Federal University of Technology, Akure

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Activation of NRF2/HO-1 Pathway by aqueous methanolic leaf extract of Triclisia gilletii and selected identified compounds in Triclisia gilletii, modulates crystal binding genes (CD44/OPN) in Ethane-1,2-diol-induced nephrolithic rats
(2021) Olayeriju OS; Elekofehinti OO; Olaleye MT; Akindahunsi AA
Background Moonseed vine (Triclisia gilletii Staner) a member of the Menispermaceae family, has been previously investigated and reported in our laboratory to exhibit antilithiatic potentials against ethane-1,2-diol induced nephrolithiasis. However, the mechanism underlying its action is not clear. Purpose Mechanism of action of aqueous methanolic leaf extact of Triclisia gilletii (TGAMLE 100 mg/kg) in comparison with compounds identified in TGAMLE (Quercetin (20 mg/kg), oleanolic acid (10 mg/kg), stigmasterol (20 mg/kg), and sitosterol (20 mg/kg)) was investigated against ethane-1,2-diol administered rats. Methods The mRNA expression of antioxidant marker genes (nuclear factor erythroid- 2 – related factor- 2 (NRF2) and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)) and crystal binding genes (CD44 and osteopontin (OPN)) were assessed using RT-PCR. Results Ethane-1,2-diol administration down-regulated antioxidant marker genes (NRF2 and HO-1) and up-regulated mRNA expression of CD44 with no significant difference in OPN when compared with control. TGAMLE and its derived compounds significantly activated the NRF2/HO-1 pathway by up-regulating its expression and modify crystal binding molecules (CD44/OPN). Overall, the additive effects of the compounds present in the extract revealed a better efficacy in attenuating NRF2/HO-1 pathway as well as the expression of crystal binding molecules. Conclusion The present study concludes the nephro-protective effect and underlying mechanism of TGAMLE against ethane-1,2-diol exposed rats and suggests that TGAMLE or compounds in TGAMLE could be an alternative agent against kidney stones.
Adoption of improved technologies and profitability of the catfish processors in Ondo State, Nigeria: A Cragg's double-hurdle model approach
(2020) Adewale Isaac O; Ibidun Comfort A; Amos Igbekele A; Taiwo Timothy A
The study examined the adoption of improved technologies and profitability of fish processors in Ondo State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling procedure was used to select 108 respondents using a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, budgetary technique, and double-hurdle regression were used for the analysis of data collected. The study revealed that 37.96% of the respondents adopt (adopters) the improved technologies, while many (62.04%) of the respondents did not adopt (non-adopters). This implied that many of them still depend on the traditional methods of processing fish. The results of the budgetary analysis revealed that fish processing is a viable and profitable enterprise that is capable to yield at least 30kobo gain for every one naira expended. Despite the profitability of the business, adopters accrued more profits than the non-adopters and they minimize costs by 7%. The results of the double-hurdle model showed that profit, education, household size, experience, perceived fish price, extension services, and perceived cost of equipment were the main factors that influence the decision to adopt and the rate of adopting improved fish processing technologies in the area. Therefore, any policy that will increase the profitability of the fish processing business should be encouraged by the government so that the processors would be willing to adopt and also intensify the rate of adopting improved technologies in the area.
An Automated Cassava Peeling System for the Enhancement of Food Security in Nigeria
(2012) Jimoh MO; Olukunle OJ
ABSTRACT Cassava is second only to sweet potato as the most important starchy root crop of the tropical world. In most parts of the tropics, cassava is grown on small plots. However, in some countries, e.g. Mexico, Brazil and Nigeria, large plantations have been started and interest in mechanization is growing. The degree of mechanization depends on the size of the land and availability of machines for each unit operation involved in cassava processing. However, of all the unit operations involved in cassava processing, cassava peeling remains a serious global challenge to process engineers. An automated cassava peeling machine was thus developed in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure. The design of the machine was based on the development and modification of the peeling tool of previous cassava peeling machines and the peeling principle is by impact. This machine was evaluated using newly harvested improved variety of cassava tuber (TMS 30572) grouped into different sizes: 100≤L<140, 140≤L<180, 180≤L<220, 220≤L<260, and 260≤L<300. The speed of the machine varies from 100 – 600rpm while machine operational parameters such as throughput capacity, peeling efficiency, mechanical damage, quality performance efficiency and peel retention were determined for each size. Results revealed that throughput capacity ranged from 76 – 442kg/h, peeling efficiency ranged from 50 – 75%, mechanical damage ranged from 12 – 44%, quality performance efficiency ranged from 22 – 66%, and peel retention ranged from 7.2 – 33%. These results show appreciable improvement over manual method and existing machines.
