Jos Plateau State Research Articles

Proximate and Mineral Composition of Some Leafy Vegetables Sold in Farin Gadan Market in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the mineral concentration and proximate composition of four different leafy vegetable collected in from Farin Gadan Market Jos Plateau State Nigeria and extracted using double acid extraction method. Heavy metals concentration was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and proximate composition was determined by Association of, Official Analytical chemistry (AOAC,1999) method. Results showed that the highest level of lead was found in Jute (0.045 ±0.004) while Lettuce (0.001 ±0.007) had the lowest level of lead. The leafy vegetables in this study may have been polluted with lead through pollutants in irrigation water, farm soil or due to pollution from the highway traffic. Chromium and cadmium were observed to be low in all the leafy vegetables analyzed, which is still within the safe limit set by FAO/WHO. Zinc had the highest concentration (2.802± 0.012) in bitter leaf, proximate analysis indicated significant variability in the constituents contained in the leafy vegetables studied (Carbohydrate, Ash content, crude protein, crude fats, crude fibre and moisture content in descending order). The highest moisture content was found in Lettuce (7.791%) and the highest crude protein in Bitter leaf (12.88%). The concentrations of the toxic heavy metals are within the tolerable limits of some regulatory authorities. However, there is need for continuous monitoring of heavy metal and proximate analysis in leafy vegetables because, leafy vegetables are the main sources of food supplements for humans in many parts of the world and are considered as bio-indicators of environmental pollution.

Effect of Titanium on Itakpe Iron Ores Using Mathematical Modeling Approach with Respect to Second Law of Thermodynamic Principle

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of titanium on iron ores and how it controls the strength, magnetization, and density (grade) of iron ores. The effectiveness of iron ores in Extractive Industry depends on the ratio of titanium to iron in the solid solution during crystallization of magma with respect to Gibbs free energy and can be mathematically expressed as, [Fe 3-x Ti x ]O 4 and [Fe 2-x Ti x ]O 3. Methodologically, 1Kg of each of five samples of iron ores were collected from Itakpe iron ore, which were pulverized and were compared with those that were obtained from 20Kg of Cassiterite after processing with the help of ordinary hand magnet of about 0.01Tesla. Findings have shown that, the high magnetization by ordinary hand magnet, with low strength and greater density of Itakpe iron ore indicated that the ores have not been affected by titanium. Conversely, the low magnetization by hand magnet with greater strength and lower density indicated that the ores from cassiterite have been affected by titanium. In conclusion, the presence or absence of titanium in an iron ore determines the types of magnetic separators used to separate the ores, as well as their genetic rock origin, in which the amount of titanium in iron ore increased from Basic, with ∆G = 0, e.g., basalt to more Acidic, with ∆G > 0, e.g., granite which gives the account that oceanic basalt is more magnetic, more dense, weaker strength than the granite. After comparative analyses between Itakpe iron ores and cassiterite in Jos Plateau state, using magnetism, strength, and density to appraise the iron ores according to titanium to iron ratio, concise valuable substantive empirical novel models were developed and can be employed to study iron ore. These concise empirical novel models were, “Matrix equations,” Oxidation and the Titanization, as well as Periodic Table of an iron ore, and can be recommended to study the effect of titanium on iron ores and the application can improve mineral processing in extractive Industry

Aerobics Exercise in Two Post Parkinson’s Disease Care: Effective Treatment among Group Exercise Versus Individual Supervised Exercise

Objective To compare group supervised exercise (GE) and individual exercise (IE) in a hospital setting, in terms of improvement in quality of life, gait and balance and social interaction. Study Design and Setting This was a prospective cohort study in Jos (Plateau State) Participants Sixty seven patients completed the outcome data. Measures Daily activities were measured by the bartel index, tinetti scale (balance and gait), short form SF-36 health survey to compare quality of life. Results No statically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the symptoms of PD. After exercise supervised by physiotherapist both group showed significant improvement from each measurement. These improvements were better in individual than group supervised exercise patient with all functionality scales with a smaller margin. Conclusion Individual supervised exercise is more effective than group supervised exercise in term of improvement in quality of life, activities of daily living, gait and balance and social interaction.

