Plateau State Nigeria Research Articles

Environmental and Nutritional Health Awareness on Musca domestica as a Carrier of Parasites in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State-Nigeria

Environmental and Nutritional Health Awareness on Musca domestica as a Carrier of Parasites in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State-Nigeria

Survey on Household Awareness and Willingness to Participate in E-Waste Management in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Nearly 290,000 tons of electronic waste was generated in Nigeria during the year 2017, which is likely to increase further due to high population growth rates, accelerated urbanization, high demand for electronic products, as well as disposal at their end-of-life. At the same time, e-waste is associated with negative human health impacts, as well as environmental pollution. Therefore, environmental awareness on this waste stream is crucial in its management and possible minimization. In this paper, we report on a survey which investigated awareness levels and knowledge amongst households in the Jos metropolis, Plateau State (Nigeria). We interviewed 228 respondents by means of close-ended questionnaires. The results indicated that cell phones (93%) and television sets (82%) were mentioned by most respondents. The main reasons for acquiring these electronic devices entailed the replacement of damaged ones (49.6%), frequent product upgrades (37.7%), as well as theft (35.55%), amongst others. The most predominant method of disposing e-waste included illegal dumping in open spaces along with other household wastes (25%), storing it at home indefinitely (27.6%), and selling it to others for possible reuse (17.5%). Although the handling and storage of this waste is currently inappropriate, most respondents (84.2%) were willing to participate in its management provided they are given appropriate knowledge (89.9%) on its safe disposal and recycling. Lastly, we found no significant correlation between existing awareness levels on e-waste and willingness to participate in its management based on the socio-demographical profile of respondents. Thus, we recommend educational interventions on sound e-waste management in the Jos metropolis, along with a systematic analysis of how policy interventions such as the extended producer responsibility schemes can be designed for effective e-waste management and recycling amongst all stakeholders.

Resourcefulness and Growth of Entrepreneurs in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State Nigeria

Most entrepreneurs moves from one entrepreneurial activities to another, as a result of not be resourceful in their present activity, meanwhile where they are abandoning possesses much better opportunity for their expansion and growth. The point that the study is trying to buttress are those factors responsible to the growth of the entrepreneurs in their activities without leaving their present business or activities for another. Challenges faced by entrepreneurs in their businesses, are more or less similar in nature but varies in their scope. A research questions which includes the roles of fund availability, idea and customer patronage plays in the growth of entrepreneurs in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. The population of the study includes a representative sample of small Businesses (fashion designers, Stylist and Metal Fabricators) within Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. The population of the study comprises all the 2401 registered entrepreneurs in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Yamene’s formular for the sample size determination was used to arrive at a sample size of 342, questionnaire method for the study was adapted from (Bradley, 2015; Gora, 2012; Nason and Wiklund, 2018) on resourcefulness which was on a structured and self completion format. The study used SPSS multiple linear regression to present and test the hypothesis. The major findings was that there is a strong significant relationship between idea, fund and customer patronages on the growth of entrepreneurs in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, idea was highly significant at(t=4.55). Therefore, the study concludes that idea, fund and customers patronage are relevant to the growth of entrepreneurs in their businesses. The study recommends that there should be consistency by entrepreneurs to adopt the culture of innovations through which their resourcefulness would contribute to their growth in their businesses, the implications of the study implies when adopted practically and theoretically it will yield a positive impact on the policy makers to enhances the resourceful nature of entrepreneurs in Nigeria Keywords: Resourcefulness, idea, Fund, customers patronage, Growth, Entrepreneurs and Innovation. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-4-01 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

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.

Visual Status of HIV and Non-HIV Infected Children in Relation to Anti-retroviral Drug Use and CD4+ Count in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria

In immunodeficiency diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, various body functions may be affected; visual function could be one of them. In a child, there are predictable adverse outcomes of the disease that bother physical and mental development. This study sought to investigate any potential compromise of visual function amongst HIV-infected children on anti-retroviral drugs known as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) use by comparing the visual acuity, colour sense and field of vision in infected and non-infected children. One hundred (100) children aged between 5 to 15 years consisting of fifty (50) HIV infected and fifty (50) non-HIV infected were selected through random sampling. Visual acuity test (Snellen’s method), colour sense test (Ishihara chart method) and field of vision test (confrontational method) were carried out. Latest Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4+) count of the HIV infected subjects also was collected. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Student T Test and ANOVA. The mean visual acuity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected children was slightly low compared to the negative group (94.2±4.61and 96.4±12.58 respectively) but was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The mean of Ishihara colour sense test and that of the field of vision test also showed no statistically significant change between infected and non-infected children. Mean CD4+ count of the HIV infected children increased with age and use of anti-retroviral drugs. From 11 to 15 years, percentage defect in visual acuity increased amongst the HIV infected children, compared to the other ages but not statistically significant (p>0.05). It was concluded that visual acuity decreases slightly with improving CD4+ count and increasing age, for HIV positive children on anti-retroviral drugs. These parameters could be observed in subsequent years and subjects monitored for further investigation.

