Science Laboratory Technology Research Articles

EVALUATION OF ANTISEPTIC PROPERTIES OF SOAPS PRODUCED WITH PHYSCIA GRISEA EXTRACT

18Feb 2020 EVALUATION OF ANTISEPTIC PROPERTIES OF SOAPS PRODUCED WITH PHYSCIA GRISEA EXTRACT Eze Emmanuel Ikechukwu , Ogbuabor , Chinenye Odinaka , Eze Clementina Ebere and Onu Martina Chinagorom Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nutritional Composition, Microbiological Quality and Sensory Properties of Kunu-zaki Produced from Millet and Tigernut Blend

Aims: To investigate the effect of supplementation of kunu-zaki with milk on its nutritional and microbiological qualities and overall acceptability.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, between April, 2019 and July, 2019.
 Methodology: The two (2) Kunu-zaki blends were produced by traditional fermentation method, thereafter, they were screened for the presence of microorganisms using pour plate method while colonial characteristics and biochemical tests (Sugar utilization, catalase, coagulase, oxidase) were done to confirm the identity of the organisms. The proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid, ash, fibre and carbohydrate) of the samples were assayed using standard procedures. The sensory properties of the Kunu-zaki were assessed using a trained panel. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 17.0 and the means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test.
 Results: Coliforms and Enterobacteriacea were not found in the enriched and control Kunu-zaki samples. However, the highest total heterophilic bacterial count (107x103 cfu/ml) and lactic acid bacterial count (131 x103 cfu/ml) were found in sample B while the least counts were found in the control sample with 92 x103 cfu/ml and 122 x103 cfu/ml total bacterial and lactic acid bacterial counts respectively. Further, the highest fungal count was found in control sample (67 x103 sfu/ml) while the least count were observed on sample B (52 x103 sfu/ml). The control sample had the lowest pH 4.65 while sample C had the highest pH of 5.95. Also, the TTA ranged between 0.57% I sample C and 0.83% in control sample. A total of six (6) bacteria and six (6) fungi were isolated from the freshly prepared kunu-zaki-tigernut milk blends, they were Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Micrococcus luteus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus species, Geotrichum candidum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium and Penicillium species. The crude protein, moisture content and fat of the enriched Kunu-zaki were significantly (p≤0.05) higher than the control sample. Also, there was a reduction in fibre, ash and carbohydrate content of the enriched Kunu-zaki product compared with the control sample. The enriched Kunu-zaki samples had higher level of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus than the control Kunu-zaki while they had lower calcium and sodium concentrations. Kunu-zaki-tigernut milk blends had comparable rating to the control in appearance and aroma but had a higher rating for taste and overall acceptability.
 Conclusion: The enrichment of Kunu-zaki with tigernut milk had significant elevating effect on the nutrition and sensory properties of the Kunu-zaki and its overall acceptability.

Determination of the Pozzolanicity of Cocoa Pod Ash at Different Temperatures

Pozzolans are siliceous or aluminous materials which possess little or no cementing property but chemically react with calcium hydroxide at ordinary temperature to form compounds possessing cementitious properties. There is paucity of information on the pozzolanicity of Cocoa Pod Ash (CPA). Hence, this study investigated the pozzolanicity of CPA. Cocoa pods were obtained from selected farms in Egba Odeda, Ogun State Nigeria. The Cocoa pods were washed, sundried and calcinated to ashes in a furnace between 600° C to 1000° C at Science Laboratory Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State. Chemical analyses and X-ray Crystallography were carried out on the CPA to determine the types of oxides present and their varying percentages. The oxides were Silica (SiO,), Ferric (Fe,O,), combined percentages of Ferric and Aluminum oxides (Fe,O, and Al,O,), Calcium (CaO), Magnesium (MgO) and Sulphur (SO,). The moisture content and the Loss of Ignition (LOD) of the CPA samples were also determined.The oxides of Silicon, Ferric, Aluminium, Calcium and Magnesium oxide ranged between 6.39-8.00; 0.78 – 0.89; 1.74- 2,29; 7.15-8.42 and 4.38-5.16% respectively. Sulphur trioxide and LOI ranged 3.51- 3.78 and 27.2- 32.0%, respectively. The Xray crystallography showed that the total percentage composition of SiO, Al,O, and Fe,O, in CPA varied from 14.87-24.21%. The study showed that CPA did not satisfy the minimum 70% requirements stipulated by ASTM C618 (2005) for a pozzolan after the analysis of the oxides but it satisfied all the requirements for LOI, hence CPA is a weak pozzolan

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Ethanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina on the oviposition, egg hatchability and adult emergence of Callosobruchus maculatus(f.) on treated Cowpea seed

The efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina ethanolic leaf extract against the oviposition, egg hatchability and adult emergence of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) on cowpea treated seed was evaluated at the New Biology Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Kano State Polytechnic. Leaf extract from V. amygdalina was obtained by Soxhlet extraction method. maculates were obtained along with infested cowpea grains from Dawanau market in Kano State of Nigeria. The insects were reared in the laboratory and four different concentrations of the leaf extract (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5g) were separately mixed with twenty gram (20g) of cowpea in separate Petri-dishes which correspond to (5.0, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 w/w %) respectively. Control treatment was also set along. Five (5) adult pairs of newly emerged C. maculatus were introduced into each Petri dish. Oviposition and egg hatchability of the female insect was significantly reduced on seed treated with higher treatment level (10.0 and 12.5 % w/w) of the extract at (p< 0.05), in comparison with the control treatments. C. maculates adult emergence from seed with varying dose of V. amygdalina was significantly reduced (p < 0 .0 5) compared to other treatments. V. amygdalina plant leaf extract recorded low oviposition (3.3±0.10), low eggs hatchability (0.33±0.19) and lower F1 progeny adult emergence (0.00±0.00),when compared with untreated control treatment (P < 0.05).Therefore the plant has shown a strong effectiveness similar to that of synthetic insecticide in the preservation of cowpea seeds against C. maculatus during storage. It was recommended that government should encourage more planting of these plants that possess insecticidal properties.

Role of Slt: Environmental Impact Assessments and Statements Concept

Within the special issues, the role of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) in various fields of local, traditional, or modern and indigenous knowledge need to be elaborated. Review study was carried out on the role of SLT in environmental impact assessments and statements concept. SLT is a wide scope discipline, serving as a linkage between various fields, especially the ecosystem ecology and organisms interactions studies. SLT plays a greatest role in ecosystem research (biotic and abiotic pools and fluxes) analysis of relevant values, participates actively in Environmental Impact Assessment and Statement (EIA/S). It provides various laboratory techniques; analyses, samples collection on the targeted points or locations, parameters assess or state gives the baseline data to these samples points or locations. The samples conditions are not determined only, but would serve as reference baseline data in order to avoid unnecessary dispute or claim in the future of a project. Also provide services for EIA as a management tool designed to aid stakeholders, policy makers, managers and officials both at local, national and international observatory who mainly take decisions on major development projects in predicting the effects on the environmental consequences of such projects, before and after their implementation and planning measures, for avoiding or mitigating adverse laboratory techniques. The act of making natural laws adaptable to society understanding and eventual applications of these laws to solve man’s day to day problems through skill knowledge of science, technology and engineering depended wholly on series of laboratory experiments, greatly improved many aspects of development in our societies, through the production and innovation of computers and internets, makes it to be virtual or stimulated and remote laboratories. Without the indispensable contributions of qualified and licensed professional in SLT, no producible, justifiable, valid and reliable findings can be ascertain on the EIA/S and data based study, including the description of baseline environmental condition of proposed project areas or points as multidisciplinary.

Allelopathic effect of leaf and seed extract of nutgrass (Cyperus tuberosus) on the germination of beans (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

AbstractThe effect of leaf and seed extract of nutgrass (Cyperus tuberosus) on the germination of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) was investigated at the microbiology laboratory of the Science Laboratory Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, using six aqueous extracts: control (0.0 g cm−3), 0.5, 1.0 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 g cm−3. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design replicated three times. Results revealed that the aqueous leaf extract had more toxic effect on the germination of cowpea seed especially at the 3rd day to 9th day of germination. The concentration 1.0 g cm−3 gave a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect in the last 5 days of the germination experiment and is a better germination, while the higher concentration 3.0 g cm−3 had recorded barely no germination at all from day 1 to day 13 of the experimental period. Bioassays also indicate that the inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations of the extracts that is the higher the concentration the stronger in...

Larvicidal Efficacy of <i>Cola gigantea</i>, <i>Malacantha alnifolia</i> and <i>Croton zambesicus</i> Extracts as Phytoinsecticides Against Malaria Vector <i>Anopheles stephensi</i> (Diptera: culicidae)

Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles stephensi and in controlling the malaria parasite Plasmodium spp., the vector mosquito has to be controlled. Extensive use of synthetic insecticides has resulted in environmental hazards and also in development of physiological resistance among vector mosquito species. Plant products are considered to be a potential alternative approach as they are environmentally safe, target specific and biodegradable. The n-hexane extracts of three plants viz ., leaves of Cola gigantea , Malacantha alnifolia and Croton zambesicus were evaluated against mosquito third instar larvae under ambient laboratory condition at Environmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The larvicidal effects of the three plant species were tested at the following dosages: 0ml; 2ml; 4ml and 5ml. Larval mortality toxicity was calculated after 24 hours exposure period and the results obtained show that all the extracts exerted varying significant (P<0.05) percentages of larvae mortality effect; extract of C. gigantea was found to have the highest mortality rate at LC 50 and LC 90 . From the phytochemical screening conducted on the plants, it was observed that the plants contain some secondary metabolites which are likely responsible for the larvicidal properties exhibited by the tested plants. The plants extracts show to be promising alternative to synthetic insecticides in malaria vector control programme and its adoption is advocated. Further studies need to be conducted to isolate and characterize the active molecules present in the plants.