AN EVALUATION OF CASSAVA MARKETING IN THE AGRICULTURAL ZONE ONE (1) OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA.
(2015) ROTOWA, ADEOLA IDOWU
This study focused on the evaluation of cassava marketing in the ADP Zone 1 of Ondo State, Nigeria. It examined the socio-economic characteristics of the cassava marketers in the study area, analysed the structure, conduct and performance of the cassava market and identified the main marketing channels for cassava in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting eighty (80) respondents and structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Methods of data analyses include descriptive statistics, Concentration ratio, Gross Margin analysis and the Gini coefficient. The results of analysis of socio-economic characteristics of respondents in the study area showed that married people dominated the cassava market, with 87.50% of the respondents being married while the rest are either single or divorced. The study also revealed that marketing of cassava is mostly undertaken by males (55%). Most of them are literate, with at least 62.5% having secondary school education. Cassava marketing is a profitable enterprise in the study area, with average marketing margin of 35% per marketer. The market is profitable and operationally efficient, with profitability and efficiency ratios of 0.50 and 1.51 respectively. Majority of the respondents (97.5%) do not belong to cassava marketing association. The problems faced by the marketers include high transportation costs and poor pricing from buyers. More processing companies should be established in the study so as to enable marketers receive better prices; marketing cooperatives should be formed likewise. Construction and rehabilitation of good feeder roads should be done for easier and cheaper transportation of cassava tubers.
ANALYSIS OF MAIZE VALUE CHAIN IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
(2017) JEJE, EMMANUEL TEMITOPE
This study examined the maize value chain in Ondo State, Nigeria. It identified the various actors in the maize value chain, their products and functions, the value added at each stage of the value chain and the overall value chain. One hundred and seventy nine (179) respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Interview schedule and structured questionnaire were used to obtain primary data. Data were collected on cost and returns on procurement of input supply, production, processing, marketing and consumption. Also data on information delivery was collected and this was analyzed using functional and budgetary Analysis. Result from the functional analysis with other socio-economic characteristics, showed that there were five major actors or stages in the maize value chain in Ondo State, Nigeria. They are input suppliers, farmers, processors, marketers and consumers. Budget analysis revealed gross margin per month of N8,3620,643.78k for input manufacturers, N8,956,893.87k for agricultural development programme (ADP), N1,375,766.67k for the input supply Agency (AISA), N2,841,62346 for private agro dealers, N177,104.39k for gross margin of farmers, N246,119.30k for gross margin of processors of maize flour, N51,332.25k for gross margin of Boiled maize, N45,627.98k for Roasted maize processors, N11,69,203.58k for livestock feed millers, N255,939.27 for gross margin of markers. It can be concluded that maize farmers produce or cultivates at a subsistence level based on one factor and others. Storage facilities, pest and disease control is not adequate which can reduce post-harvest losses. Market information should be adequate through marketing or price Board which will prevent consumers not to be worsen-off. Based on the study, government should tar rural communities’ roads leadings to different farms for easy motorable of farm produce. Both government and input suppliers should increase and continue training of farmers in the use of farm inputs and implements through seminar workshop, training and visit, posters, handbill. Also processors of maize products should not be left out from training especially in the handling of their milling machineries (technical know-how). Government should give soft loan to maize input suppliers, farmers, processors and marketers at low interest rate to improve maize farming.
ANALYSIS OF URBAN AND RURAL PLANTAIN MARKETS INTEGRATION IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
(2012) AJAYI, JOSEPH OMOTOSO
This study analysed urban and rural plantain markets integration in Ondo State, Nigeria. It specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of plantain marketers in the urban and rural markets in the study area, the factors that influenced the price of plantain in the urban and rural markets in the study area, examined the trend of plantain prices in the urban and rural markets in the study area and whether the urban and rural plantain markets in Ondo State are co-integrated. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eighty (180) respondents and structured questionnaires administered on them to collect the required data. The secondary data used were the monthly nominal prices in naira per kilogramme of plantain in Ondo State of Nigeria. Secondary data were collected from the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The method of data analysis included descriptive statistics, regression analysis, price trend analysis and co-integration. The results of analysis of socio-economic characteristics of respondents in both the urban and rural markets in the study area revealed that married women dominated plantain marketing with 64.64% of the respondents being female while only 35.36% of the respondents were male in in the urban markets. In the rural markets, women represented 85.56% of the respondents in rural markets while only 14.44% of the respondents were men. The stationarity tests revealed that both price series were stationary at the first difference while the co-integration test revealed that the null hypothesis of no co-integration was rejected at 5 percent level of significance. The study concluded that the rural plantain markets and urban plantain markets had their prices tied together in the long run.
