Zaria Metropolis Research Articles

Knowledge and Awareness of Myocardial Infarction among Child Bearing Women in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Knowledge and Awareness of Myocardial Infarction among Child Bearing Women in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Assessing the Biodetoxification Potential of Enterococcus faecium on Aflatoxin M1 in Fresh Raw Cow Milk

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study contributes to the field of food safety by exploring the bio-detoxification potential of E. faecium isolates from locally fermented cow milk for reducing Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination. By employing both biochemical and molecular methods to identify and utilize these isolates, the research provides innovative insights into an environmentally friendly and health-beneficial approach to mitigating aflatoxin contamination. The findings demonstrate a significant AFM1 binding capacity of E. faecium, highlighting its potential as a practical and safe biocontrol agent, which is critical for improving milk safety standards and public health protection. Full Abstract The adverse effects of aflatoxins on the economy and public health have prompted research into strategies to prevent their contamination in food and feed. Biological methods have become popular because they are environmentally friendly and beneficial for health. This research aims to determine the bio-detoxification potential of E. faecium, on Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw cow milk. Biochemical and molecular methods were used to identify the E. faecium isolates obtained from locally fermented cow milk (Nono). Three (3) distinct sampling locations in the Zaria metropolis, Dan-Magaji, Kufena, and Gabari, were used to gather nine (9) fresh milk samples. A quick test kit was used to screen the samples for AFM1 contamination. To determine the level of contamination, AFM1-contaminated samples were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The isolates were injected into the tainted milk samples at a cell density of 1.5 x 108cfu/mL and 3.0x108cfu/mL for 30 and 60 minutes at 4 and 37 degrees Celsius. The amount of unbound AFM1 in the samples was measured using HPLC analysis and surface binding assay. "ANOVA" single factor and two ways were used to analyze the data. All collected raw milk samples were contaminated with aflatoxin M1 at concentrations exceeding the EU/NAFDAC limit of ≤0.05 µg/L. The isolates bound AFM1 at 35-45% rates at a cell concentration of 3.0x108 cfu/mL at 37°C for 60 minutes. This research suggests that E. faecium could be an effective option for reducing AFM1 contamination in milk samples due to its harmless nature and recognition as generally safe. Additionally, regulatory agencies should implement thorough monitoring to ensure AFM1 levels in milk and milk products remain below acceptable limits.

Study on Antibiotic Resistance Profiles Exhibited by Vibrio Species Isolated from Landfill Soils in Zaria Metropolis, Northern Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study investigates the occurrence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Vibrio species isolated from landfill soils in Zaria Metropolis, with a focus on environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance. The research uniquely identifies a high prevalence of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 among the isolates and reveals significant multidrug resistance (MDR), particularly against Ampicillin, while also showing complete susceptibility to Gentamicin and Chloramphenicol. These findings highlight the potential for landfills to serve as environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance, underscoring the need for further research to understand the implications for public health and environmental management. Full Abstract Antibiotic resistance in bacteria presents a major risk to public health and the environment. Infections caused by Vibrio species continue to be a serious public health concern. This study investigated the occurrence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Vibrio species isolates from landfill soils in Zaria Metropolis. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) soil samples were collected from designated landfills in four locations in Sabon-Gari, Samaru, Tudun-Wada, and Zaria City. Vibrio species were isolated using Thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose (TCBS) agar. Bacteriological analysis of the soil samples revealed 9(7.50%) Vibrio species isolates with Vibrio cholerae non-O1 exhibiting the highest prevalence of 4 (3.33%) among all isolates. Using the Kirby-Bauer method, the isolates were tested for susceptibility against ten commonly used antibiotics belonging to three different classes. The highest resistance was to Ampicillin (88. 89%), while all the isolates (100%) showed susceptibility to Gentamicin and Chloramphenicol. Five isolates (55.56%) were Multidrug Resistance (MDR). The highest Multidrug Resistance (MDR, 60%) was observed in Vibrio cholerae non-O1. The isolate resistant to the highest number of antibiotics was obtained from the Tudun-Wada sample location. Three isolates (33.33%) showed resistance to 4 antibiotics, while 2 isolates, 1(11.11%) each were resistant to 5 and 6 antibiotics. The isolates were Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) to 4-6 antibiotics, and four different phenotypic resistance profiles were observed among them. The origin and varying levels of resistance to multiple antibiotics indicated could be traced to the faecal constituent of the waste in landfills produced by people or animals that have been treated indiscriminately with various antibiotics or items containing residual antimicrobial agents disposed of in dump soils, highlighting the potential environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance and call for further research to understand the implications for public health and environmental management.