Appraisal of Suitability of the “Mista Ali Granite of Jos Plateau StateNigeria” as an Aggregate for Construction Material using Selected Testing Parameters

The appraisal of the suitability of some selected granite deposits for aggregate stone production within the basement complex of Mista Ali of Jos Plateau state for road construction was carried out. Aggregate samples obtained from the deposits were analyzed in the laboratory to determine their mechanical properties by a series of composite testing parameters using aggregate abrasion value (AAV), aggregate impact value (AIV), aggregate crushing value (ACV), specific gravity (SG) and water absorption (WA) as contained in BS812, and AASHTOT96-92. It was found out that the granite deposits possess certain desirable aesthetic and visual characteristics. Also, the percentage mineralogical compositions of the studied samples were examined. The results had shown that Jolex Construction (JC) Quarry site has a good percentage composition of orthoclase and plagioclase content which reduces the rate of wearing and tearing. The results of the laboratory analyses on the aggregate sample indicated that the technical features measured such as the strength, density, and water absorption capacity of the “Mista Ali granite deposits” at the Jolex construction Quarry site are suitable for aggregate stone for road construction when compared with the globally accepted standard. The result of the appraisal will be useful and serve as database to prospective investors in aggregate stone quarrying.

Appraisal of Abiogenic Oil (Petroleum) using Mathematical ModelingApproach with certain selectedElements, Minerals and Rocks of Kassa Volcanic Field (KVF) of Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

The possibility of finding petroleum hydrocarbons in sedimentation (sedimentary rock) or magmatic-hydrothermal (igneous origin) is a matter of probability. A mathematical modeling approach is employed to appraise petroleum hydrocarbons using certain elements, minerals, and rocks whether it is biogenic or abiogenic. Methodologically, ten samples were collected at random at different points in Kassa Volcanic Field (KVC). These samples were examined in a thin section in the University of Jos Geology laboratory, using a petrographic microscope both plane and crossed polarized light and the minerals revealed were olivines, pyroxene, plagioclase, and iron ore. Two kilograms (2kg) of each of the samples were pulverized and subjected to chemical analysis using inductively coupled plasma – Mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and revealed the following major and trace elements such as, as Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Na, P, N, Ni, Va, Ti, Mo, As, Ba, Ca, Sc, Cr, Br, in percentage and in part per million and can be compared to those obtained from petroleum ash. Several experiments have shown that petroleum ash contains the following major and trace elements: Silicon, Iron, Aluminum, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Lead, Tin, Arsenic, Antimony, Zinc, Silver, Nickel, Chromium, Molybdenum, Bismuth, and Vanadium. Using set notation and matrix approach to analyze these elements, three possibilities were made to trace the origin of petroleum hydrocarbon whether it is a sedimentary origin (biogenic) or igneous origin (abiogenic). Mathematically, these possibilities include; the SiAl consisting of Silicon and Aluminum, the TiTi consisting of Tin and Titanium as well as NiVa, consisting of Nickel and Vanadium. Another important possibility is the presence of Diamond within an igneous body which depicts the characteristic of mantle composition. The ability of this abiogenic oil to rotating the plane of polarization of polarized light was examined and was proven possible using the mathematical method. The presence of these three possibilities in the crude oil could be a result of infiltration of these minerals and elements, from the source igneous rocks during crystallization of magma. If the abiogenic origin using the three possibilities is considered as the origin of petroleum, then drilling of petroleum hydrocarbons should be extended to the igneous environment, especially the study area Kassa Volcanic Field (KVF).