Antibiotic sensitivity assay of pathogenic microorganisms isolated from selected areas in some primary health centres in Akure Metropolis
(2016) Omoya FO
Antimicrobial sensitivity, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production and plasmid profile by microorganisms from Otitis media patients in Owo and Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
(2018) Onifade AK; Afolayan CO; Afolami OI
Microbiological analyses were carried out on clinical samples from Otitis media patients attending two government hospitals in Akure and Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Bacteria isolates such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes and fungal isolates such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans were identified from the analyzed samples. All the bacteria isolates were screened for beta lactamase production of which varying percentages of the characterized isolates were positive for beta-lactamase production such as E. coli (12.1%), K. pneumoniae (16.7%), P. mirabilis (8.2%), P. aeruginosa (28.8%), S. aureus (11.1%), Strep. pneumoniae (13.3%), S. epidermidis (7.1%) and Strep. pyogenes (10.7%), respectively. The results obtained from antibiotic sensitivity revealed the presence of multiple antibiotic resistant isolates (MDRIs) present among the bacteria isolates obtained and that Nitrofurantoin and Ofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics against the bacteria isolates tested. The Multiple Drug Resistant Isolates were subjected to plasmid profile analysis and they were cured of their resistant factor plasmids; they were subjected to post-plasmid curing antibiotic resistant assay where it was discovered that their initial antibiotic resistance was plasmid-mediated. Furthermore, the antifungal sensitivity test of fungal isolates revealed that Fluconazole and Clotrimazole were the most effective antifungal agents against the fungal isolates obtained from the samples analyzed.
Antioxidant activity and blood glucose reduction potential of Malabar Chestnut in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats
(2022) Akinyede AI; Fehintola AB; Oluwajuyitan TD
Ability of plants to prevent degenerative diseases is based on the biological activities of their bioactive components. Bioactive components are more biologically available for the body to utilize when the plant undergo processing which aid their potential in treatment and management of several chronic diseases like diabetes. Thus, the present study evaluated the effect of processing (cooking and roasting) on antioxidant activity and blood glucose reduction potential of Malabar Chestnut Seeds (MCSs) in Streptozotocin (STZ) Induced Diabetic Rats. Fresh MCSs were divided into three portion. First portion were cooked at 100 °C for 20 min (Cooked), second portion were roasted at 200 °C for 40 min (Roasted) while, the last portion were used as fresh MCSs (Raw). Rattus norvegicus were obtained and grouped in number of 5 rats per sample. The antioxidant activities assay shows that processing (cooking and roasting) enhanced free radical scavenging ability of MCSs samples against DPPH which ranged from 41.27% in raw to 58.77% in roasted. Glycemic index of cooked and roasted MCSs (42.29% and 37.77%) were also observed to be lower than 44.78% obtained in raw MCSs. Low density lipoprotein concentration (99.74 and 86.78 mg/dl) of rats fed on processed (cooked and roasted) MCSs samples shows ameliorating potential compared with 113.01 mg/dl obtained in rats induced with STZ and fed with Chow only. Highest blood glucose level reduction potential (73.90%) was obtained in roasted MCSs followed by cooked MCSs (70.09%). These values were higher than 0.43% and 67.45% obtained in STZ induced rats fed on chow and acarbose (2.0 mg/day) respectively. The study established that processing of MCSs enhanced free radical scavenging abilities, lower glycemic index (<43%), increase antidiabetic and antihypercholesterol ameliorating potentials. However, roasted MCSs may be recommended for formulation of functional foods as its showed highest activities in antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticholesterol potentials.