Impact of indoor air pollutant concentration levels on the health of press operators of printing facilities in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria

Impact of indoor air pollutant concentration levels on the health of press operators of printing facilities in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria

Impact of Roads Infrastructure on Economic Growth in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Impact of Roads Infrastructure on Economic Growth in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Hindrances Of Geography Teachers Ict Competence In Public Secondary Schools In Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State Nigeria

The study investigated the Hindrances of Geography teachers ICT Competence in Public Secondary Schools Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State. The researcher deployed descriptive survey research using 40 Geography Teachers as study Sample and two questionnaires as research instruments. First Questionnaire: level of ICT competence among Geography Teachers (LOGTIC) with face validity index 72.2 Content validity index 0.74 and reliability coefficient 0.81. Second Questionnaire: Hindrances of Geography Teachers ICT Competence Questionnaire (HGTICQ) face validity index 83.6 content validity index 0.77 and reliability coefficient 0.71. Data collected analyzed using frequency and percentage. The study found out that: the percentage of male geography ICT competence teacher are more than the female and the factors that hider geography teachers both affects the male and female geography teachers ICT competence for teaching geography in public senior secondary schools. The researcher recommended among others: Government should create awareness of the danger of lack ICT knowledge and skills in schools to the entire public. Training and retraining of teachers to be good and update their ICT knowledge and skills, and Government should take the lead in eradicating all forms of factors hindering teachers ICT competence in public secondary schools, by among others providing good electricity power supply, basic infrastructures and good maintenance and management techniques.

Accessibility to WASH and waste management services in African urban informal settlements: A comparative analysis

Abstract The study investigates the existing scenario and spatial distribution pattern disparity of service distribution of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and waste management services (WMS) in urban informal settlements within the Zaria metropolis and generates recommendations for the policymakers for improvements. The study highlights challenges in urban settlements, including insufficient water, sanitation, and waste services, contributing to diseases like diarrhea and cholera. It stresses the importance of better water quality, sanitation, and waste management, and highlights the impact of governance and policies on service gaps. It also suggests using collaborative methods and technologies like GIS for solutions, employing GIS and statistics to analyze service availability and access for residents. The findings underscore the dominant role of the private sector in water treatment plant distribution (71.43%) over public facilities (28.57%). It highlights disparities in toilet types between public and private spaces: pit toilets (55.11%) are prevalent in public restrooms, while the data indicate that most water sources are poorly maintained: Only 0.50% of boreholes are newly constructed, while a significant 43.15% are poorly maintained, and 30.62% are well maintained. Moreover, private toilets are predominantly pit toilets, constituting 3.11% of the total, with no water closets toilets reported.

The Effects of Problem-Based Learning on Academic Achievement in Ecology Concepts among Science Education Students in Gusau

The study investigated Effect of Problem-Based Learning on academic achievement in Ecology Concepts among Science Education Students in Gusau. Quasi-experimental pretest, post test control group design. The population comprised of one thousand two hundred and twenty five Biology SS11 students from 11 public Senior Secondary Schools in Zaria metropolis. A sample of 137 students from two schools was randomly selected. The study involves two groups- experimental and a control group. The experimental group was taught Ecology concept using Problem-based learning while the control group was exposed to the same concept using Conventional Method. One instrument was used for data collection Namely Ecology Achievement Test. The instrument was duly validated and have reliability coefficient of 0.87, using Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistic. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated and answered using Mean and Standard deviation statistics and Independent Samples t-test at alpha 0.05 level of significance. The major findings reveals a significant difference between mean academic achievement scores in favor of the experimental group. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others, that workshops, seminars and conferences should be organised for Biology teachers on the use of Problem-Based learning among science education students in Gusau.