Production and performance evaluation of drilling mud using specific locally sourced materials

The importation of drilling mud into Nigeria, apart from draining the nation’s reserves in hard currency, is also inimical to the local content policy being currently promoted for the oil industry in the country. Thus, the need for local sourcing of bentonitic clays or close substitutes has become imperative. This study proffers an alternative to the importation of drilling mud and shows an experimental approach on the preparation of drilling mud with readily available locally sourced materials, such as pulverized groundnut husk, tronna, burnt palm-head sponge powder, bentonite, barite and starch. Materials used for the study were collected from the Mubi local government area of Adamawa State, Akwanga local government area of Nassarawa State and Jos-north local government area of Plateau State. The mineralogical and physicochemical properties of the locally sourced bentonite and barite samples were determined by means of X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and cationic exchange capacity (CEC), all carried out in the Nigerian Mining institute of Geosciences, Jos Plateau State. The drilling mud was produced and its physicochemical and rheological properties carried out based on the API mud production standards. Results of cost analysis showed that producing 100 kg water-base drilling mud from locally source material, cost N 14, 715.75, which is 22.3% cheaper than conventional drilling mud imported into the country. Keywords–Drilling mud, mineralogical properties, rheological properties, locally sourced materials

Aerobics Exercise in Two Post Parkinson’s Disease Care: Effective Treatment among Group Exercise Versus Individual Supervised Exercise

Objective: To compare group supervised exercise (GE) and individual exercise (IE) in a hospital setting, in terms of improvement in quality of life, gait and balance and social interaction. Study Design and Setting: This was a prospective cohort study in Jos (Plateau State). Participants: Sixty seven patients completed the outcome data. Measures: Daily activities were measured by the bartel index, tinetti scale (balance and gait), and short form SF-36 health survey to compare quality of life. Results: No statically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the symptoms of PD. After exercise supervised by physiotherapist both group showed significant improvement from each measurement. These improvements were better in individual than group supervised exercise patient with all functionality scales with a smaller margin. Conclusion: Individual supervised exercise is more effective than group supervised exercise in term of improvement in quality of life, activities of daily living, gait and balance and social interaction.

Metagenomic Analysis of Bacterial Communities in Water and Soil of the Fulani and non-Fulani in Nigeria.

Interactions between environmental factors (water and soil) and humans are inevitable, particularly in rural and semi-urbanized regions. As such, knowledge on the microbial constituents of these environmental factors is key to understanding potential risk to public health. However, the microbial profile of soil and water present in vulnerable human communities in Nigeria is currently unknown. This study sought to investigate the composition of soil and water microbiota in the environment inhabited by recently studied human communities (the Fulani nomadic group and the urbanized Jarawa ethnic group) and estimate the contribution of these environmental factors to the microbiome of the aforementioned human communities. Soil and water samples were collected from the Fulani and non-Fulani community in Jengre (Plateau State, Nigeria) and Jos (Plateau State, Nigeria), respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from these environmental samples, followed by Illumina sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and bioinformatics analysis via Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology QIIME. There is abundance of Proteobacteria (43%) signature members in soil samples obtained from both human communities. Analysis of the water samples revealed the abundance of Proteobacteria, particularly in water sourced from the borehole (Fulani). Pseudomonas (30%) had higher relative abundance in the drinking water of the Fulani. The drinking water of the Fulani could be a potential health risk to the studied Fulani community. Factors that increase the abundance of public health threats and health risk, such as hygiene practices, soil and water quality need to be studied further for the improvement of health in vulnerable populations.

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Caryota no Seed on Geotactic Behaviour and Fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster

Aims: To investigate the effect of the methanolic extracts of Caryota no (CN) seeds negative geotaxis, fecundity and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) using Drosophila melanogaster (DM). Study Design: Experimental design.
 Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019 Methodology: 50 flies were exposed in each vial to the following concentrations: 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg and 600 mg of methanolic extracts in 5 replicates for 7 days with daily recording of mortality. Total protein assays were carried out by Randox method from the supernatant from homogenized whole flies. In vivo antioxidant activity study was conducted by measuring level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity from supernatants of whole fly homogenates using a spectrophotometer at specific wavelengths over a 2 minute duration. The values were derived as part of the total protein value. Negative geotaxis was done by the climbing assay and fecundity was examined by rate of emergence of larva after exposure of the flies to treatment. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P < .05.
 Results: The methanolic extract of CN caused nonsignificant (P = .33) decrease in total protein levels compared to the control. There were also nonsignificant decreases in AChE (P = .30) activity, negative geotactic (P = .80) behaviour and nonsignificant increase in fecundity (P = .17) in the methanolic extract-treated flies compared to the controls.
 Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that the methanolic extract of Caryota no nonsignificantly improved fertitity and reduced negative geotaxis and AChE activity in DM.