Antioxidant properties of beverages from graded mixture of green/roasted coffee and hibiscus sabdariffa calyx flours
(2022) Agunbiade HO; Fagbemi TN; Aderinola TA
In an attempt to develop functional beverage that is health promoting, this study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant potential of beverages (powders) developed from green/roasted coffee and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx. Green coffee beans were roasted; graded blends of green or roasted coffee beans were blended with graded amount of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx and assessed for total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant properties, sensory qualities and proximate composition in the laboratory. The results showed that all the beverages exhibited good antioxidant properties with total phenolic ranging between 36.26–351.35 mg GAE/g, total flavonoids 13.74–104.05 mg QE/g, FRAP 30.30–175.89 mg GAE/g, ABTS 14.45–42.65%, DPPH 92.23–95.39%. The proximate composition, moisture content 4.62–11.55, total ash 4.74–8.00, crude fat 11.88–14.31, crude fiber 8.25–10.64, crude protein 4.32–9.51, 53.62–57.66. The sample made from 70% Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx and 30% green coffee powder showed the highest antioxidant properties comparable with standard antioxidant agent having total phenol of 351.351 mg GAE/g, total flavonoids 104.05 mg QE/g, FRAP 175.89 mg GAE/g, ABTS 42.65%, DPPH 95.39%. These findings showed that the blends have the potential to serve as a source of natural antioxidant and can stabilize free radicals. Hence can serve as a functional beverage.
ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN FOREST CONSERVATION IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
(2021) AGBAJE, TOLULOPE THERESA
This study assessed community participation in forest conservation in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of respondents in the study area; evaluated the perception of the respondents about forest conservation; determined the awareness of any forest conservation programme among the respondents; identified different forest conservation association among the respondents; examined the perceived benefits derived by the respondents from the forest reserves; assessed the level of willingness of the community to accept a premium for conservation of forest; and identified factors that influenced the respondents willingness in forest conservation in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 200 respondents. Stage one involved purposive selection of two Agricultural zones out of the four zones in the State for occupying the largest sqkm2 of forest reserve. Stage two involved purposive selection of two Local Government Area (LGAs) from each of the selected Zones that are identified as having forest reserve in the State. In the third stage, five rural communities around the forest reserves were selected randomly from each LGA. The last stage involved random selection of 10 respondents from each community. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, Likert Scale, Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Doublebounded Logit Model. The findings of the study revealed that average age of the respondents were 41.90 years which indicate that they were in their active age and most (49.5%) of them had secondary school completed. Also, larger proportion (63.0%) of the respondents were indigene of the villages around forest reserve and some (35.0%) of them had lived in the area for more than 21 years. On the average, the distance of the respondents from their home to forest was 2.68km while their mean income earned on monthly basis was ₦27,580. All the respondents have no access to social amenities. From the respondents’ perception, it shows that they strongly agreed that forest protection programme is necessary to sustain the forest reserve with mean score of 4.7. Larger proportion (65.0%) of the respondents were aware of forest degradation while some (29.0%) of them got their information on forest degradation from community leaders. From the result, it also shows that 49.0% of the respondents were aware of forest conservation programme (FCP) and 40.5% of them identified REDD+ (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) programme as their FCP. 44.9% of the respondents are fully involved in planning stage on how to control illegal logging in REDD+ programme. Most (85.0%) of the respondents harnessed fuel wood from the forest reserve while 81.0% of them were using the reserve for agricultural production. Furthermore, larger proportion (95.0%) of respondents were willing to accept a premium to conserve forest reserve and the exact mean of WTA monthly was ₦42,325.00. The double-bounded logit regression model showed that bid amount, age, marital status, income and forest distance were factors that significantly influenced the respondents WTA premium for forest protection. This study concluded that the respondents` were aware of forest degradation, and the importance of maintaining, conserving and sustaining forest reserve. In addition, the respondents` were willing to accept a premium for forest conservation. The study recommended that since they are willing to accept premium, Government and other Stakeholders should use the opportunity to involve the rural dwellers in conservation program so that forest management will be participatory in nature.