Oviposition, Infestation Deterrent Activity and Phytochemical Screening of &lt;i&gt;Heliotropium indicum&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Lawsonia inermis&lt;/i&gt; Against &lt;i&gt;Callosobruchus maculatus&lt;/i&gt; Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Cowpea Seeds

The cowpea beetle ( Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)) is a major pest of stored cowpea, militating against food security in developing countries. The comparative studies of different powders of Heliotropium indicum and Lawsonia inermis leaves in respect to their phytochemical and insecticidal properties against C. maculatus was carried out using Complete Randomised Design (CRD) with 5 treatments (0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5g/20g cowpea seeds) replicated 3 times under ambient conditions in the Biology Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of Tannins, Cardiac glycosides, Saponins, Flavonoid, Steroids, and Terpenoids in both plant powders. Phlobatanins and Anthraquinone was observed to be absent in both plants. While alkaloid was present in L. inermis and absent in H. indicum. The mortality of C. maculatus increased gradually with time of exposure and concentration of plant powders. L. inermis caused 81.14% adult mortality and H. indicum exerted 75% adult mortality at 120h after exposure time. Maximum oviposition deterrence activity was observed with L. inermis powder (54.26%) compared to H. indicum (51.32%). A significant (P 0.05) in reducing infestation and weight loss, respectively. However, L. inermis had higher activity against the test insect pest than H. indicum. Conclusively, both plants have highly useful activity against the pest and therefore can be used in formulating environmental friendly phyto-insecticide.

Perception of Staff and Students on Factors that Influence Performance in Science Laboratory Technology in Institutes of Technology in Southern Nyanza Region, Kenya

Science Laboratory Technology training is considered the hub to Kenya’s economy, as it is increasingly seen as a vehicle through which the country will build a competitive workforce for key industries within priority sectors identified in Vision 2030. Despite the importance of Science Laboratory Technology, students’ performance in Institutes of Technology in South Nyanza, Kenya has been below expectations. For the period between 2006-2010, cumulative performance in Science Laboratory Technology course in Kenya National Examinations has been; Distinction 0 (0%), Credit 15 (2.63%); Pass 61 (10.63%); Referred 219 (38.29%); and 277 (48.45%) failed. This dismal performance has led to growing concern among stakeholders. The purpose of this article was to establish perception of students and staff on determinants of performance in science laboratory technology in institutes of technology in South Nyanza region, Kenya The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of 240 students undergoing the Science Laboratory Technology course, 26 lecturers, 3 Librarians and 3 Principals. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 120 students and 18 lecturers while saturated sampling technique was used to select the 3 Principals, 3 librarians and 3 laboratory assistants. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules, document analysis and observation. Face validity of the instruments was established by experts from the Department of Educational Management and Foundation whose

Perception of Students and Staff on Determinants of Performance in Science Laboratory Technology in Institutes of Technology in Southern Nyanza Region, Kenya

Science Laboratory Technology training is considered pivotal to Kenya’s economy, as it is increasingly seen as a vehicle through which the country will build a competitive workforce for key industries within priority sectors identified in Vision 2030. The objective of this article was to find out the contribution of library facilities on performance of students in Science Laboratory Technology in Institutes of Technology in Institutes of Technology in South Nyanza, Kenya. Despite the importance of Science Laboratory Technology, students’ performance in Institutes of Technology in South Nyanza, Kenya has been below expectations. For the period between 2006-2010, cumulative performance in Science Laboratory Technology course in Kenya National Examinations has been; Distinction 0 (0%), Credit 15 (2.63%); Pass 61 (10.63%); Referred 219 (38.29%); and 277 (48.45%) failed. This dismal performance has led to growing concern among stakeholders. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules, document analysis and observation. A conceptual framework was used to guide the study on factors that determine performance in Science Laboratory Technology. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of 240 students undergoing the Science Laboratory Technology course, 26 lecturers, 3 Librarians and 3 Principals. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 120 students and 18 lecturers while saturated sampling technique was used to select the 3 Principals, 3 librarians and 3 laboratory assistants. It is hoped that this article will provide a basis for future research in the education sector particularly the Institutes of Technology. The Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology may also use this study to re-evaluate the criteria for student admission into the course Science Laboratory Technology.

Physics-with-electronics as a viable qualification for laboratory technologists

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is Nigeria's supervisory agency and coordinating body for all aspects of technical education taught outside the universities in Nigeria. It is therefore responsible for curriculum development in the polytechnics and technical colleges. The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology (Physics-with-Electronics) is one of the academic programmes developed by the Board, and offered by many polytechnics throughout the country. This programme is designed to produce laboratory technologists capable of applying all common physics equipment and instruments in analytic, teaching and research work, and are also able to maintain them. In this paper, the main features of the programme are discussed with a view to sharing experience with physics teachers from different parts of the world on more effective curriculum delivery using modern techniques.