Accessibility to Primary Health Center Facilities Using Geospatial Techniques In Southern Plateau, Nigeria

The Primary Health Center (PHC) System comprises of those small health care facilities which are based within communitiesand are more accessible to people in need of healthcare. However, assessment of spatial patterns, distribution and provisionof public health services has been neglected. This research analyzes the availability and accessibility of Primary HealthCenter (PHC) across Southern Plateau, Jos Plateau State. Spatial distribution of PHC was analyzed using ArcGIS to produceaccurate measure of accessibility. The spatial pattern of the PHC distribution was examined using average nearest neighbor5km walking distance to providers (PHC) for each of the six LGAs using near analysis. In addition, the ratios of PHC topopulation were calculated to identify underserved and served areas. The findings clearly indicate that the spatial pattern ofthe distribution of PHC was significantly clustered in Quaan pan (62) [p-value 0.015305, Z-score 0.139526], Wase (38) [pvalue0.046571, Z-score -1.990183] and Langtang South (34) [p-value > 0.096827, Z-score -1.660434], random in Mikang(26) [p-value 0.889035 Z-score 0.139526] and Langtang North (52) [p-value 0.0883033, Z-score 0.147125) and dispersed inShendam (63) [p-value 0.072625, Z-score 1.795182]. PHC are dense within the central parts of each LGAs while low densityaround the marginal parts. Substantially, more than half of the population 742,523 (62.74%) have no access to PHC within 5-km distance and 441,063 (37.26%) of the population have access to PHC. More so, the population ratio to PHCs shows that 1PHC served 3477 in Langtang North (least) and 1 to 5338 in Wase (highest). The output of this analysis which is spatialdistribution map and accessibility to this PHCs will assist policy-makers and authorities in planning public health delivery.
 Keywords: Geospatial, Techniques, Accessibility, PHC, Southern Plateau, Nigeria.

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Caryota no on Antioxidant Levels in Drosophila melanogaster

Aims: To investigate the anti-oxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Caryota no seeds in Drosophila melanogaster (DM).
 Study Design: Experimental design.
 Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019. 
 Methodology: These assays were conducted by exposing 50 flies per vial to the selected concentrations (350 mg, 400 mg and 500 mg) of the extract in 5 independent replicates for seven days while control group received distilled water. The total protein content was then determined from the supernatant of the fly homogenate. The antioxidant activity and levels of GST, CAT and total thiol were then measured. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P < .05. 
 Results: The methanolic extract of Caryota no caused nonsignificant (P = .33) decrease in total proteins in DM below basal levels in a dose-dependent pattern. The antioxidant activity showed nonsignificant (P = .28) lowering of the GST activity in DM below control levels. The methanolic extract of CN nonsignificantly (P > .05) increased the levels of catalase (P = .36) and total thiol levels (P = .22). 
 Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that the methanolic extract of Caryota no contains appreciable concentrations of different types of antioxidants. This may provide perspectives for the evaluation and development of effective and safe phytomedicines created from the local biodiversity.

Toxicity Assay of Methanolic Extract of Caryota No Seed using Drosophila melanogaster Model

Objectives: To investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Caryota no (CN) seeds in Drosophila melanogaster (DM) survival and life span.
 Study Design: Experimental design.
 Place and Duration: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019.
 Methods: The LC50 was determined by exposing 50 flies to concentrations ranging from 1 mg to 600 mg per 10 g diet and mortality of flies was scored every 24 hours for 14 days and from the results, five doses were chosen for the next assay. Survival assays were carried out by exposing 50 flies in each vial to the following concentrations: 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg and 600 mg of methanolic extract in 5 replicates for 28 days with daily recording of mortality while the longevity assay continued from the survival until the last fly dies. All three experiments were done as three independent trials. 
 Results: The LC50 values of the methanolic extract was determined to be 6.533e+017 mg/10g food in D. melanogaster. The result of the survival assay with methanolic extract of CN showed slight significant (P < .05) increase with the lowest two doses but no significant (P > .05) difference with other higher doses compared to the control. The longevity assay revealed that the extract significantly (P < .05) decreased longevity in Drosophila melanogaster.
 Conclusion: The results obtained from evaluating the methanolic extract of Caryota no indicate that the plant is relatively non-toxic and maybe safe under acute and subacute exposures but may become deleterious during chronic exposure.

