unique observations from the AERONET network to calibrate empirical formulas frequently used to estimate precipitable water vapor from humidity measurements. An empirical formula of the form PWV=aTd+b where Td is the surface dew point temperature, a and b are constants, was fitted to the data and is proposed as applicable to the climatic condition of the sub-Sahel. Moreover, we have also used the AERONET information to evaluate the capabilities of well-established numerical weather prediction (NWP) models such as ERA Interim Reanalysis, NCEP-DOE Reanalysis II and NCEP-CFSR, to estimate precipitable water vapor in the sub-Sahel West Africa; it was found that the models tend to overestimate the amount of precipitable water at the selected sites by about 25 %.Item DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND SOCIAL MOBILIZATION STRATEGIES ON UPTAKE OF CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION IN IJEBU-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT OGUN STATE, NIGERIA(2018) LAWAL, Abiodun SebionigaThe use of social mobilization (SM) as a process of engaging and motivating parents for utilization of immunization services has attracted much global attention. The time spent on dissemination of information using mass media showed that not much has been done to reinforce public perception of immunization as a social norm, hence, the widely reported persistent and low immunization coverage. The associating factors that can complement the process and also influence preference for particular approaches by parents need to be determined in order to reinforce such methods. The objectives of the study were to: (i) identify demographic factors for uptake of childhood immunization; (ii) assess the knowledge of respondents on SM strategies towards childhood immunization; (iii) determine the attitude of respondents towards social mobilization strategies (iv) identify SM strategies adopted by respondents; and (v) identify factors influencing SM in Ijebu-North Ogun State, Nigeria. Cross Sectional descriptive design was adopted. Multistage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 600 respondents with children less than two years of age. Data were collected with a researcher-designed questionnaire on a 4point Likert scale and was validated by the supervisor and two other experts. A reliability coefficient 0.82 was obtained through a testretest method using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Statistical package for Social Sciences was the tool adopted for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the demographic data while inferential statistics of Chi-square was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that: i. demographic factors of respondents were significantly associated with SM and uptake of immunization services (p<0.05). Respondents with higher income and residents of close proximity had increased odds of obtaining information and uptake of immunization services than those in farther locations; ii. knowledge of respondents on SM and immunization services was not significant (p< 0.148). Only (58%) of respondents with good knowledge had children with fully immunized status, while 69% of others with good knowledge had children with partially immunized status; iii. good knowledge of SM strategies in the LGA influenced positive attitude towards immunization uptake among 61% of the recipients; iv. health care workers are the most preferred source of knowledge and information. Eighty percent of respondents reported positive interaction during immunization uptake; and v. respondents who interacted through radio, town announcers and house to house contacts have increased probability of being motivated to adopt immunization services five times more than respondents who did not benefit from the other media contacts. The study concluded that SM greatly influenced uptake of immunization while good knowledge from health care workers was positively associated with attitude of parents who are using immunization services in Ijebu North LGA. It is therefore recommended that SM should be conducted in close proximity to residential areas and workplaces using many media for contact with potential users of immunization services.Item PHYSIOLOGICAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSES OF YORUBA ECOTYPE CHICKENS TO DIETARY AND HORMONAL MANIPULATIONS(2018) Akanbi, Ademola SamuelMale chicks are less desirable outputs of hatchery production from layer lineage. There is flat information on the manipulation of the physiology of chicken to achieve reasonable profit in Yoruba ecotype chicken (YEC). Achievement of profitable sex ratio is important for planning and decision making. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of: (i) artificial insemination on fertility, hatchability and morphometric characteristics in YEC; (ii) dietary palm kernel oil (PKO); and levels of estradiol and testosterone administration (i.m) on serum biochemistry, haematology, hormonal status, reproductive responses, egg characteristics and offspring sex ratio of YEC; and (iii) in-ovo estradiol and testosterone administration on sex ratio of YEC chicks. Four experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated the effects of number of days post artificial insemination on fertility and hatchability in a completely randomized design; alternative methods on the percentile accuracy of sexing; sex on weekly body weights and morphometric measurements in YEC using a t-test. Experiment 2 examined the effects of dietary PKO (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 percent) inclusion on serum biochemistry, haematology, hormonal status, reproductive responses and offspring sex ratio of YEC in a 2x5 factorial design. Experiment 3 evaluated the effects of estradiol and testosterone administration (i.m) on serum biochemistry, haematology, hormonal status, reproductive responses, egg characteristics and offspring sex ratio of YEC in a 2x2x5 factorial design. Experiment 4 investigated the in-ovo estradiol and testosterone administration (0, 1, 2, and 4 IU) on hatchability and offspring sex ratio of YEC in a 2x4 factorial design. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. Means were separated by the new Duncans multiple range test at p<0.05. The findings of this study were that: i. fertility was stable from day 1 to 12 except for a transient increase on day 6 and decrease from day 13 onwards; ii. male chicks had longer (p<0.05) keel, shank and thigh length than female chicks at seventh and eighth weeks; iii. dietary PKO; and levels of estradiol and testosterone administration (i.m) had no effect on serum biochemistry, haematology, hormone status and sex ratio in YEC; iv. estradiol administration (i.m) resulted in lower feed per dozen egg (p<0.05) than testosterone administration; v. dietary 4% PKO decreased (p<0.05) feed intake, weight gain, feed per dozen egg, fertility and egg hatchability of YEC; and vi. in-ovo estradiol administration resulted in higher (p<0.05) hatchability and percentage female chicks than testosterone administration. The study concluded that fertile eggs can be collected within day 1 and 12 after artificial insemination in YEC. Male chicks can be separated from female YEC from 7 weeks and above using body weight and morphometric traits. In-ovo estradiol administration increased hatchability and the percentage of female chicks hatched. In-ovo estradiol administration of up to 2 IU is therefore recommended for increased female chicks production in YEC.Item IMPROVEMENT OF SOIL QUALITY AND MAIZE (Zea mays L.) PERFORMANCE USING SELECTED WEED SPECIES AS SOIL AMENDMENT(2018) YUSUF SAIDU ADEWUMIContinuous cropping and poor soil management have resulted in reduced crop yield in southern Guinea savannah (SGS) zone of Nigeria. Effective soil management strategy to restore essential soil nutrients is thus required. This study assessed the potential of selected weed species as soil amendment for improved soil quality and crop performance in SGS. The specific objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the effect of soil amendments on the soil microbial population, succession and diversity; (ii) evaluate the effects of the combination of varying rates of the amendments on soil properties; (iii) evaluate the effect of the amendments on soil productivity using maize as test crop; and (iv) investigate relationships between soil quality indicators and maize yield components. Weed species (Amaranthus spinosus, Aspilia africana and Chromolaena odorata) were screened for ability to improve soil quality and maize performance in a preliminary potted experiment using a complete randomized design (CRD). C. odorata was selected for the field experiment. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was adopted for field experiments conducted in 2014 -2015 growing seasons with application of C.odorata at 10 t/ha and 15t/ha singly and in combination with NPK (60-30-15kg/ha) as well as sole application of NPK (120- 60-30kg/ha) in maize plots. The plate culture technique was used for microbial analysis of soil dilutions. Data collected on soil and yield computed were subjected to analysis of variance. Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient was used to establish relationships between the measured soil quality indicators and maize yield components. The findings of the study were: (i) soil amendment with C. odorata increased soil microbial population (22.73 %) and diversity (11.11 %) within the first four weeks of application. Proliferation of saprophytes and suppression of pathogens were observed as decomposition C. odorata progressed; (ii) soil amendment with 7.5 % w/w C. odorata gave significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher; mean soil moisture content (SMC), 60.97 g/kg, total porosity, 48.73 %, bulk density, 1.36 g/cm3 and grain yield, (72.40 g/plant) than other treatments; (iii) C.odorata at 15t/ha combined with NPK fertilizer (60-30-15 kg/ha) on the field, increased soil organic matter (SOM) and ECEC by 80.91 % and 72.36 % respectively after second year harvest. This rate had significantly higher values of mean SMC (76.40 g/kg), total porosity (49.43 %), % water filled pore spaces (20.68 %) and lower bulk density (1.39 g/cm3 to 1.34 g/cm3 ) at the end of second cropping season than other treatments; (iv) C. odorata at 15 t/ha combined with NPK (60-30-15 kg/ha) produced significantly higher mean maize cobs weight (11.46 kg/plot), mean grain yield (4.67 t/ha) (v) SOM was positively correlated with soil exchangeable bases, total N and available P with correlation coefficient (r) ranging from 0.65- 0.93. Most measured yield components were also strongly correlated with each other with r ranging from 0.13 to 0.99. It was concluded that C.odorata has great potential for use as soil amendment in SGS zone to improve soil productivity. Application of 15 t/ha of C. odorata combined with NPK (60-30-15 kg/ha) was recommended for improved soil quality and maize performance in the region