Federal University Of Technology Research Articles

Effect of Allium cepa (Onion) Bulb and Annona muricata (Soursop) Pulp Juices on Body Weight, Prostate Weight, Selected Hormones and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in Testosterone and Oestradiol-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Albino Rats

Aim: This study investigated the effect of soursop pulp and onion bulb juice samples on body weight, prostate weight (PW), percentage prostate increase inhibition (PPII), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), prolactin and PSA levels in testosterone and oestradiol-induced BPH in albino rats.
 Study Design: The simple random design was used in this study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Dave Research House, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, between April 2022 and July 2022.
 Methodology: Fifty-four (54) male albino rats were randomly distributed into 9 groups (A-I) of 6 rats each, with B to I induced with 10 mg/kg b.w of exogenous hormones (1:1) every 2 days. They were treated as follows: A (normal control), B (BPH control), C (standard control), D (10 ml/kg b.w soursop), E (10 ml/kg b.w onion), F (10 ml/kg b.w, 1:1 soursop and onion), G (20 ml/kg b.w soursop), H (20 ml/kg b.w onion), and I (20 ml/kg b.w, 1:1 soursop and onion), for 28 days. The rats were weighed weekly. At the end of the treatment, they were euthanized, prostate and serum samples were collected for further assessments.
 Results: The results showed that at low dose, the body weights of the rats were maintained. The single samples at low dose improved PW and PPII better. DHT and T levels reduced in all test groups, and the standard control. The single samples reduced DHT levels with increase in concentration, while the soursop juice and combination samples decreased testosterone levels with increase in concentration. Prolactin levels significantly (p<.05) reduced in the test groups and standard control when compared with the BPH control. While, PSA levels also decreased in the test groups, but were not significantly (p>.05) different from the controls.
 Conclusion: The study suggested that soursop pulp and onion bulb juices exerted ameliorative effects on BPH, especially individually, and at the low dose studied. Hence, their consumption by older males should be encouraged.

Evaluation of the Medicinal Potentials of Soursop (Annona muricata Safford) Leaf Extracts against Eimeria tenella Infection in Broiler Chickens

Aims: Poultry industry in Nigeria has recorded considerable expansion in recent times but not without poultry diseases as one of the major threats to boosting poultry production. Protozoa cause the majority of parasitic infections and cause high mortalities. Parasitic diseases such as coccidiosis are of particular importance because of their high incidence in poultry occasioned by the tropical environmental conditions under which the farmer operates. The resistance to common anticoccidial drugs has led to exploring other natural sources for prophylaxis and therapy. This research evaluated the therapeutic efficacies of Annona muricata at different dosages of 100, 125, 165mg/kg body weight using 120 broilers at 4 weeks of age. 
 Place and Duration of Study: Animal Parasitology and Microbiology Research Unit, Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, between September and December, 2022.
 Methodology: 120 broilers of 4 weeks old were used for this study using completely randomized study design. The birds were infected with sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts at week 4. Treatment with ethanolic extract of Annona muricata was administered orally at week 5 using different dosages of 100, 125, 165mg/kg body weight for five consecutive days. Treatment commenced after the isolation of Eimeria oocysts in the faeces and onset on coccidial clinical signs as parameters to confirm manifestation of the infection. Blood parameters, faecal oocysts count and biochemical assays were conducted.
 Results: Results revealed that therapeutic administration of Annona muricata leaf extracts at minimum dose 100mg/kg body weight had significant reduction (P<0.05) on excreted Eimeria oocysts counts without any significant deviation from normal haematological and biochemical indices of the broilers.
 Conclusion: This study suggests the use of Annona muricata in the treatment of coccidiosis in broiler chickens. It is therefore recommended that its extracts be further explored for actual phytochemical constituents responsible for the displayed anticoccidial properties.

