Usmanu Danfodiyo University Research Articles

Adherence to Islamic principles of success and academic achievement

This study was conducted in order to investigate the possible relationship between adherence to Islamic principles of success and academic performance of university students. Accordingly, a questionnaire based on Islamized principles of success (referred to as “Islamic character quotient inventory (ICQi)”) was correlated with CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Averages) of 343 students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The empirical testing indicates that the total score on ICQi correlated positively and significantly with the academic performance of the respondent. Students with either high or medium adherence to ICQi have a significantly higher CGPA than their counterparts with the low-adherence level. However, the result did not show a significant relationship between the CGPA of highly adherent individuals and that of those with medium adherence level. The findings of this research may suggest that Islamic principles are not confined to the spiritual aspect of human’s life, but also relevant and useful for our mundane affairs.

Pattern and Outcome of Cardiac Interventions Performed within and Outside Nigeria for Children with Structural Heart Diseases in Sokoto, North-western Nigeria

Background: Management of structural heart diseases is quite challenging in Nigeria, due to limited availability and access to cardiac care services. There is paucity of data on the pattern and outcome of cardiac interventions in children from the study area. 
 Aims: To determine the pattern of cardiac interventions and the early outcome (within six-months) of such interventions in children with structural heart diseases (SHD) seen in our hospital.
 Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, between August 2012 to September 2019.
 Methodology: All children with SHDs seen at our hospital, but had Cardiac surgery or interventional cardiac procedures within and outside Nigeria were recruited. Relevant information including type of lesion, procedure performed and the outcome within the first six months and length of hospital stay was analyzed.
 Results: Only 63 out of 780 (8.1%) children with structural heart diseases, aged 6 months-15 years (Mean age 6.5± 5.0 years, M: F = 1.3:1), had cardiac interventions. The interventions were surgical in 61 ((96.8%) and catheter-based in 2 (3.2%) patients; with 49 (77.8%) of these performed abroad. Patent Ductus arteriosus 14 (22.2%), Tetralogy of Fallot 14 (22.2%), ventricular septal defect 13 (20.6%) and atrial septal defect 6 (9.5%) were the commonest lesions for which interventions were undertaken. Early post-operative complications included pulmonary hypertensive crises, pericardial and pleural effusion, complete heart block and left branch pulmonary artery stenosis warranting re-intervention. During the first six months after the interventions, three (4.8%) patients died while 60 (95.2%) survivors were followed up. However, 25 (39.7%) of them were thereafter lost to follow.
 Conclusion: Majority of the cardiac interventions were surgical, performed predominantly in older children with CHDs; and associated with good outcome. However, most of them were undertaken outside the country, highlighting the need to ensure these services are available and accessible locally.

Prevalence of Mosquitoes in Gidan Yunfa Community of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Different species of mosquito serves as a vector for transmitting malaria. Malaria is still a serious public health problem in Nigeria. Knowledge of the mosquito species, their diversity, and their composition would help immensely toward proper implementation of the different control strategies. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of mosquitoes and feeding or biting period in Gidan Yunfa community of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. The Larvae and Pupae were collected from breeding sites. Adult mosquitoes were sampled using CDC light traps (situated indoor and outdoor) and Pyrethrum Spray Catch methods. Mosquitoes were identified morphologically. A total of 6,410 adult mosquitoes with 2,142 (33.42 %) obtained from CDC light traps and 4,268 (66.58%) from the larval collections were identified belonging to 3 genera Aedes , Anopheles , and Culex . A maximum number of mosquitoes were caught with CDC traps. The abundance of the different genera varied significantly (P<0.05) with Anopheles having the highest occurrence (54.75%) followed by Culex mosquitoes with 40.42%. Aedes has the least abundance with 8.05%. The indoor and outdoor feeding habits of the different species varied significantly (P<0.05). Nature of the houses and tethering of animal in residential houses and abundance of breeding places may explain the reason behind the higher prevalence of the mosquito in this community.

