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A controlled study to investigate anti-diarrhoeal effect of the stem-bark fractions of Terminalia avicennioides in laboratory animal models
(2017) Suleiman MM; Oyelowo BB; Abubakar A; Mamman M; Bello KD
Due to the shortcomings associated with modern synthetic antidiarrhoeal drugs, it is important to find newer, safer and cheaper antidiarrhoeal agents from natural sources. The study was conducted to evaluate the anti-diarrhoeal activity of the fractions of the stem-bark of Terminalia avicennioides in laboratory animal models. The effect of different concentrations (1.0×10−3, 2.0×10−3, 4.0×10−3 and 8.0×10−3mg/mL) of the aqueous methanol (AMF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and hexane (HXF) fractions of T. avicennioides were tested against spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced contractions of rabbit jejunum as well as on histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum. Similarly, the effects of the AMF on gastro-intestinal transit time, castor oil-induced diarrhoea and castor oil-induced enteropooling were evaluated. The AMF, EAF and HXF at concentrations of 1.0×10−3, 2.0×10−3, 4.0×10−3 and 8.0×10−3mg/mL attenuated the contractile effects of both the spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced contractions of rabbit jejunum and that of histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum in a concentration-dependent manner. The AMF at doses of 200, 300 and 500mg/kg produced significant (p<0.05) reductions in gastrointestinal transit time of charcoal and incidence of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice relative to the untreated control. Similarly, at doses of 300 and 500mg/kg, AMF significantly (p<0.05) reduced the weight and volume of intestinal fluid in the treated mice when compared to the untreated animals. The results of this study showed that the stem-bark of T. avicennioides possesses spasmolytic effect and could be a potential antidiarrhoeal agent. However, detailed pharmacological trials are required to justify the clinical use of the plant for treating diarrhoea.
A Descriptive Epidemiology of Cholera Outbreak in Katsina State, Nigeria, 2021
(2022) Suleiiman SY; Idris AS; Suleiman K; Abubakar A; Ruma MT; Haladu S; Kaita IM; Ibrahim UB
Purpose Cholera is a highly infectious enteric bacterial infection cause by Vibrio cholerae. It causes large outbreaks characterized by watery diarrhea and vomiting. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of the ongoing cholera outbreak in Katsina State, Nigeria Methods & Materials We analyzed the Katsina State cholera outbreak surveillance data collected from the State Primary Healthcare Agency. We described cholera cases in time, place, and person. We calculated age specific case fatality rates and attack rates. Results A total of 5796 cases were recorded with 182 deaths and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.1%. The median age for cases was 18 years (range: 0.17-95 years). Male cases were 2798 (50.5%). The attack rate was 66.2 per 100,000. Persons greater than 60 years had the highest age specific case fatality rate (ASCFR) of 6.9%. The outbreak started in Bakori in week 12 and is still ongoing. Thirty-three Local Government Areas were affected with Funtua having the highest attack rate of 460.4 per 100,000 and case fatality rate of 10.3%. Conclusion The cholera outbreak has caused a significant loss of lives in Katsina State. Persons above 60 years were the most affected. Katsina Primary Healthcare Agency deployed rapid response teams to investigate and control the spread of the outbreak. Risk communication messages emphasized on improvement of hygiene in the state. We recommend Katsina State government should prioritize provision of clean drinking water and sewage drainage system in the affected areas to control the outbreak
A ten-year study of prostate cancer specimens at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (A.B.U.T.H), Zaria, Nigeria
(2015) Oluwole OP; Rafindadi AH; Shehu MS; Samaila MO
Background In recent years attention has focused on malignant prostatic lesions due to the perceived high incidence of prostatic carcinoma in different geographical areas worldwide. Unfortunately, African American race/ethnicity is one of the three primary non-modifiable risk factors confirmed for prostate cancer. Objective To analyze the pattern of distribution of prostate cancer among men in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Patients and methods This is a 10-year retrospective histopathological analysis of all prostate cancer cases diagnosed between January 1991 and December 2000 in the Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (A.B.U.T.H), Zaria, Nigeria. Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) stained histology slides were retrieved and studied. The patients’ bio-data were retrieved from the patient case files and departmental records. After histological assessment, the tumours were classified according to WHO recommendation. Histological grading and staging of adenocarcinoma was done using the Gleason Score. Results Between January 1991 and December 2000, a total of 151 cases of prostate cancer were seen, constituting 4.1% of all malignancies and 10.1% of male malignancies seen during this period. The diagnosis was based on histopathological analysis of specimens obtained from Trucut needle biopsies and open prostatectomies. The patients’ age ranged from 30 to 79 years with a mean age of 64.5 years. The peak age at diagnosis was in the seventh decade, while two relatively young patients were found to have prostate cancer at the age of 30 and 32, respectively. All the tumours were adenocarcinomas, 51.6% were poorly and 58.4% moderately differentiated. Conclusion Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Most of the patients presented late. The peak age at diagnosis in this review was the seventh decade and two patients aged 30 and 32 years were found to have prostate cancer.
