Master Dissertation

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a clinical syndrome associated with deficiency of insulin secretion or action. It is considered one of the largest emerging threats to health in the 21 st century. It is estimated that there will be 380 million persons with Diabetes mellitus in 2025 (Atkins et al., 2010). Besides the classical complications of the disease, DM has been associated with reduced response of T cells, neutrophil function, and disorders of humoral immunity (Muller et al., 2005). Consequently, DM increases the susceptibility to infections, both the most common ones as well as those that almost always affect only people with DM (e.g. rhinocerebral mucormycosis)(Peleg et al., 2007). Such infections, in addition to the repercussions associated with its infectivity, may trigger DM complications such as hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. Fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immune compromised individuals (such as diabetes mellitus) and Candida are among the most common pathogens in these patients (Pahwa, 2015). The prevalence of diabetes has been on the increase. Diabetes is associated with certain diseases such as candidiasis (Bader et al., 2015). Candida species are important nosocomial pathogens in critically ill patients and are associated with substantial mortality and 1 prolonged hospitalization in the intensive care unit

Allium fistulosum (Spring onions) also known as scallions or green onions are vegetables derived from various species of the genus Allium. The leaves and bulbs which are used as vegetables can either be eaten raw or cooked, chopped into other dishes and used as garnishes. These onions which require cultivation temperature ranging from 10o C to 22o C and irrigation during dry periods can be contaminated by various types of bacteria. This study therefore investigated the antibiotic resistance profile of some food-borne bacteria isolates from spring onions.Twenty-four (24) samples of spring onions were obtained from vendors across eight markets in Benin metropolis. Ten grams (10g) of spring onions was blended with a high speed homogenizer and the homogenate was serially diluted using peptone water. Standard microbiological methods were used to evaluate the bacteria load present in the samples. The bacteria were identified using both phenotypic and molecular techniques with the aid of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using Kirby￾Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar. The results were interpreted by measuring the zones of inhibition around each antibiotic disc in millimeters. Isolates that resisted one or more antibiotics from three or more distinct antibiotics classes were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates. The multidrug resistant (MDR) food-borne bacterial isolates were then subjected to plasmid profiling.The heterotrophic bacterial count showed that spring onions from Oba market had the highest
count (8.71 ±1.80× 106cfu/g) while Oluku had the lowest (5.71±1.50× 106cfu/g). The bacteria isolates were Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris and Serratia marcescens. The percentage occurrence of isolates ranged from 25% to 100% with Bacillus cereus having the highest and Enterobacter aerogenes the lowest. Serratia marcescens was resistant to all antibiotics used while Enterobacter aerogenes was the least resistant. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MAR I) ranged from 0.25 to 1.0 for all bacteria isolated. Two of the isolates (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris) had plasmids of size 1000 base pair (1.0 Kb). The presence of these food-borne bacterial isolates could be due to use of contaminated irrigation water, improper handling during harvesting and point of sales. The bacteria isolates which were multi-drug resistant and plasmid mediated pose a grave threat to publichealth. Spring onions should therefore be properly cooked prior to consumption

Rutin hydrate (Vitamin P), a known flavonoid glycoside, commercially available and found in various plants, have been shown to possess a range of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, cytoprotective, vasoprotective, anticarcinogenic, neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities. There is however limited scientific knowledge on its effect on the uterus. This study aimed at investigating the effect of rutin hydrate on spontaneous and agonistinduced contractions of isolated pregnant mice uterine tissues. Pure rutin hydrate sample was examined on uterine tissues isolated from healthy pregnant albino mice (gestation day 18). This investigation was carried out using a range of concentrations (0.03- 25mg/ml) to assess its activity on spontaneous contractions, oxytocin-induced contractions, high KCL-induced contractions, as well as oxytocin-induced contractions in a calcium-free medium. For mating conditions to achieve pregnancy, virgin female albino mice were paired with male mouse of the same strain overnight at the ratio of 2:1 and gestation day 0 was defined by the presence of vaginal plug in the paired females the next morning. Rutin hydrate exerted inhibitory effects on spontaneous uterine contractions in a dose dependent manner. Both the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions progressively reduced until complete elimination. There was immediate tissue recovery following washout of the drug with fresh PSS. It however showed no significant changes to the contractions elicited by oxytocin, high KCL and oxytocin-induced contractions in a zero-calcium medium. This study offers scientific evidence suggesting that rutin hydrate has relaxing effects on pregnant uterine contractions but does not interfere with calcium-dependent mechanisms of action in the uterus. Hence, this compound merits further investigation as a potentially new or complementary tocolytic drug therapy, via studying its effects on pathways other than calcium antagonism, for managing conditions requiring uterine contractility inhibition during pregnancy, such as in preterm labou