Management of dystocia due to faulty fetal disposition complicated with vaginal prolapse in a 2-year-old Yankasa ewe

Dystocia in small ruminants mostly occurs when the first or second stage of parturition is delayed. It may occur when the first stage could not progress to the second stage within 30 minutes. In this report, a 2-year-old Yankasa ewe weighing 40 kg was presented at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sokoto with complaints of straining and protruded mass around the vulva which was noticed 12 hours prior to presentation. Clinical examination revealed dullness, straining, a pinkish protruded mass through the vulva and pregnancy in the last trimester. Laboratory results indicated no parasite, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinophilia and bandemia. Manual obstetrical maneuvers were applied to deliver the fetuses but failed. The lambs were delivered through cesarean section and the prolapsed vagina was surgically managed. The dystocia was strongly believed to have occurred in this case due to faulty fetal disposition which subsequently led to vaginal prolapse as a result of unsuccessful straining in attempt to deliver. This case report indicated that vaginal prolapse may occur as a sequela to prolonged unsuccessful straining. The conditions were managed successfully without intra and postoperative complications and relapse.

Pattern of Blood Specimen Rejection at a Nigerian Public Clinical Laboratory

Obtaining appropriate blood specimen is central towards provision of reliable results in a clinical laboratory. To ensure that blood specimen collected for analysis reflect the physiologic or pathologic processes they represent, potential sources of pre-analytic errors should be identified and avoided. Our study aimed at determining the pattern of blood specimen rejection in a public clinical laboratory with a view of identifying inadequacies that should be improved upon. The sample rejection register at the Haematology laboratory of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria was accessed for a two-year period data on number of specimens rejected, reasons for rejection, types of tests for which rejections were made and affected clinical units; and the retrieved data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2010. Of the 53,955 specimens received during the study period, 122 were rejected giving an overall specimen rejection rate of 0.23%. Incomplete specimen labelling and clotted specimens were the commonest reasons for specimen rejection having accounted for 59.8% (73) and 30.3% (37) of the rejections respectively. Coagulation Screening Tests and Packed Cell Volume had the highest rejection rates of 52.5% (64) and 18.0% (22) respectively. The Accident and Emergency (A&amp;E) and Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) recorded the highest rates of sample rejection with 31.1% (37) and 11.8% (14) rejection rates respectively. We concluded that the reasons for blood specimen rejection in our public clinical laboratory could be avoided via the use of appropriate and properly labelled specimen containers and avoidance of faults in specimen collection, storage and transportation to the laboratory.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Vitamins Status of Diabetic Subjects Supplemented with Antioxidant Rich Supplement (Alphabetic) Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion / insulin action or both which could leads to increase level of oxidative stress and decrease in antioxidant defense system and may play role in the development of diabetic complications. The present study examines the effects of antioxidant rich supplements (Alphabetic) on antioxidant status of one hundred (100) diabetic subjects attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) for at least one year and the results were compared with those of fifty (50) diabetes mellitus non-supplemented and fifty (50) apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects. Standard analytical procedures were used for all the parameters measured including the effects of supplementation on Fasting Blood Glucose, oxidative stress marker (MDA), Reduced gluthathione and antioxidant vitamins (C, E and β-carotene) parameters were evaluated. The results revealed that the supplementation significantly (P˂0.05) reduce Serum glucose and Malondialdehyde and also significantly (P˂0.05) increases Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Reduced glutathione compared with the non-supplement group. The findings suggests that supplementation with Alphabetic might reduce the risk of oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus leading to diabetic complications and might be beneficial in the routine treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Effects of Bambara Nut (Vigna subterranean) on Basal and Stimulated Gastric Acid Secretion due to Histamine, Pentagastrin and Carbachol in rats