Effect of sex on biometry and morphological indices of Japanese quails (Ccoturnix Coturnix Japonica)

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of sex on biometry and morphological indices of Japanese quails. A total of one hundred and fifteen finisher quails (115) comprising 30 males and 85 females of ten (10) weeks of age were used for this study. The quails were procured from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Plateau State Nigeria. They were managed in a deep litter system of housing from day old to finisher phase (10 weeks). The sex of the quails were identified by the production of cloacal foam following the standard protocol. Female quails recorded higher (P<0.05) body weight, massiveness and appears to be better for long leggedness than their male counterpart. The lower values observed for the female quails for long leggedness is an indication of blockier appearance a characteristics for meatiness. The results of the Pearson correlation for the male quails indicates that there were strong positive correlation for Body weight(BW) and Body length(BL)(r=0.465 at P<0.01), BW and Breast circumference(BC), BL and BC, Foot length(FL) and Wing length(WL) (r=0.577, 0.429 and 0.451 at P<0.05). For the female quails, strong positive correlation were observed for BC and WL, FL and WL (r=0.339, 0.332 at P<0.01), BL and FL, FL and TLL (r=0.270, 0.263 P<0.05). There was also a strong negative correlation observed for Thigh circumference (TC) and FL (r=0.406 at P<0.01). The result of ?2 for the sex was also significant (P<0.05). This findings would aid in the selection and breeding programme for quails? improvement.

A 3 year retrospective study on the pattern and prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in JOS, plateau state Nigeria: A quantitative analysis

A 3 year retrospective study on the pattern and prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in JOS, plateau state Nigeria: A quantitative analysis

Species Diversity of <i>Candida</i> from Hospital Environment in Plateau State, Nigeria

In the past few years the role the hospital environment in the transmission of infections has increased leading to the increase in the incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with <i>Candida</i> infections. The hospital environment can serve as an alternative niche for the presence of opportunistic pathogens of public health concern. This study sought to use molecular approach to study the prevalence of <i>Candida</i> from hospital environments in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Samples were collected from different hospital environments and cultured on Chromagar <i>Candida</i> media. Taqman PCR was then used to characterize the isolates, the ability of <i>Candida</i> to form biofilm was evaluated. In this study, <i>Candida parapsilosis</i> with 31.25% was the most prevalent <i>Candida</i> followed by <i>Candida (Nakaseomyces) glabrata</i> and <i>Candida krusei</i> with prevalence of 28.13%. The ability to form biofilms was evaluated for these environmental isolates, and it was observed that <i>C. parapsilosis</i> biofilm formation correlated with high prevalence with <i>C. parapsilosis</i> having high biofilm formation (20/64) followed by <i>C. glabrata</i> and <i>C. krusei</i> (18/64) each Environmental sampling has the potential to improve our knowledge about yeast biodiversity and the evolution of pathogenic yeasts with clinical relevance. This study is the first in Nigeria to study to characterize <i>Candida</i> from hospital environments in Jos, Plateau state Nigeria.

Treatment of Spilled Auto-Mechanic Garage Oils in Soil Using Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Waste Materials

The work aimed at cleaning oil contaminated soil started with sorting and pulverizing pre-clean high density polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste materials. The soil samples were collected from <i>Farin-Gada</i> Auto-Mechanic village located at Jos North Local Government area, Plateau State-Nigeria. They were prepared by homogenizing, crushing and sieving (mesh size ≤2mm), then extracted and purified for characterization of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS). For the heavy metals, the soil samples were air-dried, digested using mineral acids (HNO₃ and HCl) in appropriate proportion, then analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The levels of nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and TPH were assessed in the sample used as control (uncontaminated) labelled as ‘CC-S’. Untreated soil (automobile mechanic garage soil) labelled ‘UT-S’, and treated soil labelled as ‘TT-S. The results revealed that the untreated soil (UT-S) had high contaminants when compared to that of CC-S and TT-S. This suggest that anthropogenic activities is the major source of the soil contamination. On treating the contaminated soil with PET, the concentration of Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd in the UT-S was reduced by 18%, 4%, 84% and 66% respectively. Similarly, the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration reduced from 0.271 mg kg^-1 to 0.082 mg kg^-1 on treating UT-S with PET. The present work has established that pulverized waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be processed and used to clean up oil contaminated soils.