Anti-biofilm Activity of Extracts of Caryota no in Drosophila melanogaster Infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Objectives: To investigate the anti-biofilm activity of the n-hexane and methanol extracts of Caryota no (CN) seeds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection in D. melanogaster.
 Study Design: Experimental design.
 Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019. Methods: 20 flies (1-3 days old) were pricked in the dorsolateral aspect of the abdomen with a modified fly needle dipped in biofilm forming strain of P. aeruginosa inoculum and left to recover and then transferred into the appropriately labeled vials which include different doses of the extracts or those in various control conditions. This process was done in 2 batches of flies treated with extracts prior to infection and flies treated with extracts after infection. The flies were monitored for survival for 72 hours. Mortality records were taken 6 hourly during this period, and the percentage of death determined in each group. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P < .05.
 Results: The result of n-hexane Caryota no extract showed significantly (P < .05) improved survival (or decreased mortality) when used prophylactically and in curative assays compared to the control. The 400 mg of the n-hexane extract seemed to be the optimal concentration in both prophylactic and curative assays since it showed the least percentage deaths (50% and 43%) respectively. The methanolic extract exhibited a nonsignificant (P > .05) decrease in percentage death prophylactically but direct significant (P < .05) dose-dependent reduction in percentage deaths than the control in the curative studies with the 400 mg dose also showing the least deaths (47%).
 Conclusion: The results suggest that both methanolic and n-hexane extracts of Caryota no have potentials as antibiofilm agents.

Antioxidant Activity of nHexane Extract of Caryota no Seed Using Drosophila melanogaster Model

Aims: To investigate the anti-oxidant activity of the nhexane extracts of Caryota no seeds in D. melanogaster.
 Study Design: Experimental design.
 Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019.
 Methodology: Total protein assays were carried out by exposing 50 flies in each vial to the following concentrations: 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg and 600 mg of nhexane extracts in 5 replicates for 7 days with daily recording of mortality. In vivo antioxidant activity study was conducted by measuring levels of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and total thiol (TT) from supernatants of whole fly homogenates using a spectrophotometer at specific wavelenghts. The values were derived as part of the total protein value. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P <0.05. 
 Results: The nhexane extract of CN caused nonsignificant (P = .52) changes in total protein levels compared to the control. The antioxidant activity showed nonsignificant (P = .64) higher total thiol contents and GST (P = .76) activity in nhexane extract-treated flies and lower catalase (P = .30) activity was recorded in the nhexane extract-treated flies compared to the controls.
 Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that the nhexane extract of Caryota no possess appreciable concentrations of different types of antioxidants.

Genetic Variability and Performance Evaluation of Cowpea [(Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] Accessions on High Altitude of Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

The present study was carried out to evaluate the genetic variability and performance evaluation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) accessions with the objective of selecting accessions with the best adaptability and potentiality for upgrading grain yield and other related traits on high altitude of Jos plateau. A field experiment was therefore carried out at Dagwom farm at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, in Jos South Local Government area of Plateau state, during the 2013 and 2014 rainy seasons. The treatments consisted of eighty (80) cowpea g accessions obtained from International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in two replicates. The result was analysed using (ANOVA) model and showed significant difference at (P<0.01) among the entries for all the characters accessed. High phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV) compared with genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) coupled with low environmental coefficient of variability (ECV) were observed for all the yield and related traits accessed. High broad sense heritability (h2) coupled with high genetic advance (GAM %) attributed to high additive gene effect observed for all the characters observed in this study, except days to maturity which recorded high heritability with moderate genetic advance. In terms of performance, TVU-2972 and TVU-2174 were selected as accessions with high establishment capacity, TVU-4578 and TVU-7705 were selected as the early maturing accessions, while TVU-10431 was selected as the bold seeded genotype. The highest grain yield was produced by TVU-3188 and TVU-7918. All the above accessions were selected based on their high mean performance compared to other accessions. There is, therefore, need for hybridization between these selected accessions for evolving unique varieties of cowpea on high altitude area of Jos plateau.