The seed extracts of V. subterranean (Bambara nuts) have many therapeutic applications in folkloric medicine owing to their effective secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, resins, and glycosides (Andzouana et al., 2014). The infusions and decoctions of the seeds are used to treat venereal diseases, diarrhoea, cataract, beriberi and polymenorrhea (Brink and Belay, 2006; Basu et al., 2007). The raw seeds are chewed to alleviate nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. V. Subterranea seed extracts have been shown to possess some biological properties such as antioxidant and hepatoprotective (Nyau et al., 2015; Iweala and Elekwa, 2001). In spite of multi‐functional properties of V. subterranea, its gastroprotective effect has not been fully explored. This study was carried out to examine the effects of V. Subterranea on basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion (GAS) in the Wistar rats. Each group of rats consisting of 5 rats (180–210g) was treated with aqueous extract of V. Subterranea (150 mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 400mg/kg) orally for 21 days. The animals were handled in accordance with guide for the care and use of laboratory animals (NIH, 2011). At the last day of the treatment, the rats were fasted for 24 hours, anaesthetized with ketamine. GAS (mEq/l) induced by histamine, carbachol and pentagastrin administration were assessed by the continuous perfusion technique using phenolphthalein as indicator. Data obtained were expressed as the Mean ± SEM) and analyzed using one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Graph Pad prism 5. The differences in mean were considered significant at p≤ 0.05. The aqueous extract of V. Subterranea significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) GAS induced by the histamine, carbachol and pentagastrin in a dose‐dependent manner over 80 minutes period in all the treated groups, although at varying rates. The gastroprotective action of V. Subterranea may be multifactorial that may include an anti‐secretory action.Support or Funding InformationWe wish to thank Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria for their support.Effect of Histamine on BambaraFigure 1Effect of Carbachol on BambaraFigure 2Effect of Pentagastrin on BambaraFigure 3

Vaso‐relaxant Effect of Zingiber officinale Extract Involves Release of Nitric Oxide from the Endothelium

IntroductionZingiber officinale (ZO) is an important plant with several medicinal, nutritional and ethnomedical values. The blood pressure lowering effect of ZO has been reported in experimental animals and human and some mechanisms have been postulated, including; blockage of voltage dependent calcium channel, stimulation of muscarinic receptors and serotonergic antagonistic property. The aim of this study is to investigate the vaso‐relaxant effect of the extract of ZO and the mechanism by which it is produced.MethodRhizomes of ZO were extracted in 80% methanol. Thoracic aorta isolated from male rabbits were cut into rings of 3–5 mm, mounted in organ baths containing 25 ml Krebs physiological solution maintained at 37 °C and bubbled continuously with a mixture of 95% O2 and 5% CO2. The aortic rings were equilibrated for 30 min at a resting tension of 1 g. Responses were recorded isometrically via a force displacement transducer connected to a recording system. The presence of functional endothelium was checked by the ability of acetylcholine (1μM) to induce relaxation on phenylepherine (PE, 1μM) contracted rings. The relaxant responses to ZO was recorded by adding cumulative concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80, 100, 500, 1000 μg/ml) of ZO. To investigate the involvement of endothelium in the vaso‐relaxant action, endothelium was removed by gently rubbing the luminal surface of the ring with a polyethylene tube. To investigate which endothelium‐derived vasorelaxant factors were involved, the rings were pre‐incubated with Nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 10 μM) or indomethacin (10 μM) for 30 min before addition of the spasmogen and ZO. Relaxant responses were expressed as percentage relaxation from PE‐precontraction levels. The EC50 (the concentration required to cause half‐maximal relaxation) was calculated from the concentration‐response curve. Results were expressed as means ± s.e.m. Student t‐test was used to assess the significant differences at (p &lt; 0.05)ResultsZO produced a vaso‐relaxation effect on rings pre‐contracted with PE (1μM) at concentrations of 20–100 μg/ml in endothelium intact rings with an EC50 of 14.8±1.2 μg/ml (Figure 1). This relaxation was not however seen at 500–1000 μg/ml but rather a vaso‐contraction was observed. In endothelium denuded rings, the vaso‐relaxation effect of ZO at 20–100 μg/ml was abolished while vaso‐relaxation was observed with 500–1000 μg/ml, the concentrations that otherwise produced contraction in endothelium intact aortic rings. Pre‐incubation of the tissues with L‐NAME (10μM) abolished the relaxant effect of ZO at 20–100μg/ml but caused relaxation effect with 500–1000 μg/ml similar to that observed with endothelium denuded rings. Pretreatment with indomethacin abolished the relaxant effect of ZO at 20μg/ml but not at 40 μg/ml and above (Figure 2).ConclusionVaso‐relaxant effect of ZO is seen at lower concentrations, endothelium dependent and may involve the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium. There may be interplay between contractile and relaxant compounds in crude extract of ZO at concentrations above 500 μg/ml.Support or Funding InformationThe PhD study grant awarded to I.M Adebisi by Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria is acknowledgedRelaxation effect of methanol extract of Zingiber officinale (ZO) on phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings with intact endothelium. Data represent the mean ± s.e.m. of four individual experiments. * is p&lt;0.05Figure 1Relaxation effect of methanol extract of Zingiber officinale (ZO) on phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings with endothelium, without endothelium and effect of L‐NAME (10 μM), and Indomethacin (10 μM) on ZO induced vasorelaxation on phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings with endothelium. Data represent the mean ± s.e.m. of four individual experiments. * is p&lt;0.05Figure 2