Age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica)
(2021) Orakpoghenor O; Markus TP; Ogbuagu NE; Enam SJ; Oladele SB; Abdu PA; Esievo KA
In this study, the age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons were evaluated. Sixty apparently healthy domestic pigeons comprising 30 young (2–7 weeks of age) and 30 adult (>7 weeks of age) were sampled from local breeders. Blood was collected from each bird via brachial venipuncture and divided into 2 parts; one part dispensed into labeled tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as anticoagulant was processed for haematological analyses. The other part was dispensed into labeled plain tubes, serum harvested and processed for serum biochemical analyses. Results revealed overall packed cells volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HGB) and red blood cells (RBC) of 42.97 ± 4.53%, 13.15 ± 1.82 g/dL and 3.63 ± 0.50 × 1012/L respectively. All haematological parameters except mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocyte count showed statistical (p < 0.05) differences between young and adult pigeons. Values recorded for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, serum/albumin ratio, urea, creatinine and urea/creatinine ratio were 4.32 ± 0.74 g/dL, 2.07 ± 0.30 g/dL, 2.25 ± 0.74 g/dL, 1.04 ± 0.43, 0.48 ± 0.33 mg/dL, 0.75 ± 0.52 mg/dL and 0.73 ± 0.51 respectively. Serum urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in adult (0.62 ± 0.40; 1.04 ± 0.60 mg/dL) compared to young (0.34 ± 0.13; 0.47 ± 0.15 mg/dL) pigeons. This study therefore demonstrated age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons.
An epidemiological study of 270 cases of carcinomas of the head and neck region in a Nigerian tertiary health care facility
(2017) Fomete B; Agbara R; Adebayo ET; Osunde OD; Adeola DS
Introduction Oral cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring malignant tumor and is the major cause of morbidity and mortality with high metastatic and invasive tendency. The incidence of oral cancer differs widely in various parts of the world with a range of 2–10 per 100,000 populations per year, approximately 300,000 new cases. Incidence and mortality as a result of oral cancer are higher in developing countries when compared to developed countries. This is the reason for the occurrence of the peak age in later decades of life. Patients and methods All consecutive cases of histologically diagnosed cases of orofacial carcinomas seen at the Maxillofacial Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria over a 10 year period were retrospectively analyzed. Results Over the study period, a total of 1116 cases of maxillofacial conditions were seen in the unit out of which 270 represented orofacial cancers, giving a prevalence of 24.19%. Of the 270 cases, male accounted for 159(58.9%) while females were 111(41.1%) giving a male to female ratio of 1.43:1. The age ranged from 5 to 90 years, mean (SD), 48.4(16.12) years and patients in the 4th to 6th decades (47.7%) were mostly affected. There was no gender difference in terms of distribution of the tumors according to age. Conclusion Squamous cell carcinoma of the orofacial region has continued to pose great challenges to care givers and practitioners involved in their management.