Effects of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Body Weight and Pathology of Vital Organs in Pathogenic Staph Infection

Aims: Oyster mushroom is rich in secondary metabolites of pharmacological importance. This study evaluates the effect of ethanolic extract of Oyster mushroom on the vital organs of Staphylococcus aureus infected Wistar rats after seven days of administration.
 Study Design: Completely randomized design was used in the study.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Microbiology, Parasitology and Ethnoveterinary medicine Unit of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, between March and December 2022.
 Methodology: The mushroom was processed using a cold extraction technique. A bacterial suspension of Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated via oral route into the experimental animals, which were randomly distributed into six groups of five. Group 1: normal control; group 2: positive control; group 3: negative control, inoculated but received no antimicrobial; and group 4 to 6 were inoculated, and administered with 625, 1250 and 2500 mg dose of the extract respectively. The treatment was administered for seven days, after which blood samples were cultured for the bacterial count and vital organs were analysed for pathological changes.
 Results: The colony count was significantly raised at 625 mg dose while the dose ranging from 1250 to 2500 mg yielded insignificant bacterial growth (P<0.01). The percentage weight gain was significantly lower (P<0.01) in 1250 mg extract in comparison with the negative control after 7 days complete treatment but there was no statistical variation in the 7 days post-treatment percentage weight gain and the relative organ weight (P<0.01).The histological sections showed no variation from normal controls except 625 mg liver that showed some vacuolations within the hepatocytes.
 Conclusion: The organ-body mean weight was proportionate, and the histological sections of the liver, kidney, skin, lungs, heart and spleen were indicative of no anatomical variations as compared with the normal control tissues. The beneficial effect of P. ostreatus on the vital organs was further established by the active clearing of S. aureus infection at 1250 to 2500 mg dose with no observable pathological change in the tissues. The bioactive agents inherent in P. ostreatus were effective against S. aureus infection. The vacuolations observed in the low dose liver sections unveiled the ill effect of under-dose treatment and its consequence on the liver cells. The histopathological investigations were suggestive of the safety and tolerance of P. ostreatus to the body system. Nevertheless, further studies should be carried out on its toxicological profiles.

CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRIC POWER POTENTIAL OF HUMAN WASTE USING SOAK-AWAY PITS IN STUDENT HOUSING

Abstract:-Nigeria's expanding need for electricity has necessitated a review of all available electricity producing methods, particularly renewable ones. It is well known that a significant byproduct of anaerobic digestion of human waste is methane gas, which can be burned to produce power. This study gives a clearly stated approach to the process of estimating the amount of power that can be generated from a specific volume of human waste. This essay offers a clearly thought-out method for calculating how much electricity may be produced from a given volume of human feces. The Federal University of Technology, Owerri's analysis of data from a student residence pit toilet reveals that the case study area's daily biomass waste availability is 3.66 tonnes, and the bimonthly biogas accruable is 154.76 kg, enough to power a 5 KW biogas generator for six (6) days. Keywords: Solid Waste, Human Waste, Bio-Gas and Electric Power

ESTIMATION OF THE ELECTRIC POWER POTENTIAL OF HUMAN WASTE USING STUDENTS HOSTEL SOAK-AWAY PITS

With the growing demand for electric power supply in Nigeria, there is a need to look into all possible means of electricity generation especially renewable ones. It is an established fact that methane gas is a major product of the anaerobic digestion of human waste and the combustion of this gas can be used to generate electricity. This paper presents a carefully articulated approach to the technique of estimating the amount of electricity that can be generated from a specified amount of human waste. The analysis of the acquired data from a student’s hostel pit toilet at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, shows that the available biomass waste in tonnes per day from the case study area is 3.66 tonnes and the biogas accruable bi-monthly is 154.76kg capable of running a 5KW biogas generator for six (6) days. Keywords: Key Words: Solid Waste, Human Waste, Bio-Gas and Electric Power

Comparative Screening of Phytochemicals and Bioactive Compounds of Trema orientalis (Linn. Blume) Leaf and Bark Extracts