Puplic Health Implications of Pesticide Residues in Irish Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) from Jos Nigeria

Abstract Objectives There is a growing public health concern on the indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture among farmers from developing countries including Nigeria. The presence of pesticide residues in food samples may pose a deleterious effect on food safety and consequently compromise the health of consumers especially children, elderly, and pregnant women. The estimation of pesticides residues via dietary intake constitutes a vital integral part of regulatory processes that seeks to preserve public health. This study is therefore focused on the estimation of some pesticide residues in samples of Irish potatoes collected from Jos Nigeria. Methods The samples were collected from five different markets in Jos Plateau State Nigeria. All the samples were transported to the Central Research Laboratory, Ilorin, Nigeria. The pesticide residue analysis was carried out using GC/MS after sample extraction, filtration and Concentration. After the analysis was carried out, the result obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) statistical software (version 21) after which the Mean, Standard deviations and ANOVA (Analysis of variance) were calculated. Results The result shows that 17 different pesticide residues were identified with ten (10) organochlorines, two (2) organophosphates, one (1) thiocarbamate, one (1) benzamide and two (2) of them were unclassified. The concentration of these pesticides were determined which was then used to determine the estimated daily intake. The ADI and MRL for each pesticide was sought for and the health risk was also evaluated. With the results obtained, it was noticed that most of these pesticides usually exceed their ADI and MRL which then makes them hazardous to the human health. Considering the health risk index of consumers Aldrin, Heptachlor, Mecarbem and Dieldrin proved to be very hazardous (P > 1). Conclusions These pesticides can cause harmful effects on the food commodities which ultimately cause a damaging impact on the health of human. To guarantee food safety, continuous monitoring is recommended for pesticide residues in Irish potatoes. Funding Sources Self-sponsored.

Variability of some soil properties along a toposequence in a basaltic parent material of Vom, Plateau State Nigeria

Topography influences the distribution of some soil physical and chemical properties. This study assessed some variation in soil properties resulting from the topographic effect on Basaltic parent material at Vom Jos Plateau State in the Southern Guinea zone of Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at an interval of 20m and at depths of 0 to15cm and 15 to 30cm, parceled, labeled and taken to the laboratory for analysis of the selected for analysis. The results from the study revealed that variations in soil properties along the landscape segments were probably due to their positions toposequence characteristics in soils. Clay, silt and gravel contents varied moderately (CV = 22.9, 15.42 and 32.55% respectively), while sand did not vary much (CV = 8.47%). Organic carbon showed high variability (CV = 38.08%) while soil pH in (H2O and CaCl2) showed less spatial variability (with CV = 4.91 and 6.45% respectively). Available phosphorus has high variability (CV = 37.59%). Magnesium, K and Ca showed high spatial variability (CV = 42.60, 35.85, and 35.84% respectively), while Na and exchange acidity were moderately variable (CV = 24.39 and 24.27% respectively). Generally, some of the soil chemical properties were varied with topographic positions.