This study examined the influence of packaging on the patronage of fast food products in Benin metropolis. The objective of the study was to suggest ways in which patronage of fast food in Benin City will be improved. The theoretical construct and model were derived from “Howard Sheth Model”, Customers satisfaction theory by Henry Dixon (1999), and cognitive Dissonance Theory. The survey design was used in the study. The instrument for data collection was a researcherstructured questionnaire. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, A sample of 390 respondent was selected through a simple random technique from 9 zones. The population of the study was 429,000 being the estimated population of Benin in 2018. The data generated were presented and analyzed using frequency table and simple percentages. The study revealed that packaging influenced Benin Residents patronage of fast food products. It was discovered that attractive colours on packs; graphic designs; package design; text; size; package materials and shapes greatly contributed to the increase in patronage of these products. A further finding revealed that socialization, beautification of packs, price, well spelt out nutritional benefits of the product, expiration period, proximity, cost, family-craving, convenience contributed to the increase in patronage of these products. It was therefore recommended that fast food operators should pay considerable attention to the packaging of their products to boost and sustain patronage

Coconut oil has a unique role in human nutrition, it clinical studies reveal an effect on human health. Herbal plants are traditionally used in folklore medicine for various diseases. This work aimed at investigating the immunoprotective effects of cold-pressed coconut oil in immunosupressed Wistar rat. A standard procedure was used to carry out immunomodulatory properties of the extract with modifications. The immunomodulatory properties of coconut oil were investigated by testing the immune responses to the antigen challenges with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). The animals were placed into six groups of five rats per group. Coconut oil was given orally at the dosage level of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0ml/kg for 21 days; also 0.3ml i.p of SRBCs. Evaluation was carried out by testing the hematological parameters. The result obtained showed a significant increase in 0.25ml dose after twenty-one (21) days. White blood cell (11.70 ± 1.25) had same value with control and HGB (15.57± 0.67), increase significantly when compare with control. The CD4 and CD8 had better result with coconut oil when compared with the control. The Anti-Oxidant activities had a positive response in 0.25ml. Histological result reveals a healthy heart, lungs, spleen, liver and kidney in lower dose of oil extract. In conclusion, Coconut oil can be said to contain immunomodulatory effect in accordance with folklore report

Sodium alginate is a commonly used encapsulation matrix for variety of materials such as plant cells, food products, oil and flavor. This compound is biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic. Also, it is cheap, available, has chelating ability and forms stable reversible gels. However, plant extracts have challenges of poor utilization, poor stability, chemical degradation, low bioavailbility and high molecular weight. Therefore, this study was aimed at isolation, characterization and use of sodium alginate nanoparticles to encapsulate acetogenin compound isolated from Annona muricata leaf. Sodium alginate nanoparticles loaded with acetogenin compound were prepared and characterized using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR). TEM revealed a spherical and irregular nature of sodium alginate nanoparticles loaded with acetogenin compound with particle size of 280nm. The encapsulation efficiency was 89% and this result shows that encapsulation in nanosized matrics with different concentrations of sodium alginate nanoparticles produced higher encapsulation efficiencies which therefore, enhances solubility, biovailability of acetogenin compound.

The study was conducted to investigate the possibility that growth-promoting rhizobacteria would enhance plant growth capacities of Amaranthus hybrisus and A. viridis in ferruginous ultisols, comparative to their humus counterparts; given the negative impact the former has on cultivation of the plant species. To achieve this, the setup was divided into two groups; the first comprised of 2 weeks old plants that were inoculated the test rhizobacteria – Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescence and a combination of both in the ratio of 1:1, in both humus (HMS) and ferruginous red (FRS) soils. The second consisted of seeds of the test plants bioprimed with the bacteria in filtrates of HMS and FRS respectively. Growth responses were observed and measured. Plant species sown in the ferruginous red soils (FRS) did not survive beyond 45 days notwithstanding the kind of microbial inoculant. They also did not attain a plant height of 3cm and as such were not reasonable for harvest. For plants sown in humus soil (HMS), height ranged from 30.1 – 39.2 cm in A. hybridus (p=0.293) and 35.3 – 41.6 cm (p=0.072) in A. viridis, notwithstanding the rhizo-inoculant used. For A. hybridus, Leaf area was significantly higher in the inoculated plants sown in HMS. No significant changes in leaf area was reported for A. viridis irrespective of exposure to rhizoinoculation (11.5 – 17.5 cm2, p=223). No significant differences in number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and internode was reported in both species irrespective of treatment. Qualitative assessment of phytochemicals showed presence of saponins, phenolic, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids in both species notwithstanding inoculation. The presence of glycosides in plants inoculated with P. pseudomonas was reported. Glycosides were absent in the control plants. Significant reduction in total phenols upon inoculation of plants with P. putida was also reported. Following the failure of FRS-exposed plants to subsist, in-vitro growth studies were conducted to compare seed growth response. Results showed that seeds sown in FRSfiltrates grew as better as those in HMS-filtrates. Germination percentage in the Pseudomonas- exposed seeds was better when seeds were primed for 24hthan ofr 3 h in both plant species