This study compared the phytochemical constituents of the leaf with the Bark extracts of T. orientalis, using the same extraction solvents. The leaf and Bark of T. orientalis were harvested at Federal University of Technology, Akure forest, dried and pulverized into powder. Extract were prepared from the powdered plants using Methanol and N-hexane. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical presents in the extracts were determined. The functional compounds of the leaf extract were determined by Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR). Percentage yield of Methanol was better than N-hexane for both plant parts. The phytochemicals revealed includes: Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoids, Steroids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. Steroids are present in Leaf extracts but absent in Bark extract, while Saponin is only present in methanol extract of Bark of the plant. Quantitative analysis revealed that terpenoids have the highest amount with 22.90 ± 0.03 mg/g in methanol extract and 28.09 ± 0.07 mg/g in N-hexane, compared with Bark extract that has 22.22 ± 0.09 mg/g in methanol extract and 23.38 ± 0.04 mg/g in N-hexane extracts. Higher quantity of phytochemicals are present in the leaf compared with the Bark of T. orientalis The Fourier Transformed Infrared spectrometry analysis, FT-IR, unveiled the organic compounds available in the extracts, which are: aliphatic primary alcohol, secondary alcohol, aliphatic primary amine, alkane, alkene, carbon dioxide, deta-lactam, phenol, and halo compound. These results indicate that T. orientalis is promising in the choice of medicinal plant for therapeutic research.

A Comparative Analysis of Nutritional and Chemical Composition of Eight Seeds Used as Native Medicine in West Africa

Background: Rising cost of healthcare globally has prompted governments to seek for ways to treat diseases and reduce costs, plants products offers hope.
 Aims: To technically conduct a comparative investigation of the nutritional and chemical composition of eight seeds used for treating diseases in West Africa. To determine edibility, suggest new food, prompt suitable choices and provide easy access of consensus evidence to busy healthcare professional.
 Place and Duration of Study: Dept of Public Health, College of Health Science, Walden University, Minneapolis, USA, and Dept of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria between September 2022 and June 2023; research collaboration.
 Methodology: A systematic review supported by a community approach to intervention services theory was used to determine seeds’ composition. Search engines used, Google, Google scholar, Fire fox, and Safari.
 Results: Macro and micronutrients are predominantly present. Only three seeds are consumed as food, the rest are thrashed, and some do not have enough evidence as much as modern medicine is concerned; thus, authors goal is education of both health practitioners and the public about the seeds’ nutritional usefulness. Highest concentration of carbohydrates, 78.49% occurred in Chrysophillum albidum, while Plukenatia conophora ranked last, Tetrapleura tetraptera shows highest protein, while Magnifiera indica scored last, 5.67%. Carica papaya contains the highest fat, 28.3%, with Plukenatia conophora ranking last, 4.28%. Fibre concentration in Annona muricata was high, 35.20%, while Magnifera indica scored the least, 2.35%. Ash level in Tetrapleura tetraptera was highest, 5.59%, least amount occurred in Chrysophyllum albidum, 0.84%. Picralima nitida showed the highest energy level, 1468 Kcal/100 g, Magnifiera indica scored the least, 32.51 Kcal/100 g. Outcome would be beneficial to users.
 Conclusion: The seeds are rich in nutrients, which link them to health control.

Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Resistant Starch-Based Flour Blends from Unripe Plantain, Pigeon Pea and Rice-Bran