ASSESSMENT OF PRICE INTERGRATION OF COWPEA MARKETS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
(2021) JONATHAN, JOEL ALI
This study analysed urban and rural cowpea markets integration in Gombe State, Nigeria. It specifically examined the socioeconomic characteristics of cowpea marketers, examined the trend in the price of cowpea at the urban and rural markets and examined whether there was a long run relationship between urban and rural market prices of cowpea. Multistage sampling method was used to select one hundred and fifty (150) respondents and structure questionnaire was administered on them to collect the required data. The secondary data used for the study was obtained from Gombe State Agricultural Programme (GSADP). The methods of data analysis were descriptive statistics, price trends analysis and co-integration. The descriptive statistics such as tables, frequencies and percentages were used to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. Co-integration was used to establish the integration in cowpea prices between urban and rural markets. The result of analysis of socio-economic characteristics shows that 2.5% of the respondents were less than 20years of age in the urban markets, while only 5.7% of the respondents were less than 20years of age in the rural markets. The percentage of respondents that were between 21 and 30 years of age in the urban markets was 8.8% and 27.1% of the respondents in the rural markets. About 15% of the respondents in the urban markets were between 31 to 40 years of age while 34.3% of the rural respondents were between the ages of 31 to 40 years of age. The urban markets had 99% of male respondents and 1% female respondents, while the rural markets had 81.4% male respondent and 18.6% female respondents. About 32.5% of the respondents in the urban markets had primary education while 37.1% of the respondents in the rural had primary education. In the urban markets, 37.5% of the respondent had education up to secondary school level whereas 30% of the respondents in the rural had secondary education. The maximum price of cowpea in the urban area was found to be ₦450/kg which was obtained in July 2017. However the minimum price in the urban area was obtained in January 2010 at the rate of ₦90/kg depicting fluctuation in prices across various seasons. Similarly, for rural cowpea markets, the maximum price attained was ₦400/kg in July, 2017, whereas the minimum price obtained was ₦80/kg January, 2013. The price of cowpea was not stable across seasons in both urban and rural markets. The co-integration test result for cowpea prices indicate one co-integrating equation in the market pairs at 5% level of significance. Since the test statistics was greater than the critical value for the market pairs. The null hypothesis (r=0) is therefore rejected at 5 percent level of significance. This means that the two markets are linked together in the long run despite a potential short run divergence between them. The result of pair-wise granger causality test for cowpea markets has shown one significant directional (one-way) granger causality between the rural and urban cowpea markets. Rural markets prices was however stronger as it granger caused urban prices at 5% level significance. In conclusion the study shows that there are male dominant marketers of cowpea in the urban and rural markets, market prices are cointegrated. Price relative stability to improve rural markets/farmers in getting what is commiserates with cost and obtains profit. Governments’ efforts should be geared at the provision of rural-oriented economical markets with available facilities in both rural and urban markets for cowpea. Improved varieties should be made available for the growers, so as to increase the volume for marketing and inter region marketing, exportation.
Attenuation of millimetre wave radio signal at worst hour rainfall rate in a tropical region: A case study, Nigeria
(2022) Nymphas EF; Ibe O
The classical sub-6 GHz spectrum currently being used by wireless networks cannot support the requirement of 5G and higher upcoming mobile communication networks due to its limited bandwidth. Millimeter Wave (MMW) radio systems operating at 30 to 300GHz band provides higher bandwidth, frequency reuse and communications security but suffers greatly from atmospheric, environmental and rain attenuation. The attenuation of millimeter wave radio signal at worst hour rainfall rate was therefore investigated. The data was collected from the Tropospheric Data Acquisition network (TRODAN), the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Federal University of Technology, Akure. The rainfall rates were measured at 5 and 1-minutes integration time and the Lavergnat and Gole model was used for the conversion of the measured 5 minute to equivalent 1-minute values. The results revealed that throughout the study period, about 66.67% of the sites recorded the worst rainfall events at the 15 hours Local Time (LT). The range of rainfall rate at 0.01% exceedance was 1.18 to 62 mm/hr while at 0.001% it ranged from 51.50 to 116 mm/hr. The specific attenuation at the threshold frequency of 200 GHz at the 0.01% exceedance ranged from 1.638 to 6.175 dB/km. The clear signal band frequency threshold was 60 GHz and the path attenuation ranged from 15.34 dB to 20.43 dB. These results suggest the inclusion of the estimated attenuation values by radio propagation engineers in designs for this region.
