Emmanuel Ikechukwu Nnamonu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Emmanuel Ikechukwu Nnamonu

Herbal Medicines (HM) are being used in our country for a long time but the type and load of the ... more Herbal Medicines (HM) are being used in our country for a long time but the type and load of the microbial agents has not been isolated in locally produced finished products of HM. The present study was designed to assess the microbial load, genus & species of the microbes contaminating with HM. Seven different Antidiabetic Herbal Preparations (ADHPs) were purchased randomly and analyzed for microbial contaminants. Blood agar, Mac Conkey agar, Chocolate agar and Saboraud’s dextrose agar were used (Oxoid) for culturing and isolation of bacteria and fungus. Identification of organisms were done as standard ways. Total aerobic bacterial plate count was done as per the method of Brown, Poxton and Wilkinson. Out of 07 anti diabetic solid and liquid samples, except ADHP-3, Bacillus subtilis (3.5 – 4.0 x 104 cfu/g) was isolated from solid ADHPs and Enterococcus spp. (1.0x104 cfu/ml) was isolated from liquid ADHP, but all samples were free from fungi (yeasts and moulds). However presence of bacteria in these samples indicates the possibility of increased number of bacteria. So, the sample should be handled in any step maintaining standard sterility of the environment, instrument and involved personnel. The result of present study showed the contamination rate within tolerable level but the presence of bacteria in these samples was not desirable.

International Journal of Mosquito Research, 2019

The present study was designed to evaluate predisposing factors, burden and management practices ... more The present study was designed to evaluate predisposing factors, burden and management practices of malaria in an agrarian settlement, south east Nigeria. The study adopted a hospital-based cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Overgrown bushes around residence (286, 71.5%), much farming (400, 100.0%) and staying late night outdoors (400, 100.0%) were major factors that predispose the residents to malaria. Episodes of fever, headache, cough, catarrh and anorexia (169, 42.2%, 221 and 55.2%) were most frequent. There was moderate effect on productivity (258, 64.5%). Most participants (355 (88.8%) used drug alone, 29 (7.2%) combined drug with insecticide nets, 7 (1.8%) combined insecticide spray, nets and drugs while all respondents use local herbs (400, 100.0%). Poor health care delivery (318, 79.5%) was the major reason for dissatisfaction on hospital-based treatment. There is high malaria predisposition, high burden of malaria and poor ...

The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology, Dec 2, 2022

Background: The war against malaria in Africa especially Sub-Saharan Africa seems to be unending ... more Background: The war against malaria in Africa especially Sub-Saharan Africa seems to be unending despite all efforts being invested on it for some decades. Mosquitoes have remained key transmitters of malaria. This study evaluated the larvicidal potentials of ethanolic leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus, Ricinus communis and Allium sativum on the fourth instar larvae of Anopheles mosquito. Results: Cymbopogon citratus had the highest mortality of 78% (312) out of 400 larvae used in all the varied concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/l), and had the least LC 50 value of 54.08 mg/l. Ricinus communis and Allium sativum had mortalities of 59.75% (239) and 73.75% (295) with LC 50 of 141.25 mg/l and 81.096 mg/l, respectively. There was no mortality in the control. Temperature, pH and conductivity correlated positively with mortality (p < 0.05) while dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids did not positively correlate with mortality (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Ethanolic leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus, A. sativum and R. communis have larvicidal properties. However, C. citratus was most effective followed by A. sativum while R. communis was the least effective. The extracts of these plants can serve as replacements to synthetic insecticides because they are biodegradable , ecologically friendly, safe for non-target organisms and do not lead to an aftermath problem and still have properties that can reduce pest populations.

The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology, 2020

Background Omega-3 fatty acids’ inclusion as feed supplement in the diets of both human and anima... more Background Omega-3 fatty acids’ inclusion as feed supplement in the diets of both human and animals has been found to play a significant role in body metabolism. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the effects of graded doses of omega-3 fatty acids on haematology and body weight of adult male and female Rattus norvegicus (Wistar albino rats) as a model animal. Methods A total of seventy-two adult male and female albino rats were randomly assigned into two experimental units. Each unit was grouped into three and received different treatment diets. Blood erythrocytes and weight were sampled on days 0, 14 and 28 to evaluate haematological parameters and body weight. Results Results showed concentration- and time-dependent significant increases (p < 0.05) in the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBCs), mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and non-significant change (p > 0.05) in the red blood cells (RBCs) and mean cell haemo...