An update on oestrus synchronisation of goats in Nigeria
(2016) Omontese BO; Rekwot PI; Ate IU; Ayo JO; Kawu MU; Rwuaan JS; Nwannenna AI; Mustapha RA; Bello AA
This review is aimed at providing information on current status of oestrus synchronization as a management tool in goats in Nigeria. Oestrus synchronisation is a reproductive tool that enables goat farmers breed their animals within a short pre-determined period. The principle of oestrus synchronisation is chiefly the control of the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle and two basic mechanisms are employed. These include the use of prostaglandins or its analogues to shorten luteal life/induce premature luteolysis or the use of exogenous progesterone to prolong luteal life, thereby simulating the activity of natural progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. The latter is advantageous where the reproductive status of the flock is unknown. However, the former is easy to apply and only effective in cycling animals. Pharmaceutical products that have been employed in ES protocols in Nigeria include Lutalyse®, Estrumate®, EstroPLAN®, Fluorogestone acetate®, Sil-Oestrus®, Medroxyl-progesterone acetate®, Synchromate-B®, PMSG®, and more recently, the Controlled Internal Drug Release® (CIDR) devices. Over the last three decades, many attempts have been made at assessing the response of goats to various oestrus synchronisation agents and protocols in Nigeria. However, the low availability of these pharmaceutical agents and cost preclude the widespread use of oestrus synchronisation technique in goat production. The inclusion of gonadotrophins in oestrus synchronisation protocols have been reported to improve oestrus responses in goats, while season has been reported to influence the efficiency of oestrus synchronisation programmes. Increasing the dose levels of exogenous hormones in oestrus synchronisation protocols has caused variable and sometimes inconsistent effects. The effects of combining the male stimulus with exogenous hormones, seasonal variation, extra-label use of products and short-term nutritional manipulation on oestrus responses in goats require further evaluation. It is concluded adoption of oestrus synchronisation practice portends enhanced goat production in Nigeria.
Analysis of Nigeria Research Reactor-1 Thermal Power Calibration Methods
(2016) Agbo SA; Ahmed YA; Ewa IO; Jibrin Y
This paper analyzes the accuracy of the methods used in calibrating the thermal power of Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1), a low-power miniature neutron source reactor located at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The calibration was performed at three different power levels: low power (3.6 kW), half power (15 kW), and full power (30 kW). Two methods were used in the calibration, namely, slope and heat balance methods. The thermal power obtained by the heat balance method at low power, half power, and full power was 3.7 ± 0.2 kW, 15.2 ± 1.2 kW, and 30.7 ± 2.5 kW, respectively. The thermal power obtained by the slope method at half power and full power was 15.8 ± 0.7 kW and 30.2 ± 1.5 kW, respectively. It was observed that the slope method is more accurate with deviations of 4% and 5% for calibrations at half and full power, respectively, although the linear fit (slope method) on average temperature-rising rates during the thermal power calibration procedure at low power (3.6 kW) is not fitting. As such, the slope method of power calibration is not suitable at lower power for NIRR-1.
Antibodies to Rift Valley Fever virus in some wildlife and domestic animals in Bauchi state, Nigeria
(2020) Atuman Y; Kudi C; Abdu PA; Abubakar A; Okubanjo O
Antinociceptive activity of methanol extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium tubers in murine model of pain: Possible involvement of α2-adrenergic receptor and KATP channels
(2020) Abubakar A; Nazifi AB; Odoma S; Shehu S; Danjuma NM
The tubers of Chlorophytum alismifolium are used in Nigerian Herbal Medicine for the management of diabetes mellitus, painful and inflammatory conditions. The antinociceptive activity has been validated but the mechanism of this activity is yet to be explored. This study therefore, aimed to investigate the probable mechanism(s) of the antinociceptive activity of C. alismifolium tubers using experimental animal model of pain. HPLC and GC-MS analyses were carried out on the extract. Antinociceptive activity was investigated using acetic acid-induced writhing response test in mice. Three groups of mice were orally administered distilled water (10 ml/kg), C. alismifolium (400 mg/kg) and morphine (10 mg/kg) 60 min before administration of acetic acid and the resulting writhing were counted for 10 min. To establish the probable mechanism(s) of action of C. alismifolium, separate groups of animals were pretreated intraperitoneally with naloxone (2 mg/kg), prazosin (1 mg/kg), yohimbine (1 mg/kg), propranolol (20 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) 15 min before C. alismifolium administration. HPLC chromatogram of the extract revealed seventeen characteristic peaks with retention times ranging between 2.1 and 7.4 min. Administration of C. alismifolium significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the mean number of writhes compared to control group. Pretreatment with yohimbine and glibenclamide significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively) reduced the antinociceptive activity of extract-alone treated group. However, pretreatment with prazosin, naloxone and propranolol showed no effect on its analgesic activity. The findings from this research revealed the possible involvement of α2-adrenergic receptor and KATP channels in the antinociceptive activity of Chlorophytum alismifolium tuber extract.