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Ficus Platyphylla Del Holl

IntroductionFicus platyphylla Del. Holl (Moraceae) is a deciduous plant widely distributed throughout savannah region along the West African coast. It is commonly called broad leaf fig and used traditionally for treating stomach pain, infertility and psychosis. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the methanol stem bark extract of Ficus platyhylla (MEFP) in vitro and in vivo using Wistar rats.MethodMEFP was evaluated for its antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities using 2,2‐diphenyl‐l‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and total phenolic content (TPC) assays. In the hepatoprotective activity, rats were divided into 6 groups (I–VI; n= 5). Group I was the untreated control, group II received normal saline (negative control), group III received silymarin (100 mg/kg) as positive control while groups IV–VI were treated with MEFP (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o respectively) for a period of 7 days. On the seventh day after the last dose of treatment, the rats of groups II–VI were given a single oral dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) (1:1) in olive oil at a dose of 10 ml/kg. Twenty‐four hours later, rats were anaesthetised, and blood samples collected for determination of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The livers were isolated and hepatic PMS prepared for biochemical analysis. The activities of hepatic enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) were determined. For histological studies, the liver tissues were fixed with 10% phosphate‐buffered neutral formalin, processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Phytochemical studies were carried out on the extract following standard procedures.ResultThe extract showed activity in DPPH radical scavenging. The IC50 of the extract and vitamin C were 0.17 mg/mL and 6.43×10−3 mg/mL respectively. However, Vit C showed more activity. The total phenolic contents (Gallic acid equivalents, mg/g) in the extract was calculated to be 7.99 mg/g. Pre‐treatment with MEFP inhibited CCl4–induced oxidative stress by significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreasing CAT from 24.67±4.17 to 10.93±2.44, SOD from 7.06±0.59 to 4.84±1.09, GSH‐PX from 18.91±1.29 to 8.13±1.13, ALT from 74.6±6.85 to 55.2±4.97 and AST from 157.8±9.35 to 117 ± 3.81, bringing the levels of antioxidant enzymes to near control. Histopathological examination showed evidence of reduced ballooning of the hepatocytes and preserved liver architecture and portal tract. The phytochemical screening showed that the extract contains carbohydrate, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids.ConclusionThe results of this study showed that methanolic stem bark extract of F. platyphylla possesses antioxidant activity. The extract also protected the liver against oxidative injury induced by CCl4in vivo. The preliminary chemical examination of the methanol extract has shown the presence of flavonoids and other constituents which may be responsible for the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities.Support or Funding InformationFinancial support from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