Assessment of the Severity of Indoor Air Pollution Sources and Control Strategies in Printing Presses in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria

The mitigation of indoor air pollution sources in printing facilities is crucial for ensuring healthy indoor environments and protecting the health and well-being of employees. This study assessed the severity of indoor air pollution sources and the different pollutant control strategies in use in 22 printing presses in Zaria metropolis, Kaduna State. The study adopted a quantitative method. A checklist was used to characterize the selected printing facilities and examine the severity of indoor air pollutant sources on a 5-point Likert severity scale. The instrument was also used to check the availability of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring devices and Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) control technology/strategy currently in use in the printing facilities. Findings revealed 1 pollutant source (dust) with mean value of 3.55 to be severe, 9 others to be mild, and 11 to be non-severe. All the assessed printing presses have available compliant inks and coatings, while 100% unavailability of IAQ monitoring devices/equipment or capture systems were observed. The study concluded that by implementing effective control measures and monitoring of indoor air quality, the risk of negative health effects associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants can be minimized in the printing facilities. The study also recommended that Facility managers and policymakers must prioritize the implementation of effective control measures in printing facilities to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants and improve IAQ, which ultimately promotes the health and well-being of press employees.

Effects of Reflective Insrtuctional Strategy on Students’ Performance in Cell Physiology Concepts among Senoir Secondary Schools in Zaria

The study investigated Effect of Reflective Instructional Strategy on students’ performance in Cell-Physiology Concepts among Senior Secondary Students in Zaria. Quasi-experimental pretest, post test control group design. The population comprised of one thousand two hundred and twenty five Biology SS11 students from 11 public Senior Secondary Schools in Zaria metropolis. A sample of 137 students from two schools was randomly selected. The study involves two groups- experimental and a control group. The experimental group was taught Cell Physiology using Reflective Instructional Strategy while the control group was exposed to the same concept using Conventional Method. One instrument was used for data collection Namely Cell-Physiology Performance Test. The instrument was duly validated and have reliability coefficient of 0.87, using Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistic. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated and answered using Mean and Standard deviation statistics and Independent Samples t-test at alpha 0.05 level of significance. The major findings reveals a significant difference between mean academic performance scores in favor of the experimental group. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others, that workshops, seminars and conferences should be organised for Biology teachers on the use of Reflective Instructional among secondary schools in Zaria metropolis.

Detection of biofilm formation in multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus among clinical isolates in Zaria metropolis, Kaduna, Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance are associated with several virulence factors such as biofilm. The biofilm formation ability of S. aureus complicates effective therapeutic management of infections. In this research, we intend to observe biofilm formation in S. aureus using two in vitro phenotypic methods: tissue culture plate and Congo red agar as well as biofilm associated genes Ica A B & D and 16SrRNA. A total of 150 presumptive coagulase positive staphylococcal isolates from all specimens (blood, urine, high vaginal swab, wound swab, ear swab, endocervical swab) submitted to the microbiology laboratory of the selected hospitals were collected. Seventy-three (73) or 48.7% of the isolates were identified as coagulase positive Staphylococcus using microbiology standard methods (tube coagulase test, growth on mannitol salt agar & Dnase agar). Using microgen staph identification kit, the isolates were further characterized into various Staph spp. Disc agar diffusion method was used for eleven (11) antibiotics susceptibility test while vancomycin screening agar and BMD (Broth Micro dilution) MIC test was used for vancomycin susceptibility evaluation. Indirect observation of biofilm was performed using congo red agar (CRA) and Microtitre plate assay method. PCR and sequencing were conducted on the isolates to molecularly detect the presence of 16SrRNA, IcaA, IcaB, IcaD genes. Susceptibility of S aureus (21%) isolates tested against 12 different categories of antibiotics shows 4(27%) not multidrug resistant (MDR), 7(47%) were MDR and 4 (27%) were extensively drug resistant (XDR). High percentage (74%) of Multiple antibiotic resistant index at ≥0.3 suggested that the isolates originated from an environment where antibiotics are often used. Biofilm assessment of MDR S aureus isolates revealed that 9(82%) and 11 (100%) of the isolates were biofilm formers using Congo Red Agar method and Microtiter plate assay respectively. All isolates amplified with 16SrRNA primer signifying all are S. aureus, 100% of the isolates amplified with IcaA, 90% isolates amplified with IcaD, and 50% isolates amplified with IcaB. We can conclude that there is high prevalence of Biofilm forming S. aureus strains in the hospitals studied. This result should be born in mind by clinicians while prescribing medication for S. aureus positive conditions. Hospital managements should be proactive in preventing the preservation of the biofilm formers in their hospital environment through adequate sanitary and disinfection protocols. It is also necessary for clinician to note that nitrofurantoin, linezolid and vancomycin were most effective against the biofilm producing S. aureus and microtitre plate assay method was observed to be most reliable assay in the study of biofilm.