Aim: The nutrients and antioxidants of blends of native resistant starch, acetylated resistant starch, and flours of unripe plantain, pigeon pea and rice bran were investigated as possible alternatives to functional food products in managing type-2 diabetes.
 Place and Duration of Study: Food Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Technology, and Functional Foods Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. From January, 2022 to January, 2023.
 Methodology: Native resistant starch was isolated from plantain and was modified via acetylation. Five sample blends of native resistant starch, acetylated resistant starch, and flours of pigeon pea and rice bran were prepared, using Mixture Design Expert 11.0.0 and were coded as follows: PLF – (100% Plantain flour), used as a control sample; PLPRF – plantain flour: pigeon pea flour: rice bran flour (73.08:15.15:11.76); PSPRF – native plantain starch: pigeon pea flour: rice bran flour (73.08:15.15:11.76); AP1SPRF – acetylated plantain starch: pigeon pea flour: rice bran flour (73.08:15.15:11.76); AP2SPRF – acetylated plantain starch: pigeon pea flour: rice bran flour (70.67:18.15:11.18). The proximate compositions, minerals, amino acid profiles, α-amylase and α-glucosidase and in-vitro antioxidant potentials of the samples were compared with the commercial flour product, CRF (100% Cerolina flour: wheat and soybean produced by More Foods Lagos, Nigeria).
 Results: The results showed that AP2SPR had the lowest moisture content (2.40%), highest ash content (4.63%) and lowest fat content (2.42%). K, Cu, Fe. Na, Zn and P were more relatively abundant in the blends than in PLF. Generally, the chemical compositions of the flour blends improved with the addition of quality protein, which extensively enhanced the mineral contents in terms of Ca, K, Fe, Zn and P. Total essential amino acids were higher in PLF and the flour blends than CRF, ranging from 35.18 (g/100g protein) in CRF to 41.81 (g/100g protein) in PLPRF whereas their total non-essential amino acids showed an opposite trend, ranging from 58.18 (g/100g protein) in PLPRF to 64.84 (g/100g protein) in CRF. Upon acetylation, total essential amino acids improved from 39.84 (g/100g protein) in PSPRF to 41.00 (g/100g protein) in AP1SPRF and 41.32 (g/100g protein) in AP2SPRF. Both AP1SPRF and AP2SPRF were able to reduce Fe2+ to Fe3+, scavenge DPPH, FRAP and ABTS and inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities.
 Conclusion: The flour blends of AP1SPRF and AP2SPRF studied were a good source of resistant starch and bioactive ingredients that would be useful in a variety of dietary functional food products to manage type-2 diabetes.

An Exploration of Conceptual Prototype of an Artistic Handcraft Wallet (AHW) Design

The exploration of a conceptual prototype of an Artistic Handcraft Wallet (AHW) design is a studio practice study that engages the experience of both virtual and real physical prototyping. This article is method based .i.e. it unfolds the method used in the design of AHW. It involves the use of 5H + 1H for design thinking. Simulation of AHW involves CorelDraw X5 and Adobe Photoshop CS5 for motif, surface pattern and object transformation. The real physical prototyping involves studio experiment on textile decoration to produce AHW. The significance of this exploration is to fulfil of one of the objectives of Industrial Design Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. That is, students have to develop creative, aesthetic and industrial skills needed for product design. The findings show that design thinking is important for insightful design. Art and design making like AHW can bring up analogy that are useful for social design. Moreover, the findings show that it is enjoyable to use CAD during conceptual prototyping depending on the designers’ optimum proficiency in the use of CAD software application. Finding as well reveals that the satisfactory level of virtual and real physical prototyping are different in terms of process and end product/finishing/design outcome. It is also noticed that there are challenges tackling the translation of CAD virtual prototype to real tangible physical products. It is also realized that suitable learning environment is needed for the proper psyche to initiate good designs.

Evaluation of Total Hydrocarbon Contents in the Leaves of Selected Crops Grown on Crude Oil Polluted Agricultural Soil

Aim: The Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) levels in the leaves of three edible plants (Allium cepa, Telfairia occidentalis and Zea mays) grown on soil polluted with 100 ml of crude oil were examined.
 Study Design: This experiment was conducted in two groups where the soil samples were polluted before planting (PB) and polluted 2 weeks after planting (PA).
 Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, Nigeria, within a period of 4 weeks based on each group’s pollution time.
 Methodology: The tests for total hydrocarbon content (THC) were analyzed at different wavelengths for polluted soil and leaf samples using UV-Vis spectrophotometric method. Soil THC tests were determined on days 0, 14 and 28 respectively while THC tests on leaves of study plants were assessed on day 14 and 28.
 Results: The total hydrocarbon content values of the unpolluted soil (UPS) and the non-planted polluted soil (PS) subjected to this analysis on day zero were (UPS = 96.38 mg/kg; PS = 1082.80 mg/kg). However, results obtained on day 14 and 28 showed significant difference (P < 0.05) between the unpolluted soil sample (UPS) and all the planted polluted soil for Telfairia occidentalis (TOPB, TOPA), Allium cepa (ACPB, ACPA), Zea mays (ZMPB, ZMPA) as well as, the non-planted polluted soil (PS). For the leaf samples, TOPB had the highest THC value of 14.47mg/kg and 36.73 mg/kg for day 14 and 28 respectively while ZMPB had the lowest value of 5.38mg/kg at day 14 and ZMPA, the least THC value of 7.76mg/kg at day 28.
 Conclusion: Based on the varying THC levels observed in the leaves of crops used for this study; it was connoted that, bioaccumulation of hydrocarbons depends on the plants phytoremediation capability and the mode of pollution as observed in TOPB.