Antitrypanosomal properties of Anogeissus leiocarpa extracts and their inhibitory effect on trypanosome alternative oxidase
(2022) Tauheed AM; Mamman M; Ahmed A; Suleiman MM; Balogun EO
Background African trypanosomiasis is a protozoan disease with huge socio-economic burden to sub-Saharan African exceeding US$4.6 annual loss. To mitigate the incidence of trypanosomal drug resistance, efforts are geared towards discovery of molecules, especially from natural products, with potential to inhibit important molecular target (trypanosome alternative oxidase, TAO) in trypanosomes that are critical to their survival. Method Crude methanol extract of Anogeissus leiocarpa was subjected to in vitro bioassay-guided antitrypanosomal assay to identify the most active extract with trypanocidal activity. The most active extract was run on a column chromatography yielding five fractions, F1-F5. The fractions were assayed for inhibitory effect on TAO. The most promising TAO inhibitor was subjected to antitrypanosomal evaluation by trypanosome count, drug incubation infectivity test (DIIT) and in vivo studies. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify and quantify phytochemical constituents of the potential TAO-inhibiting fraction. Results Ethyl acetate extract (EtOAc) significantly (p<0.05) produced trypanocidal effect and was the most active extract. Of the five fractions, only F4 significantly (p<0.05) inhibited TAO compared to the control. F4 completely immobilised the trypanosomes up to 0.5 µg/µl, yielding an EC50 of 0.024 µg/µl compared to the 0.502 µg/µl of diminazene aceturate positive control group. The DIIT showed that F4 was significantly (p<0.05) potent up to 0.1 µg/µl. F4 significantly (p<0.05) suppressed parasite multiplication in systemic circulation of the treated rats and significantly (p<0.05) maintained high PCV when compared to the 5% DMSO group. Furthermore, F4 significantly (p<0.05) lowered serum concentrations of malondialdehyde. Phytoconstituents identified by the GC-MS include tetradecene; cetene; 3-(benzylthio) acrylic acid, methyl ester; 1-octadecene; 9-heptadecanone; hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; dibutyl phthalate; eicosene; octadecenoic acid, methyl ester; oleic acid; 2-methyl-Z,Z-3,13-octadecadienol; 1-docosene; 3-phenylthiane, s-oxide; phenol, 3-methyl; phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl) ester and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester. Conclusion F4 from EtOAc contains six carbohydrates (9.58%), two free fatty acids (6.48%), five fatty acid esters (27.73%), two aromatic compounds (50.63%) and one organosulphide (5.61%). It inhibited TAO and demonstrated antitrypanosomal effects.
Awareness, Perception and Preferences of Mothers towards Mobile Phone Reminders for Routine Childhood Immunization Appointments in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Shika,Zaria,Nigeria
(2018) Onoja-Alexander M; Isa AS; Lawal B; Olorukooba A; Gobir A; Nwankwo B; Onoja A; Umar A
Benign prostatic hyperplasia in a 23year old man with progeroid syndrome
(2018) Ahmed M; Lawal AT; Bello A; Abubakar A; Maitama HY
Introduction Progeroid syndromes are characterized by accelerated aging and early development of diseases typically associated with aging. Premature development of tumors including BPH, maybe observed in these patients, which can lead to significant bladder outlet obstruction. Observation The index patient was a 23year old man who presented to us with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), features of obstructive nephropathy and was noticed to have been aging rapidly. He had features of premature aging, bilateral cataract and enlarged benign prostate (BPH). He eventually succumbed to obstructive nephropathy and urosepsis. Conclusion Progeroid syndromes may be associated with premature development of obstructive BPH.
Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of heavy metals exposure from Shanono and Bagwai artisanal gold mines, Kano state, Nigeria
(2019) Bello S; Nasiru R; Garba NN; Adeyemo DJ
This work was aimed at estimating the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks due to heavy metals on children and adults living in the vicinity of Shanono and Bagwai gold mining environs, Kano state, Nigeria. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to obtain the concentrations of the heavy metals Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, As, Cr, Mn, Fe and Ni in (40) soils, (8) drinking water and (8) edible plant samples from artisanal gold mining villages within Shanono and Bagwai environs. The obtained concentrations were used to estimate the non-cancer and cancer risks due to exposure from these metals using models provided by the United State Environmental protection Agency for the population ages. The overall hazard index was found to be 0.125 for children and 0.810 for adults and was largely contributed by Cr, As and Co. The overall total excess lifetime cancer risk was majorly contributed by Cr and As and was estimated as 5.77E−06 for children and 7.07E−06 for adults. The overall hazard index and Excess lifetime cancer risks were below the USEPA threshold limit for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks respectively. Therefore, the exposed population ages are unlikely to experience any adverse carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risks.
