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Rhinometry: Spectrum of nasal profile among Nigerian Africans
(2011) Jimoh RO; Alabi SB; Kayode AS; Salihu AM; Ogidi OD
Abstract 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.
Development of an Advanced Public Transportation System for captive commuters on urban arterials in Ilorin, Nigeria
(2013) Adeleke OO; Jimoh YA; Akinpelu MA
The 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.
Kinetics of measles antibody by hemagglutination inhibition assay in children in south-west and north-central Nigeria
(2013) Onoja AB; Adeniji AJ
Summary 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.
Frequency of twinning in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria
(2013) Iyiola OA; Oyeyemi FB; Raheem UA; Mark FO
Background 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.
Obstacles and Suggested Solutions to Effective Communication in Marriage as Expressed by Married Adults in Kogi State, Nigeria
(2014) Esere MO; Yeyeodu A; Oladun C
Purpose 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.
Chemical composition of wet precipitation in ambient environment of Ilorin, north central Nigeria
(2014) Abdus-Salam N; Adekola FA; Otuyo-Ibrahim M
The 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.
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 PO
The 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.
Modeling Indigenous Footpath and Proximity Cut-off Values for Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Ilorin, Nigeria
(2016) Aremu AS; Vijay R
Indigenous 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.
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 LB
Background 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.
Breast cancer patients in Nigeria: Data exploration approach
(2017) Oguntunde PE; Adejumo AO; Okagbue HI
Breast 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.
Serological survey of Chikungunya virus in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria
(2017) Kolawole OM; Bello KE; Seriki AA; Irekeola AA
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 CT
Path 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.
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 AA
Precipitable 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 %.
Prevalence and antibiogram of non-typhoidal salmonella isolates from poultry in Ilorin, Kwara State
(2018) Al-Mustapha A; Adetunji V; Ibrahim R; Adesiji Y
Socio-demographic and clinical factors predicting time to presentation for children with pneumonia in Ilorin, Nigeria
(2018) Ibraheem RM; Abdulkadir MB; Gobir AA; Johnson WB
Background Pneumonia is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in children, and the time to presentation is a recognized contributor towards disease severity and outcome. Objectives The current study aimed to explore the influence of some socio-demographic and clinical factors in children with pneumonia on the time to presentation at a health facility in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Materials and method A prospective cross-sectional study of 167 children with pneumonia was done. The duration of the various symptoms and first presentation to a health facility was obtained. Time to presentation was categorized as 0–2days (early), 3–5days (intermediate) and greater than five days (late). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of either early or intermediate presentation compared with late presentation. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results Fifty-one (30.5%) children with pneumonia had an early presentation, 73 (43.7%) had intermediate presentation and 43 (25.7%) were late in presentation. Predictors of early presentation were younger age (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.93–0.99), higher respiratory rates (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.06) and bronchopneumonia (OR 6.93, 95%CI 1.52–31.63). Predictors of intermediate presentation were families with few number of children (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.57–0.92) and bronchopneumonia (OR 3.41, 95%C.I. 1.02–11.38). Conclusion Infancy and families with few children are socio-demographic features that are likely to determine early-to-intermediate presentation of children with pneumonia while high respiratory rates and bronchopneumonia are disease related factors that predict early presentation.
F2-layer height of the peak electron density (hmF2) dataset employed in Inferring Vertical Plasma Drift – Data of Best fit
(2018) Adebesin BO; Adeniyi JO
In this data article, analysis of the height of the peak electron density (hmF2) data, used to compute the vertical plasma drift (Vz) velocities during year 2010, was reported. The station of focus is Ilorin, a station in the African equatorial region. The hmF2 data used for the Vz computation was obtained from the Global Ionospheric Radio Observatory (GIRO) network of ionosondes, using the Digital Portable Sounder erected at the Equatorial Ionospheric Observatory of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Vz velocities were determined from the time rate of change of hmF2. Four categories of hmF2 data intervals for determining the drift were analysed and compared for reliable computation of Vz. This are the measured 15-minute, the calculated 30-minute, the calculated 60-minute, and the directly selected 1-hour interval datasets. The calculated 60-minute interval data was found more reliable than others, satisfying the three significant events that characterized vertical drift observations. These are the evening time pre-reversal enhancement, the daytime pre-noon upward drift, and the nighttime downward reversal periods. The observations from this data will help Space weather scientists and researchers in identifying the best fit of hmF2 data in the computation of drift velocity. The original work which has been published in Adebesin et al. (2013) [1] had made use of this calculated 60-minute interval hmF2 data, but the process/procedures of its selection as the best fit of data interval was not explained in that work.