Effects of Pretilachor Pyribenzoxim Pollution on the Water Quality, Serum Biochemical Indices, and Behavioural Response of Oreochromis niloticus Juveniles

Aims: The effects of Pretilachor pyribenzoxim (PP) pollution on the water quality, serum biochemical indices, and behavioural response of Oreochromis niloticus Juveniles were studied.
 Study Design: The completely randomized design was used in this study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the Central Laboratory of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria, between January and March 2023.
 Methodology: The experiment was carried out in 30 L of non-chlorinated and aerated water in rectangular plastic tanks (45cm x 30cm x 30cm). 250 juveniles O. niloticus of both sexes were collected from Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo state and acclimatized for 14days in the laboratory. During rearing period, the fish were fed coppen feed at 2% body weight. In a definitive test, a group of 10 fish specimen (11.3-17.5cm length and 10.5-32.3g weight) were treated at random to nominal PP doses of 0.0, 0.10, 0.125, 0.150, 0.175, and 0.2 ml being diluted in 30 litres of water and labelled T1. T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6, respectively in triplicate. The LC50 of PP, test water's physicochemical, behavioural responses and serum biochemical indices were determined.
 Results: The dissolved oxygen depleted (P<0.05) in T5 and T6, compared to T1 and the rest of the treatments. The water conductivity increases (P<0.05) with an increased concentration of PP contamination. The water's total dissolved solids levels increased progressively with an increase in PP concentration. The total dissolved solids in T5 and T6 were similar (P>0.05) to T4 but lower (P<0.05) than T1 and T2. Juveniles in treatments 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 shows behavioural responses such as loss of reflex, fin deformation, erratic swimming, air gulping, and moulting. The serum total protein of the juveniles in treatments 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 was lower (P<0.05) than T1. Serum creatinine level increased with increased PP contamination from treatments 1 to 6. The serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of the juvenile in T3, T4, T5 and T6 were higher (P<0.05) than in T1. The serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of the juvenile in T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were significantly (P<0.05) higher than T1.
 Conclusion: The exposure of juvenile O.niloticus to PP contamination affected the physicochemical properties of water, behaviour and Serum biochemicals of juvenile O. niloticus fish. Hence, leaching of pp into water bodies through Agricultural activities should be mornitored to reduce lost of fish which can lead to economic detune.

Relationship between Social Cognition, Social Adjustment and Pro-Social Behaviour among Undergraduates in Federal Universities in South-East Nigeria

Aims: The thrust of this study was to determine the relationship between social cognition, social adjustment and prosocial behaviour among undergraduates in federal universities in South-east. Nigeria.
 Study Design: The study adopted the correlational survey design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Undergraduates in federal universities in South-east, Nigeria (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Federal University of Technology, Owerri FUTO, Federal University Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi State and Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike), between January 2023 and April 2023.
 Methodology: The sample for the study comprised of 1500 undergraduates drawn from two federal universities (University of Nigeria = 780, Nnamdi Azikiwe university = 720). The instruments for data collection were the social cognition questionnaire, social adjustment scale and pro-social behaviour scale. The instruments were validated and its reliability determined using Cronbach alpha reliability statistics (r = 0.786, r = 0.748 & r = 0.631). Data collected was analysed using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and t-test for correlation analysis. The research questions were answered using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, while hypotheses were tested using the t-test for correlation analysis.
 Results: The findings of the study revealed a high positive relationship between social cognition and prosocial behaviour among undergraduates in federal universities in South-east, and a very high positive relationship between social adjustment and prosocial behaviour among undergraduates in federal universities in South-east. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between social cognition and prosocial behaviour among undergraduates in federal universities in South-east. Also the findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between social adjustment and prosocial behaviour among undergraduates in federal universities in South-east, Nigeria.
 Conclusion: Professional psychologist in collaboration with universities should develop psychological programmes tailored towards behaviours and undergraduates engaging in them.