Comparative effects of methanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera and ascorbic acid on haematological and histopathological changes induced by subchronic lead toxicity in male wistar rats
(2022) Usman A; Kawu MU; Shittu M; Saleh A; Jolayemi KO; Ibrahim NB; Oyetunde JS; Okoronkwo MO
This work was aimed at comparing the effects of methanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MLEMO) and ascorbic acid (AA) on haematological changes induced by subchronic lead (Pb) toxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into 6 rats per group. Group I received distilled water (2 mL/kg) whereas, groups II, III, IV, V and VI were administered Pb (190 mg/kg), Pb+AA (100 mg/kg), Pb+MLEMO (500 mg/kg), Pb+AA+MLEMO and Pb+AA (50 mg/kg) +MLEMO (250 mg/kg) respectively. All agents were administered daily by oral gavage for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected for haematological analysis. Inappetence, facial swelling, emaciation, back arching and nasal discharge were observed only in group II animals. There was significant (P<0.05) decrease in packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red blood cell count (RBC) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) in group II compared to other groups. The leucocyte counts were higher (P<0.05) in group II compared to group V. However, platelet counts were lower (P<0.001) in group II compared to group V. Results from this study, showed that co-administration of MLEMO (250 mg/kg) and AA (50 mg/kg) exert more ameliorative effects in Pb-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats.
Comparative Effects of Moringa oleifera and ascorbic acid on biochemical changes induced by subchronic lead toxicity in male Wistar rats
(2022) Usman A; Kawu MU; Shittu M; Saleh A; Bilbonga G
This experiment was aimed at comparing the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) and ascorbic acid (AA) on biochemical changes induced by subchronic lead (Pb) toxicity in male Wistar rats. A total of 36 adult male Wistar rats were used for the work with grouping and dosing as follows; Group I was given distilled water (2mL) only, Group II rats were administered Pb (190 mg/kg), Group III received Pb (190 mg/kg) + MO (500 mg/kg). While rats in groups IV, V, and VI were administered Pb (190 mg/kg) + AA (100 mg/kg), Pb (190 mg/kg) + MO (500 mg/kg) + AA (100 mg/kg) and Pb (190 mg/kg) + MO (250 mg/kg) + AA (50 mg/kg) respectively. Administration of all agents was done daily by oral gavage for a period of 6 weeks. Result showed decreased alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in group II compared to other groups. Creatine kinase (CK) activity was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in group II compared to other groups while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was significantly decreased in group II compared to other groups. Total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations were not significantly (P≥0.05) different across all groups. The malondialdehyde concentration in group 2 was higher (P0.05) in catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities among groups. This study depicts the detrimental effects of Pb on biochemical parameters in the rats. Treatment with AA (50 mg/kg) and MO (250 mg/kg) gave better amelioration of the toxic effects of Pb.