Journal of Education and Practice, 2020

The relevance of instructional games has made it an important instructional approach for the teac... more The relevance of instructional games has made it an important instructional approach for the teaching and learning of science especially at junior secondary level. The present study was focused on gender difference influence: effects of games on acquisition of science process skills in junior secondary school south east Nigeria. The quasiexperimental design was used for this study. The population of this study consisted of the entire Junior Secondary School, Basic Science students one (JSS 1) of the thirty-five (35) public secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone. The sample for the study was one hundred and sixty (160) Basic Science students and four Basic Science teachers from co-education secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone of Enugu state. Stratified random sampling was employed to obtain the schools used for the study. The instruments used for the study was the Test of Science Process Skills Acquisition Test (TOSPSAT). The instruments were given to four (4) experts in science education, two (2) science educators (measurement and evaluators) and two (2) experienced integrated teachers for face and content validation. The reliability of TOSPSAT was done using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (K-R 20). The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for testing hypotheses at P<0.05 level of significance. The students taught using game teaching approach had higher mean science process skills acquisition scores in all the skills studied than those taught using conventional method. There was a significant difference in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of subjects exposed to games than those exposed to conventional method. Male and female students exposed to games scored higher in all the science process skills studied. There was no significant difference found in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of male and female students exposed to games. The interaction effect of instructional methods and gender on mean science process skills acquisition scores was not significant. The findings of this implies that students, teachers and curriculum planners should adopt the use of games in teaching and learning processes.

Journal of Education and Practice, 2020

The present study was designed to evaluate the influenced of location on using game-based teachin... more The present study was designed to evaluate the influenced of location on using game-based teaching method in acquisition of science process skills in junior secondary school south east Nigeria. The quasi-experimental design was used for this study. The population of this study consisted of the entire Junior Secondary School, Basic Science students one (JSS 1) of the thirty-five (35) public secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone. The sample for the study was one hundred and sixty (160) Basic Science students and four Basic Science teachers from co-education secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone of Enugu state. Stratified random sampling was employed to obtain the schools used for the study. The instruments used for the study was the Test of Science Process Skills Acquisition Test (TOSPSAT). The instruments were given to four (4) experts in science education, two (2) science educators (measurement and evaluators) and two (2) experienced integrated teachers for face and content validation. The reliability of TOSPSAT was done using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (K-R 20). The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for testing hypotheses at P<0.05 level of significance. The students taught using game teaching approach had higher mean science process skills acquisition scores in all the skills studied than those taught using conventional method. There was a significant difference in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of subjects exposed to games than those exposed to conventional method. Location of school had no significant effect on the mean science process skills acquisition scores of students exposed to treatment and conventional method. The interaction effect of instructional methods and location on mean science process skills acquisition scores was not significance. The findings of this implies that students, teachers and curriculum planners should adopt the use of games in teaching and learning processes.

African Journal of Biotechnology, 2016

This study conducted in 2014 investigated the histopathological effects of Cyperdicot and vitamin... more This study conducted in 2014 investigated the histopathological effects of Cyperdicot and vitamin E supplementation on some selected organs in juveniles of Clarias gariepinus . Fish were exposed to 0. 0.08 and 0.16 mg/L Cyperdicot and vitamin E. Fish were divided into six groups: control, 0.80 mg/L; Cyperdicot, 0.16 mg/L; Cyperdicot, vitamin E, vitamin E + 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot, and vitamin E + 0.16 m/L Cyperdicot insecticide. There was significant relation between temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen with Cyperdicot concentration. The LC 50 value based on probit analysis was found to be 0.08 mg/L for 96 h. Samples were taken at fixed times for histopathological studies. The fish exhibited behavioural and dermatological changes. Vitamin E + 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot and vitamin E + 0.16 mg/L Cyperdicot treated fish showed abnormalities in their behaviour. Gills, liver, and kidneys of the 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot treated group also showed several histopathological changes during the experimen...