Derivation of Regression Coefficients and Conversion Factors for 1-Minute Rain Rate Statistics in A Tropical Environment

An important characteristic of rainfall levels at a particular place is the statistical distribution of rainfall rate. In this paper, 1-minute, 5-minute and 30-minute integration time rainfall data were obtained from three different weather stations in Physics Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna, North Central Nigeria. The aim is to derive regression coefficients and conversion factors for predicting rainfall rate of 1-minute integration time from rainfall rates of other integration times. This was achieved by employing Segal, Flavin and Watson rain rate models. The results obtained revealed that there is a power law relationship between 1-minuterain rate (R1) and the equiprobable 5-minute rain rate (R5); and between 1-minute rain rate (R1) and the equiprobable 30-minute rain rate (R30). Also,it was observed that the values of regression coefficients a and b, and conversion factors Ce and CR derived in Minna were different from values derived at other locations in and outside Nigeria when comparisons were made. These discrepancies are attributed to the differences in climatic conditions between the regions among other factors. Therefore, these findings have further corroborated claims by earlier researchers that different regression coefficients and conversion factors are needed for different locations for 1-minute rain rate conversion.

Assessment of the Safety of Aqueous Extract of Maize (Zea mays) Husks in Wistar Albino Rats

Aims: The possible toxic impact of aqueous extract of maize husks (HA) on Wistar albino rats was investigated.
 Study Design: Experimental design.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria between January 2020 and April 2020.
 Methodology: The extract was prepared adopting the cold extraction procedure. Forty-eight (48) Wistar albino rats were used for this study. Acute toxicity study was carried out by administering HA at a single dose of 2000, 4000 and 8000 mg/kg body weight to the rats by oral gavage. The rats were observed for 14 days for any mortality or signs of toxicity. For sub-acute study, doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight were orally administered daily for 28 days. Biochemical and haematological parameters as well as histopathological studies were carried out after the experiments.
 Results: Acute toxicity results indicated that the median lethal dose (LD50) of HA was greater than 8000 mg/kg. There was remarkable body weight gain (P ≤ 0.05) in both male and female rats in all the sub-acute groups and acute group treated with 8000mg/kg. In the acute and sub-acute toxicity study, slight difference was recorded between the biochemical and haematological parameters of the treated rats dosed with the extract and the control. There was a significant increase in Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of female rats and lymphocytes of male rats treated with 800 mg/mL and 400 mg/mL respectively. The total protein, glucose and urea level of male rats treated with 200 mg/mL reduced while urea level of females treated with 200 mg/mL and 400 mg/mL also reduced remarkably. However, histological data showed no significant difference.
 Conclusion: In general, the extract was found to show no toxic effect on the rats and hence it is safe for potential therapeutic use.

In silico Study of Ornithine Decarboxylase and HSP-90 Gene in the Anti-trypanosomal Activities of Annona muricata Annonaceae

Aims: Trypanosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases of Sub-Saharan Africa caused by the numerous species and sub-species of the protozoan genus Trypanosoma. Soursop, also known as Annona muricata (Annonaceae), is a prevalent tropical plant species renowned for its numerous medicinal properties, including the treatment of protozoan infections. The fundamental mechanism of anti-trypanosomal effects of A. muricata was investigated using ornithine decarboxylase and HSP-90, which are validated potential drug targets.
 Place and Duration of Study: Animal Parasitology and Microbiology Research Unit, Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, between March and October 2022.
 Methodology: The interaction of compounds previously characterized from A. muricata was investigated against Ornithine decarboxylase and HSP-90 genes of Trypanosoma brucei brucei using Autodock Vina.
 Results: Based on their binding affinity and binding free energy, eight compounds (rutin, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, annomuricinA, murihexocin B, muricatocin A, acetogenin, asimilobine, and gigantetrocin A) out of the 160 compounds screened were found to be effective against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The hit molecules were further screened for ADME profiles. Acetogenin and asimilobine were considered the ideal drug candidates because they showed moderation for ADME properties and obeyed Lipinski’s rule of five.
 Conclusion: This study confirmed the use of Annona muricata in the treatment of trypanosomosis and the probable compounds responsible for its antitrypanosomal effect are acetogenin and asimilobine which acts at the HSP-90 genes of the parasite Trypanosoma brucei brucei.