Bioactive component of aqueous extract of Solanum melongena ameliorate estradiol valerate induced ovarian-pituitary dysfunctions in female Sprague–Dawley rats: Histomorphological and biochemical evidence
(2022) Adelakun SA; Akintunde OW; Akingbade GT; Adedotun OA
Background Estradiol valerate (EV) is known to cause hypothalamic-pituitary dysregulation of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. This study focused on the impact of aqueous extract of Solanum melongena (SM) on EV-induced ovarian-pituitary dysfunction in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods Thirty-two healthy female Sprague Dawley rats weighing (8 weeks old; weight 150–200 g) were randomly divided into four groups of eight (n = 8) rats each. Group A received 2 ml of distilled water, Group B received a single dose of 4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of EV (i.p), Group C received 500 mg/kg bwt SM extract orally and Group D received a single dose of 4 mg/kg bwt of EV (i.p) and 500 mg/kg bwt of SM orally, the experiment lasted for 21days. The following parameters body weight, pituitary gland weight, ovary weight, ovary, and pituitary gland histomorphology, total antioxidant status (TOS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), progesterone, FSH, LH, Testosterone, and estradiol were assessed. Results Estradiol valerate decreases the number of healthy follicles, progesterone, estradiol, HDL, and TAS. And increase degenerated cystic follicles, TT, FSH, LH, triglyceride, TC, LAL, TOS, and OSI. Pituitary gland showed degenerative changes, characterized by neutrophil infiltrations and loss of cellular projections marked improvement was observed in the ovary, pituitary gland, hormone, and biochemical parameters after SM administration. Conclusion Solanum melongena offers protection against EV-induced ovarian-pituitary dysfunctions evidence by restoration of oxidative stress markers, steroidogenesis, and histopathological alterations back to control level.
Challenges of Urban Housing Quality: Insights and Experiences of Akure, Nigeria
(2016) Adeoye DO
This research was conducted in order to evaluate the housing infrastructure and quality in Akure, capital city of Ondo state, Nigeria. It tries to identify the problems that have aided the degradation of basic housing infrastructures, substandard housing, overcrowding and the likelihood of future incidences of disease and epidemics. In order to achieve the above; the city was divided into high, medium and low – density zones. The study also made use of the existing demographic and land use characteristics of the city and both primary and secondary data were used for the data collection. From the methodology, there were questionnaire administration, collection and updating of the base maps, observation checklists and the use of necessary field instrument for the study. Penalty scoring was used to assess the conditions and quality of houses. A total number of 180 houses were selected for the study. Secondary data involved information from existing literatures, books and journals. The study reveals that Houses in the high – density area have the worst property and environmental characteristics followed by houses in the medium – density area. Based on housing condition alone, approximately half of all the dwellings surveyed (54.44%) in the three zones are categorized as either sub – standard or unfit for human habitation. More than half of the houses surveyed have at least one or more major defects. Many of the houses are overcrowded with perhaps up to eight persons per room and the rooms are subjected to tenant's abuse by internal conversion to increase the occupancy rate. Also, many of the residents in the high density area are polygamists. The study further suggested a regeneration by private investors with possible displacement of residents from the high – density zone to new towns; a vigorous programme of housing and health education; enhanced collaboration between stakeholders to develop enforceable standards for existing housing stock is necessary; while the government is also expected to improve the existing infrastructures.
Co-administration of metformin and gallic acid modulates JAK/STAT signaling pathway and glutathione metabolism in fructose-fed streptozotocin diabetic Rats
(2022) Elekofehinti OO; Ariyo EO; Iwaloye O; Obafemi TO
Background Incidence of diabetes Mellitus (DM) is on the rise with each passing year in spite of available therapies in the management of DM. Metformin, a standard antidiabetic drug, and gallic acid (GA) are some of the compounds with established antidiabetic properties. However, there is dearth of information on their combination on JAK/STAT signaling pathway and glutathione metabolism in diabetic model. This study investigated the combined effect of metformin and GA on diabetic rats. Methods Forty male wistar rats were divided into 5 groups viz: diabetic control, normal control, Metformin (100 mg/kg), GA (100 mg/kg) and GA (100 mg/kg) + Metformin (100 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced by administration of 10% fructose for 14 days followed by injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). The therapy was administered for a total of 21 days. The pancreatic mRNA expression of antioxidant genes (glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunits (GCLC), glutamate cysteine ligase modifier subunits (GCLM) and Glutathione Synthetase (GSS), inflammatory genes (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and proteins of the Janus Kinase/ Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription pathway (Janus Kinase (JAK), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT), were quantified using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Metformin and GA were also docked with Insulin, GSS, and Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) to determine their binding affinity. Results Rats treated with co-administration of GA and metformin significantly (p < 0.05) decreased fasting blood glucose level in comparison with groups treated with gallic acid only and metformin only. The gene expression analysis shows that co-administering metformin and gallic acid protects the pancreas of STZ-induced rats by increasing glutathione production, alleviating inflammation (IL-1, IL-6, IFN-), and modulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway though upregulation of GCLC, GCLM, GSS mRNA expression and IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, JAK2, STAT3 and STA5 mRNA expression. Conclusion This study showed that the combination therapy of metformin and GA modulated JAK/STAT pathway mediated by the cytokines, and replenished glutathione in the pancreas of diabetic rats.