Media Influence on Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use Amongst Students of University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria

Introduction: The Youth are active consumers of media content where issues pertaining to sexual activity and contraceptives could be seen. Information derivable from the media can reduce the burden of reproductive health. Therefore, examining the influence of media on sexual behaviour and contraceptive use of students may assist policy makers to strategize on providing solutions to these problems. Objective: The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of media on sexual activity and contraceptive use among students at the University of Jos, Plateau State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study where 278 students of general studies were selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Individuals were subsequently chosen at random until a statistically determined sample size was achieved. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20) software was utilized for data analysis. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.3 years Students that were ≤ 20yrs constituted the largest group of respondents (49.6%). Most of the students (77%) agreed that media influences sexual behaviour with the Internet/social media (39.3%) having the most influence. Most of the respondents (87.4%) had heard of contraceptives from the media, most from the Internet/social media (42.4%) while the male condom (46.5%) was the most known type of contraceptive. Most of the respondents (77.7%) felt that contraceptive information in the media encouraged engagement in safe sex. There was a significant statistical association between information from media and influence on sexual activity and also influence on use of contraceptives. There was also significant statistical association between information on contraceptives from media and engagement in safe sexual activity. Significant number of the students (42.6%) agreed while 40.0% disagreed that the media should be a platform for sex education to students. Most of the students (87.4%) agreed that contraceptives information in media can lead to reduced incidence of unwanted pregnancies among students. Most of the students (86.7%) agreed that contraceptives information in media can lead to reduced incidence of STIs and HIV/AIDS among students. Conclusion: Media content is seen among the top sexual educators amongst students. Mass media plays an important role in improving contraceptive use among students. This finding provides a window of opportunity for improving contraceptive utilization in the country through an improved and sustained use of the mass media to disseminate family planning information.

Assessment of Levels of Some Metals in Water and Fish from Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: This study was designed to assess the levels of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) in water and fish to monitor the toxicity risk of consuming these fish.
 Place and Duration of Studies: The water and fish samples were obtained from Farin gada river, Liberty Dam, Dahwol-Tohort and Diye-Tohort mining ponds, all within Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria, between March and April, 2018.
 Methodology: Water and six fish species samples were collected from four different locations, digested and analysed using Buck Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, model 210VGP.
 Results: Farin gada river had all the four metals studied in varying concentrations in the following order Mn>Ni>Co>Cr with Mn having the highest mean concentration of 0.4133±0.0100 mg/L. The concentrations of the metals in the other three sources were in the order of Ni>Co>Cr with Mn not detected. Cr also was not detected in Lamingo Dam. The concentrations of Mn and Ni in all the water sources were higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) maximum permissible limits of 0.05 mg/L and 0.06 mg/L respectively. Petrocephalus bovei recorded the highest mean concentrations of Mn and Ni, while Co was highest in Clarias gariepinus species. The concentrations of these metals in the head, body and gills of the fish species showed that the head of Petrocephalus bovei species had the highest concentrations of all the metals except chromium. Fish species from other water sources exhibited the same general pattern of Head˃gill˃body except Co which was found to accumulate more in the body than in other parts of the fish.
 Conclusion: The results showed that there was biomagnification of these metals from water to the fish as the concentration of the metals in the fish far exceeded those of the water sources from which they were obtained and Petrocephalus bovei species has the highest potential to biomagnified all the metals.

Evaluation of Propagation Losses Due to Rain Attenuated Signal on Terrestrial Radio Links over Jos, Plateau State Nigeria

This paper presents the evaluation of propagation losses due to rain attenuated signal on terrestrial radio link. Rain rate data were measured using Davis weather station for the months of July, August and October 2017 at (9.9565° N, 8.8583° E; 1258 meters) Jos Plateau state of Nigeria. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel application package. Results were calculated based ITU-Recommendation. The result for the month of July shows that rain attenuated signals become more severe from rain rate of 90 mm/hr at 0.014% to 160 mm/hr at 0.002% with attenuation of 31.215dB and 105.951dB respectively. Also, the month of August shows that rain attenuated signals become more severe from rain rate of 70mm/hr at 0.017% to 200mm/hr at 0.002% with attenuation of 69.509dB and 108.324dB respectively. Furthermore, the month of October shows that rain attenuated signals become more severe from rain rate of 70mm/hr at 0.014% to 160 mm/hr at 0.004 with attenuation of 50.301dB and 135.336dB respectively. Therefore, results from this study revealed that rain attenuated signals on terrestrial radio links in Jos-Nigeria is more severe at higher rainfall rate (above 60 mm/hr) and lower exceeded frequency percentage of time (0.01% to 0.001%).