The focus of this study is on the effect of conflicts on economic integration of West African States. This is premised on the fact that almost all the States in the sub-region have been engulfed by one form of conflict at one time or the other, some of which have resulted in State collapse. Empirical data were gathered from relevant sources during the course of this research. For developing countries, regional integration is far more than just market integration. Thus, integration in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has become synonymous with economic development, with enhanced intra-regional trade being only one component of such development. ECOWAS ought to have been the mechanism for galvanising the West African sub-region into the globalisation phenomenon. However, the organisation is making little efforts in its realistic integration efforts after more than two decades. This state of affairs is attributable to the strife-torn inter-state
relationships characterising the sub-region. Thus, coups, fratricidal conflicts and insurgency have become implacable words in the political discourse of the sub-region. The study concludes that the preponderance of conflicts in the sub-region, which are mostly offshoot of regional leaders’ fixation on the Clausewitzian concept of security (state-centric conception of security), has negatively affected integration efforts of the sub-region

Violent confrontations between farmers and herders have become a defining feature confronting peace and stability in many parts of Nigeria. This study assessed the effect of farmers and herdsmen conflicts on the livelihood activities of arable crop farmers in Benue State. Specifically, it describes the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, identified the livelihood activities involvement of respondents, identified the causes of farmers-herdsmen
conflicts, examined the key effect of the conflict on the respondents, ascertained perceived vulnerability factors to the conflict, and identified the coping strategies used by the respondents. The study was carried out in Benue State, Nigeria the selected sampled Local Government Areas are Oju, Guma, and Vandiekya with a sample size of 231 at a response rate of 99.3% (229). A
structured questionnaire administered through an interview schedule was used to collect data for this study. Data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics like frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation. T-statistics in Binary Logistic Regression and F-statistics in Analysis of Variance and posthoc range test were used to make inferences. Results show a preponderance of male 62% over female 38% with mean age 38 years, the respondents had a mean farm size of 4 hectares, a mean household size of 4 persons and 19 years as mean farming experience. The study also showed that the farmers had a high level of livelihood involvement in major arable crop production with yam having the highest with �ത =3.68. The destruction of crops during the conflict was identified as the major cause of conflict with �ത =4.77 while crop was destroyed during the conflict was identified as one of the major key effects of the conflict with �ത =4.72. The ineffectiveness of security structure ( �ത =4.24) was identified as the major vulnerability factors to the conflicts. The study also revealed that children were withdrawn from school ( �ത =4.26) and children are now involved in child labour ( �ത =4.09) were the major ways
respondents coped with the conflict. Variables on determinant of conflict among farmers and herdsmen conflict such as sex (Wald = 18.06), age (Wald = -10.36), education (Wald = 8.12), religion (Wald = 27.14), type of farming (Wald = 17.06), farm size (Wald = 14.67) were significant at 0.01 level while primary occupation (wald=3.09) was significant at 0.05 level. Results further showed that a significant difference existed in the effect of conflict in the three local government Area as Oju experienced more than the other two Local Government Areas with the F-test values of 28.58 df (2) 226 at 0.01 significant level Also, armers in Guma were more vulnerable to farmers-herdsmen conflicts than those in the other local government Area
with the F-test value of 4.176 df (2) 226 at the 0.05 significant level. It was concluded that the conflict had a negative effect on the livelihood activities as the production income of the farmers in the affected Local Government Areas were greatly ecreased by over 50%

The study examines the relationship between performance appraisal and organizational
productivity. The objective of the study is to examine the relationship between employee training
and development, employee compensation, organizational strength, organizational size and
organizational productivity. The study employs a quantitative and longitudinal research design in which secondary data are
collected from the quoted food and beverages companies in the Nigerian Stock Exchange for the
period of 2012 to 2017. Multiple regression technique, descriptive statistic and Pearson
correlation matrix are performed using EViews 8.0 econometric software. The findings show that employee training and development has a positive coefficient and
significant relationship with organizational productivity, employee compensation has a positive
coefficient and significant relationship with organizational productivity, organizational strength
has a negative coefficient and insignificant relationship with organizational productivity and
organizational size has a positive coefficient and insignificant relationship with organizational
productivity. The study concludes that performance appraisal is the procedures adopted by
management to evaluate the personality and the performance of the employee in organizations. The study recommends that management should engage in regular employee training for
improved organizational productivity