Combining multicriteria decision analysis with GIS for suitably siting landfills in a Nigerian state
(2019) Ajibade FO; Olajire OO; Ajibade TF; Nwogwu NA; Lasisi KH; Alo AB; Owolabi TA; Adewumi JR
Population explosion coupled with poor governance and land use planning is responsible for indiscriminate dumping of solid waste in unsuitable sites. Despite the vast availability of modern methods of siting landfills, many waste disposal methods in Akure are piled up in open sites and unsafe. Owing to this lack of effectiveness of these common methods in Akure, a better approach is adopted to enable the analysis of a number of required qualitative and quantitative issues for landfill site selection. This study is aimed at identifying suitable sites for solid waste disposal and management while considering all essential factors and rating criteria by integrating GIS with multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in Akure, Ondo State. Standards for siting landfill formulated by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) were employed in this study. The criteria that are considered herein are land use, slope, distance to drainage, distance to linear features, soil, geology, distance to the residence and road accessibility. These criteria were assigned fuzzy membership classes based on their importance in siting landfill. The fuzzy members of all criteria were overlaid to generate the final landfill site suitability map which was classified into five: not suitable (34.1%), less suitable (50.4%), moderately suitable (0.3%), suitable (0.02%) and highly suitable (15.5%). The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique was employed in the selection of the landfill site with reverence to multiple criteria and the fuzzy membership classes in accordance with the standards of the EPA. The result of this study serves as guide for further field survey.
Comparative study on Radio Refractivity Gradient in the troposphere using Chaotic Quantifiers
(2019) Ojo JS; Adelakun AO; Edward OV
Complexity and nonlinear trend in the internal activities of the troposphere has been a great factor affecting the transmission and receiving of good quality of signals globally. In lieu of this, prediction of chaos and positive refractivity gradients for line-of-sight microwave radio paths is necessary for designing radio systems. Complexity in the troposphere due to changes in meteorological parameters can lead to the strong negative gradient (or super-refraction) which afterward lead to interference between terrestrial links and satellite earth stations. In this paper, a comparative study on the degree of complexity of Radio Refractivity Gradient (RRG) using Chaotic Quantifiers (CQ) such as Phase Plot Reconstruction (PPR), Average Mutual Information (AMI), False Nearest Neighbor (FNN), Lyapunov Exponent (LE), Tsallis Entropy (TS) and Recurrence Plot (RP) are discussed extensively. The RRG data (2011-2012) used in this work were obtained for 0 m to 100 m, from the archives of Tropospheric Data Acquisition Network (TRODAN) from five different stations namely; Akure (Geo. 7.299∘N,5.147∘E), Enugu (Geo. 6.46∘N,7.55∘E), Jos (Geo. 9.90∘N,8.86∘E), Minna (Geo. 9.58∘N,6.55∘E) and Sokoto (Geo. 13.01∘N,5.25∘E). The chaotic quantifiers are used to investigate the degree of complexity in the 30 minutes interval atmospheric data from the selected locations which is specified into rainy, dry and transition season months. The parallel and short diagonal lines observed depicts the evidence of chaos. However, the observed result shows that the RRG is higher during the rainy season than the dry season. In other words, the information is valid for the proposed data analysis, since the LE is actually directly proportional to the TE. Also, the results further show that the rainy season months exhibit higher chaoticity than the dry season months, which is equivalent to high radio refractivity gradient observed across the selected stations.