Acute Toxicity and Reproductive Impact of Aqueous Extract of the Aerial Parts of Caralluma dalzielii N E Br on Reproductive Functions in Female Wistar Rats

IntroductionCaralluma dalzielii N. E. Brown (family: Asclepiadaceae), is a popular cactus‐shaped plant native to East Africa. Its aerial parts are used traditionally for treating infertility, obesity and diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii (AECD) on reproductive functions of female Wistar rats.MethodsOral acute toxicity study was carried out using the up and down method of LD50 determination at a limit dose of 5 g/kg according to OECD guidelines. Effect of AECD (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg/day p.o) on oestrus cycling pattern and hormonal assay were studied. Oestrus cycle changes were determined by daily vaginal smear monitoring for 15 days. After the treatment, at diestrus phase, blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. For the effect on reproductive functions, adult female virgin rats were grouped into four namely, pre‐conception, post‐conception, implantation site and ovariectomized rats’ groups. Each group was subdivided into 4 groups and treated orally with 125, 250, 500 mg/kg of AECD or distilled water. In the pre‐conception and post‐conception groups, litter sizes, pups’ weights and reproductive indices were determined. In the implantation site and ovariectomised rats’ groups, number of implantation sites and uterine weights were determined respectively.ResultsOral dose of AECD at 5 g/kg caused no death and observable signs of toxicity in the rats. AECD produced a disruption in the oestrus cycle at all dose levels with increased oestrus (p&lt;0.001) and decreased diestrus (p&lt;0.05) phases frequency (Figure 1). AECD also caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in luteinising hormone (LH) but not follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. It produced no difference in litter size and reproductive indices in pre‐conception group while in post‐conception group the litter size at 500 mg/kg was significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced compared to the control. Post‐implantation loss index was highly elevated at 500 mg/kg. Whereas at 125 mg/kg, post‐implantation loss index was reduced, and litter size increased when compared to the control group. At 500 mg/kg, number of implantation sites and weight of embryos decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) (Figure 2) while at 125 mg/kg the implantation sites increased. A significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the uterine weight in the ovariectomised rats’ group was observed at all dose levels.ConclusionThe LD50 of AECD was found to be greater than 5 g/kg and therefore considered safe. AECD may act to promote fertility/reproduction through increasing LH levels, reducing post‐implantation loss and possessing oestrogenic activity. At a lower dose, AECD may be used to promote fertility but at higher dose, it may be embryotoxic.Support or Funding InformationFinancial support from Usmanu Danfodiyo University SokotoEffect of aqueous extract on oestrus cycleData presented as Mean ± SD. **p&lt;0.001, *p&lt;0.05; n=5Figure 1Effect of aqueous extract on implantation sites of ratsA= implantation sites of rats treated with 125 mg/kg/day aqueous extract; B= implantation sites of rats treated with 250 mg/kg/day aqueous extract; C=implantation sites of rats treated with 125 mg/kg/day aqueous extract; D= implantation sites of Control ratsFigure 2