Impact Assessment of Particulate Pollutants in Selected Traffic Congested Areas in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract It has been noticed that the concentration of particle pollutants in major nodal points in Zaria metropolis has continued to grow as the traffic volume increases. The concentration of particulate matter and meteorological data was measured within the Zaria metropolis and was limited to major ways within the town which include Kwangila, PZ, Kasua Mata, Agoro and Kofar Doka. The concentrations of the Particulate Matter in different particle sizes (P0.3, P0.5.P1.0, P2.5 and P5.0) were measured using particle counter, at each sampling point for 3hrs during the morning peak hours (7:00am to 10.00am), for 3hrs during the afternoon off peak hours (11.00am to 2:00pm) and for 3hrs for the evening peak hours (4:00 to 7:00pm) after a comprehensive traffic volume of vehicles plying the sampling points had been done for one month. The average traffic volume for the peak period (morning) across the five sampling points ranged from 2701-3060 while that of the evening peak hours ranged from 2676-3651. The average traffic volume for the off peak (afternoon) ranged from 1777-2255 with kwangila recording the highest traffic volume for both peak and off peak periods. The impact of traffic density on the concentration of particulate matter measured showed that increase in traffic led to a corresponding increase in the concentration of particulate matter recorded for both peak and off- peak periods. The P2.5 was used as bases for comparison with the AQI standard for peak and off peak periods. For peak hour session, the air quality at Kwangila, Kasua Mata and Agoro was classified as unhealthy and hazardous while that of PZ and Kofar Doka was classified unhealthy to people with heart and lungs diseases. The concentration of PM obtained for off-peak period for all the sampling points was classified moderate and safe when compared with AQI standard. In this regard, there is a need to not only promote public transportation with larger capacity of passengers but to also improve the public transportation system. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a convenient option to reduce unnecessary driving and by lowering emissions per passenger kilometer travelled. The use of non-motorized means of transportation would also help in curbing excessive release of pollutants into the atmosphere. Planting of Trees along major ways to trap and absorb pollutants is another option of reducing the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere. The use of older vehicles should be discouraged. The older a vehicle is the more the tendency to emit more pollutants.

Distribution Rate of Chlamydial Infection According to Demographic Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Clinics in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Chlamydia trachomatis also known as the “Silent Epidemic” is a major threat to the reproductive health of women. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis based one demographic factors among women attending clinics in Zaria metropolis, Kaduna State. Each participant completed a researcher-devised questionnaire and quasi design was used in the selection of hospitals. Subsequently about 5mls of peripheral blood for serological analysis was obtained after informed consent. Presence of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis was determined using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect IgG and screening for HIV was also done using Determine® HIV 1/2 as well as Uni-GoldTM HIV Test Kits. Out of the two hundred and seventy (270) samples collected, 32(11.9%) were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis IgG, 7(2.6%). Chlamydial infection was found to be significantly associated with level of education. There was no significant association between chlamydial infection and occupation, subjects’ husbands’ occupation.

Evaluation of Total Coliform Counts in Non-Fermented and Fermented Cow Milk Products (Kindirmo, Mai-Shanu and Nono) in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria

Testing for coliforms has a long history in dairy production, and has helped to identify the unsanitary condition of unpasteurized and pasteurized milk products. The study was performed to evaluate the level of coliform bacterial contamination in raw cow milk and milk products (kindirmo, mai-shanu, and nono). A total of 426 samples comprising 106 raw milk, 106 kindirmo, 106 mai-shanu and 108 nono were obtained from four selected Fulani herds (Damari, Marwa, Tudun-Muntsira, and Wuciciri) and four milk markets (Kasuwan-Mata, Kwangila, Samaru and Tudun-Wada) in Zaria Metropolis, all samples were tested using the bacteriological method. Coliform counts were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Tukey package and recorded as mean coliform counts (CFU/ML). The overall mean coliform counts for the milk products (raw milk, kindirmo, mai-shanu, and nono) were 98.88 ± 7.68 x 108 CFU/ML, 60.19 ± 5.49 x 108 CFU/ML, 60.36 ± 5.50 x 108 CFU/ML and 73.5 ± 7.09 x 108 CFU/ML respectively. The mean coliform counts for raw milk were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) from the three products (kindirmo, mai-shanu and nono). The study revealed heavy coliform bacterial load, ranging between 60.19 ± 5.49 x 108 CFU/ML and 98.88 ± 7.68 x 108 CFU/ML. This study calls for educating farmers and milk retailers at different levels level of production on the hygienic way of handling milk along the value chain to minimize unnecessary contamination of milk and milk products which can be of public health significance.