Annals of Experimental and Molecular Biology, 2018

The present study was designed to evaluate the acceptability and growth performance of African ca... more The present study was designed to evaluate the acceptability and growth performance of African catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings treated with graded levels of Telfairia occidentalis leaf meal used as substitute to fishmeal. One hundred and thirty-five H. bidorsalis fingerlings were assigned into five treatment groups with three replicates per group. Five iso-nitrogenous diets (45% crude protein) were formulated by substituting fishmeal with T. occidentalis leaf meal. The control diet (T0) contained 0% T. occidentalis leaf meal while the other experimental diets (T10, T20, T30 and T40) contained T. occidentalis leaf meal at the percentage of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%, respectively. Treatment lasted fortytwo days, the experimental diets were administered at 5% of body weight two times daily (9am and 4pm). Water was changed every three days and mortality monitored daily. The acceptability indices of the diets, body weight (g) and length (cm) were measured and recorded weekly. The control diet (T0) recorded the most effective results in all parameters evaluated compared with all treatments. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was recorded in the water qualities tested. Conclusively, It is evident from this study that fishmeal cannot be replaced totally by T. occidentalis leaf meal in the diet of H. bidorsalis fingerlings. However, based on the non-significant difference (p > 0.05) observed in the growth performance of H. bidorsalis fingerlings fed the control diet and 10% Telfairia-based diet, we recommend that H. bidorsalis fingerling producers can substitute fishmeal with T. occidentalis leaf meal just at an optimal level of 10%.

Mosquito species of the Anopheles gambiae complex represent the major vectors of human malaria an... more Mosquito species of the Anopheles gambiae complex represent the major vectors of human malaria and they pose an enormous burden on global health and economies. Every year 300–500 million people are infected by malaria and over a million people die as consequence of Plasmodium parasite infections. Disease endemic countries often do not have the economic resources and the logistics to sustain control efforts like the massive and prolonged use of insecticides, the use of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITN), Indoor Residual Sprays (IRS), Larviciding (abortion of metamorphosis) and adequate environmental sanitation. New control strategies that have Review Article Joseph et al.; AJBGE, 1(1): 1-16, 2018; Article no.AJBGE.40646 2 sustainable effects are desperately needed. This article, therefore, considered the unprecedented effort aimed at generating new molecular tools and a comprehensive knowledge of biology and the genetics of Anopheline mosquitoes which has culminated in the...

Transylvanian Review, 2016

It is quit unfortunate that methods of teaching Basic Science is not adequate. Hence, there is ne... more It is quit unfortunate that methods of teaching Basic Science is not adequate. Hence, there is need to investigate methods that can be effective in teaching the subject in Nigerian Primary Schools. Thus, the objective of the study was to determine the effect of play way method on the achievement of the primary one pupils in Basic Science in Udenu Local Government Education Authority of Enugu State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design. The study was carried out in Udenu Local Government Education Authority of Enugu State (N=120). A 20 objective test items Basic Science Achievement Test (BSAT) was used for data collection. The play-way and the conventional lesson plans were also developed for the study. The data collected for the study were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Based on the data collected and analyzed, the study revealed that the pupils taught basic science using play-way method achieved higher than th...

Animal Research International, 2016

Phytochemical composition and antitrypanosomal activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus m... more Phytochemical composition and antitrypanosomal activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei was investigated for 28 days using 72 adult male albino rats weighing between 150 – 250 g. The rats were divided into six groups (A – F), replicated thrice with each replicate having four rats. Group A, B and C were given 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg of the extracts respectively, according to their body weights, while group D, E and F served as the negative, positive and normal control groups, respectively. LD50, phytochemical screening, parasitaemia and body weight were determined using standard methods. It was observed that tannins and flavonoids were highly present, alkaloids, resins, steroids and saponins were moderately present in the plant extract, while terpenes and glycosides were present in trace amounts. LD50 of the crude leaf extract of L. micranthus showed no mortality at dose levels of up to 5,000 mg/kg after 2...

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2018

Eighty male albino rats were used to investigate the effects of methanolic calyx extract of Hibis... more Eighty male albino rats were used to investigate the effects of methanolic calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on body weight, blood cholesterol and liver enzymes markers. Twenty-eight days oral administration of 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed a significant (p<0.05) time-dependent decrease in the body weights of all the treated groups when compared with the control, with 100 mg/kg causing significant (p<0.05) decrease at weeks 2 and 4, respectively when compared with other treatment doses. The extract significantly (p>0.05) decreased the serum cholesterol and increased the liver marker enzymes (ALP, ALT and AST) in dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, when compared with the control. However, on day 21, the group treated with 400 mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.05) increase the serum cholesterol, and decrease in liver marker enzymes when compared with the rest of the treatment groups. Histopathology from all the treatment groups revealed graded degrees of vacuolar degeneration of the hepatocytes and peri-portal infiltration of mononuclear leucocytes. The results of this present study suggests that the methanolic calyx extract of H. sabdariffa possesses anti-obesity and hypocholesterolemic potentials which should be harnessed with caution due to its tendency to adversely affect the liver.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019

Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract (HS) is often used as complementary therapy for hypertension.... more Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract (HS) is often used as complementary therapy for hypertension. However, some studies have shown that coadministration with a conventional antihypertensive drug can affect drug potency. We compared the effects of HS plus captopril (CAP) coadministration to HS and CAP administration alone on blood pressure and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) biomarkers in the rat two-kidney-one-clip (2K1C) model of hypertension. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=6/group), a normal control (SHAM) group, and six 2K1C groups. In 2K1C animals, hypertension was induced using a stainless microclip (inner diameter of 0.20 mm). Four weeks after 2K1C surgery, blood pressure was significantly higher than in the SHAM group. Then, model rats were randomly divided into negative control (2K1C, no treatment), positive control (4.5 mg captopril/200 g body weight [BW] orally [p.o.]), HS alone (30 mg/200 g BW; p.o.), and 3 co-treatment gro...

Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2019

The given name and family name of the authors of the original publication of this article were in... more The given name and family name of the authors of the original publication of this article were inversed. Correct presentation of the author names are presented here. Publisher's note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 2016

The methanolic and aqueous pulp extracts of Picralima nitida as an eco-friendly alternative in ma... more The methanolic and aqueous pulp extracts of Picralima nitida as an eco-friendly alternative in malaria vector control were investigated. The sample yielded a 3.93% extract with methanol and 0.89% with aqueous. The phytochemicals constitutes of crude methanolic and aqueous extracts of P. nitida pulp include the alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes and steroids. Laboratory reared larvae of Anopheles gambiae 4th instar were exposed to varying concentrations of the P. nitida pulp extracts ranging from 0.5 to 5.0mg/ml, according to WHO Bioassay Methods for susceptibility. Probit analysis using statistical package for social sciences version 16.0, at (P<0.05) gave time dependent LC 50 and LC 95 values of 4.979 mg/ml and 18.541mg/ml, 4.299 mg/ml and 16.008 mg/ml and 2.792 mg/ml and 10.397 mg/ml for aqueous pulp extracts at 24, 48 and 72 hours while methanolic extract values were 12.285 and 96.993 mg/ml, 9.700 and 76.584 mg/ml and 6.490 and 51.236 mg/ml ...

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Mucuna sloanei is a legume used as a soup thickener by communities in some parts of Africa countr... more Mucuna sloanei is a legume used as a soup thickener by communities in some parts of Africa countries. The effect of aqueous seed extract of M. sloanei on the haematological profile of normal albino rats was investigated for 28 days using standard methods. The results show no overall dose dependent significant difference (p > 0.05) in the serum levels of the white blood cell count, red blood cell count and its indices (haemoglobin content, pack cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) of the rats throughout the duration of the experiment when compared with the control. However, a dose independent significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the white blood cell level was observed in week 3, while the decrease observed in the remaining week was not significant. The effects of the interaction between the doses and duration of treatment were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in all the haematological parame...

Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment, 2014

Information on biological communities is important to assess the qualities of aquatic systems rec... more Information on biological communities is important to assess the qualities of aquatic systems receiving wastewater. Crustacean communities have a cosmopolitan distribution, short life cycle and are useful for the general monitoring of certain aspects of the environment, such as eutrophication, pollution, warming trends and long-term changes which are sign of environmental disturbance. In this study, spatial-temporal and limnology of crustacean in a tropical freshwater lake was carried out between 2010 and 2011 at three stations. Identification of all the sampled organisms was done using taxonomic keys. The sampled crustaceans were made up of 7 species (N = 820): Daphnia (30.44%), Napilius (18.33%), Camptocerus (14.30%), Eurycerus (8.54%), Bosmina (9.27%), Canthocamptus (8.57%) and Cyclops (10.51%). Phytoplankton sampled were composed of six families: Bacillariophycea, Chlorophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae and Xanthophyceae while 12 species of macrophytes were sampled (Kyllingn squamalata, Nymphaea lotus, Acroceras zizanioid, Cyperacea difformislinn, Alchonea. The physico-chemical, plankton abundance, macro flora and fauna in Opi Lake fell within the productive values for aquatic ecosystem and indicated that the lake is eutrophic, crustaceans and biotic/abiotc factors are example of natural freshwater habitat.