Giant Encephalocele in Sokoto, Nigeria: A 5-Year Review of Operated Cases

Encephalocele is a common congenital malformation of the central nervous system; however, giant encephaloceles are rare. The use of folic acid supplementation and termination of pregnancies, which are prenatally diagnosed with encephaloceles and other congenital malformation of the central nervous system, has significantly reduced the occurrence of this type of congenital malformation, especially in developed countries. This was a retrospective review over a 5-year period from January 2006 to December 2010 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Regional Centre for Neurosurgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The records of patients with giant encephalocele were retrieved from the case notes of patients who had excision and repair for encephalocele. Seventy-three patients had excision and repair of encephalocele over the study period. However, the records of only 50 patients were retrieved. Fourteen (28%) of the 50 whose records were retrieved had giant encephalocele. There were 4 male and 10 female patients (1:2.5). Thirteen (92.9%) had the lesion located in the occipital region, whereas in 1 patient (7.1%) the lesion was at the vertex. Three (21%) of the cases had microcephaly, 1 (7.1%) had macrocephaly, and 1 (7.1%) developed postoperative hydrocephalus. The average size of defect was 2.43 cm, and the size of the lesion ranged from 12× 6 cm to 40× 50 cm. The average maternal age was 20.3 years (n= 6), and the paternal age was 29 years (n= 4). Four out of 7 (57%) mothers had febrile illness in early pregnancy. Seven out of 10 patients (70%) did not have antenatal care. This condition is more common in children conceived during the period when farm products are yet to be harvested, and whose mothers did not attend antenatal care visits. It is recommended that mothers should be educated on the necessity of preconception folic acid. Implementation of a national strategy on food fortification is also advised. We recommend surgery after the first month of life to reduce poor early postoperative outcomes. In developing countries and centers with suboptimal pediatric intensive care units, surgical intervention is preferred after the first month of life with good temperature control, adequate fluid replacement following rupture of the sac, blood transfusion availability, and, only if necessary, complex cranial reconstruction.

Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Predicting of Breast Cancer Metastases Using Decision Tree Algorithm, in Sokoto Northwestern Nigeria

According to international agency for research on cancer, female breast cancer was the leading type of cancer worldwide in terms of the number of new cases (approximately 2.1 million) diagnosed in 2018. Predicting outcome of a disease is a challenging task. Data mining techniques tends to simplify the prediction segment. Automated tools have made it possible to collect large volumes of medical data, which are made available to the medical research groups. This study aimed to apply machine learning algorithms using decision three classifier and descriptive statistics to evaluate the performance of the model in predicting the probability of cancer metastasis in patients that present late. Materials and method: The breast cancer disease dataset has been taken from the department of Radiotherapy and Oncology of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto state, Nigerian. Dataset has 259 instances and 10 attributes. The experimental results of this study used, decision three classifier in IMB SPSS (version 23) software environment. In the experiment, two classes were used and therefore a 2 × 2 confusion matrix was applied. Class 0=Not Metastasized, Class 1=Metastasized. We applied supervised machine learning approach in which dataset were divided into two classes that is training and testing using 10 fold cross validation. Results: Shows that 259 instance of breast cancer, 218(84.2%) cases were not metastasized while 41(15.8%) cases were metastasized to the other region of the body. The overall accuracy of the model was found to be 87%, with the sensitivity of 88%, specificity 75% and the precision of 98% Conclusion: Based on these findings, the machine learning algorism using decision three classifiers predicted that 87% of the tumor presented at stage IV, indicating that the tumour can spread to the other region of the body.

RELATIONSHIP OF EL NINO/SOUTHERN OSCILLATION TO RAINFALL PATTERNS IN NIGERIA

This paper examines the relationship between El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and rainfall patterns in Nigeria. Annual rainfall totals, growing season rainfall totals and annual raindays of 27 Nigerian meteorological stations with varying lengths of records from 1903 to 2012 were collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). Monthly Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) anomalies data over Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) were obtained from Climatic Prediction Centre (CPC). Kendall tau statistics and Step-Wise Multiple Regression model were used for data analyses. Results from this study showed that annual rainfall totals, growing season rainfall and annual raindays series exhibited a significant downward trend at most of the stations over the period of the study. It was observed that annual rainfall pattern changed from a positive pattern within 1931- 1960 period to a negative pattern within 1961-1990 period and then, to a positive pattern within 1991-2012 period. It was concluded that he alternating wet and dry patterns in inter-annual rainfall fluctuations and by extension, the droughts and floods over Nigeria within the study period, were caused by sea surface temperature anomalies over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The paper therefore concludes that SSTs should be integrated in the seasonal rainfall prediction models in Nigeria for an improved forecast. &#x0D; Oladejo, K. M. | Department of Geography, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Application of Tasselled-Cap Transformation to Soil Textural Mapping of a Semi-Arid Environment: A Case of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Main Campus, Sokoto, Nigeria