CONSUMER DEMAND AND PREFERENCE FOR MEAT CONSUMPTION AMONG URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
(2021) AKOMOLAFE, GBENGA KUNLE
The study examined consumer demand and preference for meat consumption among urban households in Ondo State, Nigeria. Nigeria livestock industry is small and slow growing relative to the population relying on it for meat. Household demand for meat products are faced with problems which are mostly due to market prices. Developing countries such as Nigeria is among low income countries where decrease in per capita income leads to decrease in meat demand and consumption. Also meat consumption varies worldwide, depending on culture or religious preference, economic conditions as well as changes in the consumer food behaviors which all contribute to the problem of meat consumption. Therefore the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents; identified the most preferred meat type; examined the factors that influence consumer’s demand and preference for meat; estimated own price, cross price and expenditure elasticities of the demand for meat and identified constraints faced by respondents in meeting their meat consumption needs in the study area. Primary data were collected with aid of a well-structured questionnaire from one hundred and fifty (150) respondents comprising of fifty urban households each from Akure South, Ondo West and Owo Local Government Areas of Ondo state. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multinomial Logistic Regression, Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model and Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance. The results showed among others that: Male respondents dominated with 54% and 77.4% of the respondents were in the age bracket of 20- 50 years in the study area, while 80% of the respondents had tertiary education, 76.7% of the respondents have household size of 1-5 and 42% of the respondents are civil servants. The study also revealed that dried fish is the most preferred meat (56.7%) followed by Hide and skin (ponmo) (19.3%), Pork (13.3%), while snail is the least preferred meat (10.7%). The reason for this preference were: appearance, income, smell and market. The result of Multinomial Logistic Regression showed that dried fish was the reference category, thereby making prediction for the other three meat types. Likewise, the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) showed that the own price of all the products are negative, confirming to the law of demand, while Cross price elasticity revealed that the various meat types have complementary and substitute relationships. In conclusion, Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance showed that low household income was the most severe constraint while poor health and religious belief were the least pressing constraints faced by the respondents in meeting their meat needs. The study recommended that consumer’s protection council must make sure that the prices of the available meat types are kept low by encouraging partnership in the production, distribution and marketing of meat which in turn allow the consumers to buy at relatively cheap prices. Also, the public and the private sector should ensure that there are more sales outlet readily available for the numerous consumers so as to meet their demands for meat products to help household consume what they prefer than what is available
CONSUMERS’ PREFERENCES AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ORGANIC AMARANTH AND TOMATO IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM CHOICE EXPERIMENT
(2019) AKINWEHINMI, Joseph Oluwagbenga
This study made use of a stated preference technique, Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE), to elicit consumers’ preference and willingness to pay for organic amaranth and tomato. Also, the study investigated heterogeneity in consumers’ preferences at the same time described socio-economic characteristics of respondents driving heterogeneity. A total of 247 respondents were drawn through the administration of well-structured questionnaire following a multistage sampling technique. The analytical techniques employed included descriptive statistics and parametric and semi parametric logistic regression analysis. The results of analysis of key socio-economic characteristics showed that respondents in the amaranth and tomato groups had mean ages of 48 and 44 respectively. Male respondents dominated the survey with 67.9% and 84.3% in the amaranth and tomato groups respectively. Most of the respondents have smaller households with average of four members in the amaranths group and three in the tomato group. It was found that only 28.06% and 5.77% were really fully aware of the organic products in the amaranth and tomato groups. In the unobserved heterogeneity model formulations, price of organic amaranth, chemical reduction, taste, freshness and NAFDAC certified attributes were consistently revealed as strong predictors for consumers’ choice of organic amaranth. In relation to the results for organic tomato, the strong predictors were price, chemical reduction taste, complete and partial freshness. Explaining heterogeneity in mean taste parameters for organic amaranth data, age, gender and level of awareness about organic products were found to be the best explanatory individualspecific factors in preference for chemical reduction. Only gender explained variation in preference for taste while level of awareness explained variation in preference for NAFDAC certification. In the pooled data, age and percentage of spouse income contribution in the total household income significantly explained variation in sensitivities to chemical reduction. Level of awareness explained variation in sensitivities towards NAFDAC certification. The results based on WTP-space model for the organic amaranths reveal that consumers were willing to pay premium for all attributes except the relatively unknown Nigerian Organic Agriculture Network (NOAN) certification. In the tomato group, results showed that respondents were only willing to pay for chemical reduction and tastiness in tomato even though they preferred the other attributes in the preference models. In all of the models estimated and in both commodity groups, chemical reduction was revealed to be the strongest attribute that positively induced consumers’ willingness to pay. Given a relatively low level of awareness of organic concept, we suggest policies that drive consumers' awareness of organic concept. In relation to certification, certified organic market may only speed up to consumers acceptability if a relatively popular NAFDAC would include standardization of organic agricultural production in her portfolio. Furthermore, government can spark up organic food production by reviving the moribund organic fertilizer plant in the study area.

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