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.

Prevalence of Sorbitol-Negative Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Strain in Beef and Cattle Faeces in Jos South L.G.A Plateau State Nigeria

Prevalence of Sorbitol-Negative Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Strain in Beef and Cattle Faeces in Jos South L.G.A Plateau State Nigeria

Environment Degradation and Nature’s Reclamation: A Study of Yiro Abari’s in the Absence of Man

The sermon of eco-activists for long has been about conservation of the flora and fauna, particularly the threatened and endangered species in order to sustain the steady cycle of the ecosystem. However, industrial and economic activities by humans have resulted in the obstruction of the ecosystemic chain. Many Western writers have imposed upon themselves the responsibility of promoting biological and environmental conservation through their art. However, the call for global environmental preservation has been answered weakly by black African writers and critics. This is so because the African writer has been preoccupied with issues of colonialism and corruption. YiroAbari’s In the Absence of Man is set in Jos, the capital of Plateau State of Nigeria. A city that has witnessed massive tin mining activities from the dawn of the 20th century which left vast ponds and infertile lands in the wake of mining. This paper explores the details of the wasted lands due to mining activities. It has become evident in this article that nature has the capacity to re-invent itself through Darwin’s theory of natural selection. The paper therefore posits that nature will always reclaim its lost territories of the earth even after human beings have gone into extinction. It is therefore in man’s interest to protect nature for himself.

Effects of Peer Education Intervention for Hepatitis B on Level of Knowledge and Beliefs of School Adolescents in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria

Effects of Peer Education Intervention for Hepatitis B on Level of Knowledge and Beliefs of School Adolescents in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria

Effect of Year of Calving on the Reproductive Performance of Holstein Friesian Cows in Vom Plateau State Nigeria

Effect of Year of Calving on the Reproductive Performance of Holstein Friesian Cows in Vom Plateau State Nigeria

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%).

Evaluation of Farmers’ Perception on Extension Service Delivery in Jos South, Plateau State Nigeria

The study examined farmer’s perception of agricultural extension services in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. Data for this study was obtained mainly from primary source of information by the used of well-structured questionnaire and oral interviews, a total number of 109 farmers from four (4) communities in the study area were selected. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and three (3) and five (5) point’s likert scale point’s likert scale. Objective (i) and (ii) was analyzed using three (3) and five (5) point Likert scale. The result revealed that (4.75%) of the farmers perceived that organization of field meeting with farmers are the best form off extension service delivery. Which means that most of the farmers has contact with extension agents. The result also revealed that to a very large extent, lack of transport facilities and lack of motivation are the most factors affecting extension services in the study area with 80.2% respectively.

In vitro Antioxidant Activity and Inhibition of Fe2+ and SNP Lipid Peroxidation of African Mistletoes (Tapinanthus globiferus) from Three Selected Host Plants in Jos Plateau State Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the antioxidative properties of the mistletoe plant obtained from three different host species namely Psidium guajava, Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa olifera lam.&#x0D; Study Design: Experimental Design&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Crude methanolic leaf extracts were studied for their antioxidative properties; Iron reducing and Iron-chelating activities, Nitric oxide (NO) radical and 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and the lipid peroxidation and thiobarbituric acid reaction (TBAR) methods. One way ANOVA was used for the result analysis with P&lt;.05 for significant difference.&#x0D; Results: Mistletoes from Psidum guajava (MSPG) had significantly higher reducing property (0.16 – 0.20mg/mL); the chelating property of Mistletoes from Moringa olifera (MSMO) was significantly lower (45.7 – 58.9%); DPPH radical scavenging activity had no significant difference; and Nitric oxide scavenging activity was significantly higher in MSPG (72.1% in 75mg/mL) than the extracts from other hosts. MSPG had significantly higher TBAR inhibition using both FeSO4 (77.8% at 125µg/mL) and Sodium nitroprusside (61.6+1.0% at 125µg/mL) with an IC50 of 30.27µg/mL . Extract of Tapinanthus globiferus leaves from Psidium guajava had more antioxidative activities in the TBARs followed by Tapinanthus globiferus leaf extract from Vernonia amygdalina (MSVA).&#x0D; Conclusion: From the study, mistletoes from Psidium guajava had higher antioxidant activity compared to other hosts, which probably justifies its use for treatment of cancer in traditional medicinal practice.

Nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance of two temperate and two tropical forage legume hays fed to New Zealand white rabbits

An experiment was carried out to evaluate two temperate forage legumes (Trifolium pratense and Trifolium repens) and two tropical forage legumes (Stylosanthes guianensis and Centrosema molle) for hay intake and digestibility in the cool tropical climate of Vom, Jos, Plateau State of Nigeria. The legumes were planted in the month of June, 2016 and harvested at early-podding stage for hay. Sixteen (16) growing male New Zealand White rabbits were used for the digestibility study. The rabbits were arranged in a Completely Randomised Design and in individual cages measuring 55 cm x 39 cm x 40 cm. Nutrient contents, intake and digestibility in rabbits were determined. Crude protein content was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in T. repens (18.38%) compared to T. pratense (16.50 %), whereas S. guianensis produced the least value of 13.83%. The crude fibre content of the hay was significantly higher (P&lt;0.0I) in S. guianensis (37.29 %) compared to the other forage legumes. Dry matter intake was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in rabbits fed T. repens (77.88%) compared to T. pratense (76.57%), and the lowest value of 62.97% was obtained in S. guianensis. Crude protein intake was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in rabbits fed T. repens (15.05 g d-1) compared to those fed T. pratense (12.71 g d-1), but S. guianensis had the least value of 8.64 g d-1. On the other hand, rabbits fed S. guianensis hay had a higher (P&lt;0.01) crude fibre intake (23.39%). Trifolium repens was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in dry matter and crude protein digestibility (64.79 and 85. 88 %), while S. guianensis had lower values of 56.89 and 71.33%, respectively. Trifolium repens also had a significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher total nitrogen intake and retained compared to the other forage legumes. Nitrogen retained in T. repens was 2.40 g d-1 compared to 1.87 g d-1 in T. pretense, while S. guianensis had the lowest of 1.34 g d-1. The temperate forage legume hays were higher in nutrient content, intake and digestibility compared to the tropical legume hays. Therefore, the forage crops may serve as better supplementary feeds for livestock feeding especially during the dry season.

Toxocariasis In A Lioness In Jos Zoo, Nigeria

Wild animals in Zoos across the globe are kept for aesthetic, educational, recreational and conservation purposes. Collections of rare and endangered species are also preserved in Zoos. Lions do well in captivity but are prone to excessive worm burden especially round worms and tapeworms though these conditions can easily be managed with adequate Veterinary services. Incidence of toxocariasis in captive African lions (Panthera leo) in Nigeria has largely not been reported. Jos Zoo and Wildlife Park both in Plateau State of Nigeria have lost significant number of lions to toxocariasis due to inadequate Veterinary attention A fatal case of toxocariasis in an African Lioness in Jos Zoological Garden, Nigeria was presented as a case study.

The Pattern of Severe Malaria in Plateau State of Nigeria: A Five-Year Review of Severe Malaria Case-Based Surveillance Data from 2013 to 2017

There is a decline in the global incidence, morbidity, and mortality of malaria. However, approximately 20% of hospital admissions and 10% of hospital deaths in Nigeria have been attributed to malaria. This secondary data analysis was conducted to examine the pattern severe malaria in Plateau State in the face of declining global malaria infection. Severe malaria-specific Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDRS) records of Plateau State of Nigeria over a five-¬year period were reviewed. A total of 38,467 cases of severe malaria were reported between January 2013 and December 2017. The highest number of cases 14098 (36.65%) was reported in 2016 and the least number of cases 950 (2.47%) were reported in 2014. A total of 362 severe malaria deaths was reported within the same period with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.94%. The highest CFR 1.43% was recorded in 2015 while the least CFR 0.00% was recorded in 2014. The 0-28 days age group had the highest CFR (3.13%). The comparative monthly trend of severe malaria cases did not follow any consistent pattern during the 5 years under review. However, as of 2017, the trends of total cases per year and CFRs were on the decline. In conclusion, the overall number of cases and deaths of severe malaria is declining in Plateau State but the CFR among neonates remains high. Therefore, prevention and control efforts should be intensified in Plateau State, in order to achieve malaria elimination in the State.