Information on soil attributes still largely relies on traditional methods of point sampling and subsequent laboratory test which are time and resource consuming. Thus, this study tested the applicability of Kauth-Thomas Tasseled-Cap Transformation (TCT) to soil textural mapping on the main campus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto as a faster method. We hypothesized that the TCT-Brightness image had no relationship individually with soil particle size and Land use/ Land Cover (LUC). Landsat 8 of 22-03-2019 was preprocessed with QGIS and subjected to TCT in Idrisi Terrset to produce the TCT-Brightness image. Soil samples were collected at 91 points based on stratified random sampling at 0-15cm depth. Soil particle size was determined by Bouyoucos Hydrometer method. Simple linear regression analysis was used to model soil particle sizes from the TCT-Brightness image, while soil textural map was produced in SAGA. LUC of the area was mapped at Level III within the Google Earth Engine (GEE). Cross map-tabulation was carried out to test for the relationship between LUC and soil texture. Four textural classes were obtained namely sandy-clay-loam, loamy sand, sand and sandy-loam, with sand being dominant. Soil particle sizes were modeled at 99.85% accuracy, while soil textural mapping yielded 95% accuracy. Five LUC classes namely built-up area, wetland, upland forest, bare surface and riparian forest were mapped at 98.3% accuracy, with bare surface being dominant. A significant (p&lt;0.01) relationship between LUC and soil texture was obtained at 0.85 Kappa Index of Agreement. The study concluded that the TCT is sufficient for predicting soil texture in a largely sandy semi-arid environment. A repeat of this study for the wet season was recommended.

English

This study investigated the biosurfactant productions potentials of Bacillus isolated from dye effluent. Samples were collected under aseptic condition from three areas of Sokoto (Marina, Unguwar rogo and Minannata) in Nigeria and transported in an ice bag to microbiology laboratory of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Enumeration, identification and characterization of the isolates were carried out using standard microbiological methods. The potential and ability to produce biosurfactants was determined using blood haemolytic tests, drop collapse and emulsification techniques. A total of nine organisms were isolated from these three locations sampled, and three were Bacillus species which are the predominant bacteria obtained from the three locations. Enumeration results revealed highest bacterial count at Unguwar rogo (17.33&times;105 cfu/ml). Haemolysis results revealed that all the isolated bacterial strains exhibited haemolytic activity. The result of drop collapse test showed that all the isolated organisms had good collapsing ability, and all the isolated organism had positive oil spreading and emulsification ability. This study showed Bacillus species are potential biosurfactants producers and should be studied in greater details as strains improvement may enhance the activity of biosurfactants. &nbsp; Key words: Biosurfactants, drop collapse, emulsification, potential, dye effluent.

Analyzing Student Performance in Programming Education Using Classification Techniques

In this research, we aggregated students log data such as Class Test Score (CTS), Assignment Completed (ASC), Class Lab Work (CLW) and Class Attendance (CATT) from the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. Similarly, we employed data mining techniques such as ID3 &amp; J48 Decision Tree Algorithms to analyze these data. We compared these algorithms on 239 classification instances. The experimental results show that the J48 algorithm has higher accuracy in the classification task compared to the ID3 algorithm. The important feature attributes such as Information Gain and Gain Ratio feature evaluators were also compared. Both the methods applied were able to rank search method and the experimental results confirmed that the two methods derived the same set of attributes with a slight deviation in the ranking. From the results analyzed, we discovered that 67.36 percent failed the course titled Introduction to Computer Programming, while 32.64 percent passed the course. Since the CATT has the highest gain value from our analysis; we concluded that it is largely responsible for the success or failure of the students.