Influence of Teachers’ Qualifications On Junior Secondary School Students’ Performance in Mathematics and Basic Basic Science in Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of teachers’ qualifications on junior Secondary School students’ performance in Mathematics in Zaria metropolis of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study employed ex-post facto research design. Multi-stage random sampling technique was applied to select twelve government junior Secondary Schools from the 23 government junior Secondary Schools in the area. The sample included twenty-four teachers and one thousand, six hundred and ten (1,610) students. Data gathered were the scores of students from the general MOCK examinations which was the pre terminal junior Secondary School external examination. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics i.e. mean and standard deviation to answer the four research questions raised. The findings were that 1. teachers’ qualifications have major influence on students’ performance in Mathematics.2. teachers’ qualifications have major influence on students’ performance in Basic Science 3. there is little or no difference in the influence of teachers’ qualifications on male and female performance in Mathematics & 4. there is little or no difference in the influence of teachers’ qualifications on male and female performance in Basic Science. The study recommended among others that appropriate education authorities and stakeholders should ensure that qualified teachers with relevant qualifications only are those allowed to teach each subject and that teachers with lower qualifications should be made to further their education to obtain higher qualifications for higher teaching skills.

Assessment of the Larvicidal Potency of Bacillus thuringiensis Against the Moth of Spoladea recurvalis on Amaranths Plant

The control of Spoladeare curvalis, a major pest of amaranth plant, has been through the use of synthetic pesticides which have been reported to have detrimental effects. This study was aimed at assessing the larvicidal potency of B. thuringiensis against the larvae of Spoladea recurvalis on amaranth plant. The assessment of the larvicidal potency of B. thuringiensis isolates from cow range land and refuse dump sites in Zaria metropolis habouringCry1 gene (CR2, CR4, RD1) was carried out by spraying spore crystal mixture of B. thuringiensis isolates on amaranth plants infested with Spoladea recurvalis larvae. The mortality of S. recurvalis larvae, under a screen house were assessed after 24, 48 and 72hours of exposure to the spore crystal mixture of B. thuringiensis isolates. Spore crystal mixtures of B. thuringiensis isolates were effective in causing larvae mortality with more than 60% mean mortality rate of S. recurvalis larvae after 72hours of exposure. The mortality rate of Spoladea rescurvalis increased with increase in exposure period. Spore crystal mixture of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates should be considered as an alternative to synthetic pesticides for the control of Spoladea recurvalis larvae on amaranth plant. Keywords: Bacillus thuringiensis; spore; larvae; amaranth; larvicidal.

Moderating Effect of Gender on the Assessment of customer Satisfaction with Mobile Banking Technology: A study of Selected Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Zaria Metropolis

Moderating Effect of Gender on the Assessment of customer Satisfaction with Mobile Banking Technology: A study of Selected Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Zaria Metropolis

Molecular Characterisation of Staphyloccocus aureus isolated from Patients in Healthcare facilities in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Molecular Characterisation of Staphyloccocus aureus isolated from Patients in Healthcare facilities in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Effects of JIGSAW IV Cooperative Learning Strategy on Students' Performance and Retention in Geometry among Secondary School Students in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Effects of JIGSAW IV Cooperative Learning Strategy on Students' Performance and Retention in Geometry among Secondary School Students in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Efficacy of Play Therapy Technique in Overcoming School Refusal Behaviour among Primary School Pupils in Zaria Metropolis Kaduna State, Nigeria

Efficacy of Play Therapy Technique in Overcoming School Refusal Behaviour among Primary School Pupils in Zaria Metropolis Kaduna State, Nigeria