Antibacterial Activity of Zea mays Silks and Husks Crude Extract on Biofilm Producing Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria from Urinary Catheters

Aims: This study was carried out to investigate the in-vitro antibacterial effect of the crude extracts of Corn (Zea mays) silks and husks on selected biofilm producing multi-drug resistant bacteria isolated from urinary catheter tips.
 Study Design: Experimental design.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Ondo State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: Bacterial isolates from urinary catheter tips were screened for biofilm production. The biofilm producing isolates were subjected to commercial antibiotics and isolates resistant to more than three classes of antibiotics were used for the study. Methanol and distilled water were used as extracting solvents for the corn silks and husks. The antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of the extracts were carried out using standard procedures.
 Results: The phytochemical analysis of the methanol and aqueous extracts of corn husks and silks revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. The aqueous extract of corn husk showed highest inhibitory effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci with zones of inhibition ranging from 14.80 ± 1.89 mm to 24.40 ± 2.51 mm at 200 mg/mL. Proteus mirabilis exhibited resistance against all the extracts.
 Conclusion: Findings from this study revealed the antibacterial potential of corn silks and husks extracts at varying concentrations. The potency of aqueous extract of husk at lower concentration (200 mg/mL) suggests its potential use in the treatment of urinary tract bacteria especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci.

In vitro and in vivo Antitrypanosomal Activities of Annona muricata Leaf Extracts in Trypanosoma brucei brucei Experimentally Infected Albino Rats

Aims: Trypanosomiasis is an important protozoan disease that affects domestic and wild animals as well as man. It is caused by the tsetse fly-transmitted extracellular hemo-flagellates that belong to the genus, Trypanosoma. In East and Southern Africa, Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense while in West and Central Africa, it is caused by T. b. gambiense. Animal trypanosomiasis on the other hand is caused by T. b. brucei, T. vivax, and T. congolense. In sub-Saharan Africa, about sixty million people are at risk of infection. This current study evaluates the antitrypanosomal efficacy of extracts of Annona muricata leaf in Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected albino rats.
 Place and Duration of Study: Animal Parasitology and Microbiology Research Unit, Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, between February and June, 2021.
 Methodology: In vitro antitrypanosomal analysis was done in varied concentrations of 2.5mg/ml, 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml using various solvent extracts (ethanolic, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, chloroform and aqueous). Diminazine aceturate and normal saline were used as positive and negative controls respectively. The In vivo assay was carried out through intraperitoneal administration of graded doses (200, 400 and 600mg/kg) of ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of the plant for three consecutive days.
 Results: The n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts yielded high percentage DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 85.52, 80.00 and 78.49% respectively. Decrease in motility of the parasites at different times were observed in all extracts tested invitro. These responses were positively concentration-dependent. 10mg/ml concentration of chloroform and ethyl acetate showed complete cessation of parasite motility at 35 and 45 minutes respectively. These two extracts (ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts) which showed the best invitro responses, were subjected to invivo analysis. Both extracts caused decrease in trypanosome parasitemia and prolongation of mean survival days of the rats to 14.67days as compared with 6.83days in the negative control group. The extracts displayed dose-dependent significant (p ≤ 0.05) antitrypanosomal activities when compared with the negative and positive controls.
 Conclusion: The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Annona muricata showed a relatively higher antitrypanosomal activity over other solvent extracts used in this study. Further fractionation, purification and isolation should be done to confirm the active components in this plant that is responsible for the antitrypanosomal activities recorded.