Effect of Tillage and Water Management on Aggregate Stability of a Gleyic Cambisols

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of tillage and water management on the physical stability of irrigated lowland rice field, in Kwalkwalawa, Sokoto State. The experiment was carried out in a farmer`s field, near the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Farm, Kwalkwalawa, Sokoto State. The coordinates of the area were taken using global positioning system (GPS) model Garmin etrex 20.0, which shows that the area is located on (N13°05.963”E005°12.650” and at 252 m asl). The soils of the study area were classified as Aeric Endoaquepts at subgroup level in the USDA Soil Taxonomy System which correlated with Gleyic Cambisols in the World Reference Base. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of two tillage systems (conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT), three irrigation water managements (Alternate one, two and three days irrigation intervals, which were carried out from one week after transplanting to hard dough stage) and three rice varieties (FARO 44, 60 and 61) all laid in a split-plot design and replicated three times. After harvest, disturbed soil samples were collected with the aid of soil auger, prepared and passed through 5 mm sieve for aggregate stability determination. Result reveals that a consistent trend in aggregate size fraction was observed between the two tillage systems in both years, were a significant decrease in values of aggregate fractions of both the CT and RT in 2019 compared to in 2018. Aggregate size fraction of 5-2 mm had a significantly high value of RT compared to CT, 2-0.25 mm fractions were at par (0.41) while a greater value of aggregate fractions for CT in both 0.25-0.005 mm and ˂0.005 mm were observed compared to RT. Alternate days to irrigation and sampling depths increase with a corresponding in all the aggregate size classes in the two years of this study. A significant difference in mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) between the two tillage, water management and depth was noticed in both years of the trial where RT and alternate one day had high value while MWD and GMD increase with increasing depth.

PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL FORMS OF MALARIA AMONG FEBRILE HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN SEEN AT USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SOKOTO, NIGERIA.

Background:Malaria and HIV infections are major health problems facing the world today. Sub-Saharan Africa with 10 percent of world’s population harbors more than half the burden of the scourge. The present study determined the prevalence and clinical forms of malaria among febrile HIV-infected children aged 3months to 15years, seen in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:Cross-sectional study among febrile HIV-infected children and their control cohort were carried out between May and October 2016. The participants had the following investigations: malarial parasite, packed cell volume, random blood sugar, retroviral test.Results:A total of 140 febrile HIV-infected children aged 3 months to 15 years and 140 febrile HIV-negative age- and gender-matched children were recruited; 100 of the HIV-infected children were on ART and cotrimoxazole. The prevalence of malaria among the febrile HIV-infected children was 71.4% (100/140) which was significantly lower than the prevalence of 94.3% (132/140) among the control group (χ2 27.72, p=0.001). Among the febrile HIV-infected children that had malaria, 54(54.0%) had uncomplicated malaria while 46(46.0%) had severe malaria. Of the 132 controls that had malaria, 48(36.4%) had uncomplicated malaria and 84(63.6%) had severe malaria (χ2 =7.184, p=0.007).Conclusion:Malaria is a problem in HIV-infected children. Since nearly half of the febrile HIV-infected children had severe form of malaria, it is recommended that health promotion, intermittent malaria prophylaxis, early diagnosis and prompt effective treatment should be instituted for HIV-infected children. This may prevent severe form of malaria and its attendant mortality.

Perception of cervical cancer and its cytological screening among medical students

Introduction: In Nigeria, cancer of the cervix is known to be the second commonest malignancy among females. In developed countries, there has been a paradigm shift attributed to effective cervical cancer screening predominantly using the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. This screening tool is highly sensitive and specific; having a commendable positive predictive value as well as relatively cheap and effective means of screening cervical cancer for early detection. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the perception of Pap smear among medical students in College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (CHS-UDUS) in order to be able to recommend ways for improving acceptability, usage, and dissemination of information of the screening tool (Pap smear). Materials and Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional study design. Preclinical students of CHS-UDUS were selected using random sampling technique. Pretested semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires were administered on the students. Quantitative variables were analyzed and presented using measures of central tendency [mean and median] and measures of dispersion (standard deviation), while Chi-square test was used in bivariate analyses, to determine the statistical association between the categorical groups, with a P

The interest of Hausa language students in Usmanu Danfodiyo University towards the course

The interest of Hausa language students in Usmanu Danfodiyo University towards the course