Data on the mechanisms of antidiarrhoeal activity of methanol leaf extract of Combretum hypopilinum Diels (Combretaceae): Involvement of opioidergic and (α1 and β)-adrenergic pathways
(2021) Ahmad MH; Zezi AU; Anafi SB; Alhassan Z; Mohammed M; Danraka RN
This article describes the dataset for the elucidation of the possible mechanisms of antidiarrhoeal actions of methanol leaves extract of Combretum hypopilinum (Diels) Combretaceae in mice. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhoea in Nigeria and other African countries. We introduce the data for the antidiarrhoeal activity of the methanol leaf extract of Combretum hypopilinum at 1,000 mg/kg investigated using charcoal meal test in mice with loperamide (5 mg/kg) as the standard antidiarrhoeal agent. To elucidate the possible mechanisms of its antidiarrhoeal action, naloxone (2 mg/kg), prazosin (1 mg/kg), yohimbine (2 mg/kg), propranolol (1 mg/kg), pilocarpine (1 mg/kg) and isosorbide dinitrate (150 mg/kg) were separately administered to different groups of mice 30 minutes before administration of the extract. Each mouse was dissected using dissecting set, and the small intestine was immediately removed from pylorus to caecum, placed lengthwise on moist filter paper and measured the distance travelled by charcoal relative to the length of the intestine using a calibrated ruler in centimetre. Besides, the peristaltic index and inhibition of charcoal movement of each animal were calculated and recorded. The methods for the data collection is similar to the one used to investigate the possible pathways involved in the antidiarrhoeal action of Combretum hypopilinum in mice in the research article by Ahmad et al. (2020) “Mechanisms of Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Methanol Leaf Extract of Combretum hypopilinum Diels (Combretaceae): Involvement of Opioidergic and (α1 and β)-Adrenergic Pathways” (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113750) [1]. Therefore, this datasets could form a basis for in-depth research to elucidate further the pharmacological properties of the plant Combretum hypopilinum and its bioactive compounds to develop standardized herbal product and novel compound for management of diarrhoea. It could also be instrumental for evaluating the plant's pharmacological potentials using other computational-based and artificial intelligence approaches, including predictive modelling and simulation.
Descriptive analysis of a cholera outbreak in 14 LGAs of Sokoto State – Nigeria, 2018
(2020) Asunduwa K; Usman A; Isyaku A; Shehu A; Francis O; Balogun M; Aworh MK
Early marriage and teenage pregnancy: The unspoken consequences of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria
(2021) Musa SS; Odey GO; Musa MK; Alhaj SM; Sunday BA; Muhammad SM; Lucero- Prisno DE
Early marriage and its sad consequences to the girl child and socio-economic development of the nation has been an age-long issue being advocated against in many parts of Nigeria. At the onset of COVID-19, the teeming efforts to curb this issue almost got jeopardized with harsh economic situations in many households due to the lockdown and the willingness to marry off their girls to reduce this burden. Closure of schools and cases of sexual gender based violence also impacted the prevalence of early marriage during the pandemic in Nigeria. We also argue in this commentary that the pandemic has so much impacted on programs aimed at ending early marriage in the nation. Therefore, if serious and concerted efforts are not taken by relevant stakeholders, more girls will be at risk of early marriage and teenage pregnancy with their related health consequences. They will also be left behind in fulfilling their potentials and their aspirations cut off with early marriage, thus sustainable development cannot be achieved.
Effects of Honor Codes and Classroom Justice on Students’ Deviant Behavior
(2014) Kura KM; Shamsudin F; Chauhan A
This study examined the influence of honor codes and classroom just ice on students’ deviant behavior. One hundred and two final year undergraduate students studying in various higher institutions of learning in Nigeria part icipated in the study, including Bayero University, Kano, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Kano State Polytechnic and Federal College of Education, Zaria. Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA analysis were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze the data. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that Honor codes had a significant negetive effect on students’ deviant behavior. On the contrary, the results showed that classroom justice had no significant effect on students’ deviant behavior. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed a significant difference instudent deviant by gender, age categories and ethnicity. The managerial implications for the school administrators, lecturers and educational policy makers a rediscussed.
Ensemble learning prediction of transmittance at different wavenumbers in natural hydroxyapatite
(2020) Okafor E; Obada DO; Dodoo-Arhin D
Material engineering-based research has often relied so much on tedious human experiments for generating specific engineering properties with a major draw-back of high time demand that can span between an hour and days. Hence to deviate from the usual paradigm, we provide an alternative approach which employs artificial intelligence (AI) based ensemble learning methods for predicting the degree of transmittance for a range of wavenumbers of infrared radiation through hydroxyapatite (HAp) samples. The effective samples (transmittance and wavenumber) were passed as input to the predictive systems. For this, we trained two ensemble learning methods: Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Random Forest on variants of HAp (density and time variations), while considering a fixed amount of 10,000 base estimators. The results show that Random Forest marginally outperforms the XGBoost in the testing phase but requires a much longer computing time. However, XGBoost is much faster than the Random Forest. Furthermore, the examined ensemble learning models yielded a coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.997): which are in close agreement with experimental data, depicting an excellent generalization capacity. Additionally, the examined ensemble learning models showed a significant ≥ 99.83% decrease in computational complexity relative to the time spent when generating the experimental data. Overall, the use of ensemble learning models is very important for validating material engineering properties.

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