Effect of Processing on the Chemical Composition and Phytochemical Properties of Lentinus squarrosulus Mushroom Flour

Aims: To assessing the effect of boiling and fermentation on Proximate, mineral, dietary fibre and phytochemical compositions of the raw and processed Lentinus squarrosulus mushroom.
 Study Design: The mushroom was cultivated, processed into boiled and fermented flour and then analysed.
 Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State and Department of Food Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, between February 2020 and March 2022.
 Methodology: Lentinus squarrosulus spawn was obtained and grown into edible mushroom. The mushroom was divided into three, two portions were processed into boiled and fermented mushroom and the third one was used as control. The three samples were analysed for proximate, mineral, dietary fibre and phytochemical compositions.
 Results: The proximate composition revealed that moisture content ranged between 10.78-11.66%, ash 5.58-6.11%, fat 3.93-5.10%, crude fibre 6.79-7.29%, protein 16.88-20.53%, carbohydrate 51.24-53.88% and the energy value 321.41-330.15 kcal/100 g. Fermentation helped to improve the protein content of the sample. Mineral composition revealed that the samples were significantly different (p<0.05). Fermented sample had higher value in sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron, boiled sample was high in calcium and selenium while raw mushroom was high in manganese and zinc. Boiled sample has the least soluble fibre but high in insoluble fibre, this may be as a result of the soluble fibre being dissolved in water during boiling, but fermentation improved the soluble fibre content. The phytochemical composition revealed that fermentation improved the saponin and cardiac glycoside, boiling improved the terpenoid and cardiac glycoside while phlobatannin was only present in a small quantity in raw sample.
 Conclusion: Fermentation and boiling process helped to improve some nutrients in the processed mushroom flour and they can be used as food supplements.

Improving students’ geography achievement using computer simulation and animation packages in flipped classroom settings

The deployment of innovative and learner-centered approaches into teaching and learning has strong potential of improving students’ learning outcomes. The study compared the effectiveness of computer simulation and animation instructional packages in flipped classroom settings on secondary school students’ achievement and retention in geography. The study adopted a pre-/post-test, non-equivalent, non-randomized quasi-experimental control group design. A sample of 126 senior secondary school class two (SS2) geography students was purposively drawn from two intact classes in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria as participants for the study. The two intact classes were randomly assigned to experimental group I (computer simulation package, n=67) and experimental group II (computer animation package, n=59) in flipped classroom settings. A 50-item geography achievement test (GAT) was used for data collection, while computer simulation and computer animation instructional packages were administered to students as treatment in flipped classroom settings. The face and content validity of GAT was carried out using experts in the field of geography, educational technology and computer science from Federal University of Technology, Minna. GAT was further subjected to pilot testing, and a reliability coefficient of 0.85 was obtained using test re-test method and PPMC formula. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics of t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that computer simulation (mean gain=41.70) and computer animation (mean gain=38.32) instructional packages in flipped classroom settings improved students’ achievement and retention of geography concepts. Also, no significant difference was found in the mean achievement (t=.05, df=124, p=0.63) and retention (t=2.04, df=124, p=0.82) scores of the two groups. It was therefore recommended that teachers should incorporate technology-based flipped classroom instructional strategies into teaching and learning of geography in order to improve students’ learning outcomes in the subject.

Impact of Eclecticism on Nigerian ESL learners’ communicative competence: A comparative study

This study adopted three practical teaching strategies intended to positively affect learners’ writing skill while neutralising negative factors affecting their writing competence.To achieve the study objective which aimed at the assessment of the best teaching strategy to enhance learners’ writing proficiency, a comparative study of three teaching methods(namely communicative, eclectic and task-based methods) was used over a-6-week period as treatment on three experimental groups A, B, C respectively and a control group (D) was taught using conventional method. A pre-test was administered on two hundred (200) freshmen/subjects purposively selected from different Departments at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). A post-test was used to ascertain the outcome of the six weeks period of treatment on their essay writing. Results varied according to groups but, most importantly, Group B showed very significant improvement and control group D showed no significant improvement at all in the post-test assessment while groups A and C’s writing ability improved just marginally at best post-test. Our findings suggest the need to pay attention to eclectic teaching technique as a crucial element in enhancing writing proficiency among learners. The implications and limitations of this research in addition to guidelines for future research are discussed.