Estimation of power generation from municipal solid wastes: A case Study of Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria
(2019) Ibikunle RA; Titiladunayo IF; Akinnuli BO; Dahunsi SO; Olayanju TM
In this study, attempt was made to estimate the quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated per annum, the generation rate in kg/capita/day as well as the quantity and the fractions of the waste streams available for energy production. The physical characterization of the waste streams into fractions was conducted. The proximate and ultimate analyses of the waste fractions were performed. Heating values of the waste streams was determined experimentally using a bomb calorimeter. It was concluded that 1% increase in carbon and sulphur will increase heating value by 79.08% and 10.83% respectively while 1% increase in hydrogen and nitrogen decrease heating value by 30.2% and 619.1% respectively. The energy potential (EPMSW) of the MSW based on the energy content of 584 tons/day MSW, is about 3,244,444 kWh or 3,244 MWh, Electrical Power (EPPMSW) of about 40555 kW or 41 MW and Power to Grid of 27 MW.
Design of Optimal Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Sustainable Power Supply to Isolated-grid Communities in North Central, Nigeria
(2019) Ohijeagbon OD; Oluseyi A; Waheed O; Adekojo M; Salawu EY; Oyawale FA
The study analyzed the feasibility and techno-economic viability of renewable electricity generation from wind and solar standalone systems, and as hybrid facilities in six states across North-central, Nigeria. 24 years’ daily solar and wind data were sourced from the Nigeria Meteorological Department, Oshodi. The dataset was analyzed and employed to design an alternative RE power supply system as a test case for university communities with an equivalent consumption of 28.9 MWh/day. The electricity load demand adopted was based on an audit of electricity generation conducted for the University of Lagos main campus. The supply architecture adopted in this study excludes the use of heavy equipment or machinery loads and only caters for the institutions’ base loads. An evaluation of the design that will optimally match the daily load demand of the communities with LOLP ranging from 1 to 50% was undertaken. HOMER software was employed as the optimisation tool together with other statistical and analytical variations to determine best design for the sites with diesel standalone facility taken as the base system. The outcome showed that hybrid generation system fared better than the standalone PV or Wind energy system at Abuja, Ilorin, Lokoja and Makurdi, while the wind standalone system was the optimal generation technology at Minna and Jos. Further to this, values of the levelized cost of energy showed that adopting wind resources (as standalone or in hybrid format with PV) for power generation at the sites/institutions at Minna and Jos, is more viable than the use of diesel generators.
Storm time IRI-Plas model forecast for an African equatorial station
(2019) Adebiyi SJ; Ikubanni SO; Adebesin BO; Adeniyi JO; Joshua BW; Adimula IA; Oladipo OA; Olawepo AO; Adekoya BJ
The limitation of ionospheric models in describing short-term ionospheric events has led to the development of data assimilative models e.g. the International Reference Ionosphere extended to Plasmasphere (IRI-Plas) model. This paper compares the IRI-Plas derived total electron content (TEC), the peak height (hmF2) and critical frequency (foF2) of the F2-layer with those obtained from Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver's and Digisonde Precision Sounder (DPS-4) measurements over Ilorin (Geog. Lat. 8.50oN; Long. 4.50oE, dip: – 7.9o) during geomagnetic storm days. The model estimation was done by assimilation of Ionosonde foF2 and TEC derived from GPS (GPS-TEC) and Global Ionospheric Map (GIM-TEC) into the model code. In order to study the effect of data assimilation on the model's representation, the “no input” option of the model was used as reference. The result shows that with the exception of the foF2 assimilation mode, all the options generally reproduced TEC quite well for all the storm days considered. Overall, the model adjusted with GPS-TEC gives the best prediction of TEC as it reduced the prediction error of TEC by a multiple of up to three compared to using the GIM-TEC. Also, all the options failed to reproduce the storm induced prominent features in the storm-time features of foF2 and hmF2. In other word, assimilation with the TEC does not generally improve the storm-time predictions of foF2 and hmF2 at the station. Consequently, for storm-time estimation of the F2-layer peak parameters, the ‘no input’ representation of the model is more valid at this station.
Consumer awareness, proximate composition, and sensory properties of processed African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) thigh meat
(2019) Oyeyinka SA; Alabi-Ogundepo T; Babayeju AA; Joseph JK
This study investigated the knowledge of consumption of giant rat meat within the University of Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria and further determined the effect of processing methods on the most preferred meat part (thigh meat). After the survey, two male and female giant rats each were obtained from a farm and slaughtered according to standard method. A 2 × 2 design was used to obtain four samples. The male rats were boiled and then divided into two portions. One portion was deep-fat fried and the other grilled to produce. The same process was employed for the female samples. Proximate composition and sensory properties of the processed thigh meat was also assessed. Majority of the respondents (27) prefer the hind limb (thigh) of the giant rat compared to the head (3), ribs and stomach area (5) and the fore limbs (8). The proximate composition of the raw giant rat meat were not affected by the sex, since the values were very similar. Protein is the major nutrients in the meat (approx. 24%), while fats, ash, fibre and carbohydrate were very low. Frying and grilling resulted in significant reduction in the proximate composition of the meat. Grilling showed slightly higher protein contents (approx. 22%) than the fried samples (approx. 18%). In general, there was no significant (p ≤ .05) difference in the sensory properties of the processed meat. The low fat content of the giant rat meat is advantageous for adults and people suffering from fat related diseases. In conclusion, giant rat meat is popular among students and staff of the University of Ilorin, but its low consumption pattern is due to the limited amount raised or within the University environs.

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