Herbal Medicines (HM) are being used in our country for a long time but the type and load of the ... more Herbal Medicines (HM) are being used in our country for a long time but the type and load of the microbial agents has not been isolated in locally produced finished products of HM. The present study was designed to assess the microbial load, genus &amp;amp;amp; species of the microbes contaminating with HM. Seven different Antidiabetic Herbal Preparations (ADHPs) were purchased randomly and analyzed for microbial contaminants. Blood agar, Mac Conkey agar, Chocolate agar and Saboraud’s dextrose agar were used (Oxoid) for culturing and isolation of bacteria and fungus. Identification of organisms were done as standard ways. Total aerobic bacterial plate count was done as per the method of Brown, Poxton and Wilkinson. Out of 07 anti diabetic solid and liquid samples, except ADHP-3, Bacillus subtilis (3.5 – 4.0 x 104 cfu/g) was isolated from solid ADHPs and Enterococcus spp. (1.0x104 cfu/ml) was isolated from liquid ADHP, but all samples were free from fungi (yeasts and moulds). However presence of bacteria in these samples indicates the possibility of increased number of bacteria. So, the sample should be handled in any step maintaining standard sterility of the environment, instrument and involved personnel. The result of present study showed the contamination rate within tolerable level but the presence of bacteria in these samples was not desirable.

International Journal of Mosquito Research, 2019

The present study was designed to evaluate predisposing factors, burden and management practices ... more The present study was designed to evaluate predisposing factors, burden and management practices of malaria in an agrarian settlement, south east Nigeria. The study adopted a hospital-based cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Overgrown bushes around residence (286, 71.5%), much farming (400, 100.0%) and staying late night outdoors (400, 100.0%) were major factors that predispose the residents to malaria. Episodes of fever, headache, cough, catarrh and anorexia (169, 42.2%, 221 and 55.2%) were most frequent. There was moderate effect on productivity (258, 64.5%). Most participants (355 (88.8%) used drug alone, 29 (7.2%) combined drug with insecticide nets, 7 (1.8%) combined insecticide spray, nets and drugs while all respondents use local herbs (400, 100.0%). Poor health care delivery (318, 79.5%) was the major reason for dissatisfaction on hospital-based treatment. There is high malaria predisposition, high burden of malaria and poor ...

The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology, Dec 2, 2022

Background: The war against malaria in Africa especially Sub-Saharan Africa seems to be unending ... more Background: The war against malaria in Africa especially Sub-Saharan Africa seems to be unending despite all efforts being invested on it for some decades. Mosquitoes have remained key transmitters of malaria. This study evaluated the larvicidal potentials of ethanolic leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus, Ricinus communis and Allium sativum on the fourth instar larvae of Anopheles mosquito. Results: Cymbopogon citratus had the highest mortality of 78% (312) out of 400 larvae used in all the varied concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/l), and had the least LC 50 value of 54.08 mg/l. Ricinus communis and Allium sativum had mortalities of 59.75% (239) and 73.75% (295) with LC 50 of 141.25 mg/l and 81.096 mg/l, respectively. There was no mortality in the control. Temperature, pH and conductivity correlated positively with mortality (p < 0.05) while dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids did not positively correlate with mortality (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Ethanolic leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus, A. sativum and R. communis have larvicidal properties. However, C. citratus was most effective followed by A. sativum while R. communis was the least effective. The extracts of these plants can serve as replacements to synthetic insecticides because they are biodegradable , ecologically friendly, safe for non-target organisms and do not lead to an aftermath problem and still have properties that can reduce pest populations.

The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology, 2020

Background Omega-3 fatty acids’ inclusion as feed supplement in the diets of both human and anima... more Background Omega-3 fatty acids’ inclusion as feed supplement in the diets of both human and animals has been found to play a significant role in body metabolism. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the effects of graded doses of omega-3 fatty acids on haematology and body weight of adult male and female Rattus norvegicus (Wistar albino rats) as a model animal. Methods A total of seventy-two adult male and female albino rats were randomly assigned into two experimental units. Each unit was grouped into three and received different treatment diets. Blood erythrocytes and weight were sampled on days 0, 14 and 28 to evaluate haematological parameters and body weight. Results Results showed concentration- and time-dependent significant increases (p < 0.05) in the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBCs), mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and non-significant change (p > 0.05) in the red blood cells (RBCs) and mean cell haemo...

Journal of Education and Practice, 2020

The relevance of instructional games has made it an important instructional approach for the teac... more The relevance of instructional games has made it an important instructional approach for the teaching and learning of science especially at junior secondary level. The present study was focused on gender difference influence: effects of games on acquisition of science process skills in junior secondary school south east Nigeria. The quasiexperimental design was used for this study. The population of this study consisted of the entire Junior Secondary School, Basic Science students one (JSS 1) of the thirty-five (35) public secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone. The sample for the study was one hundred and sixty (160) Basic Science students and four Basic Science teachers from co-education secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone of Enugu state. Stratified random sampling was employed to obtain the schools used for the study. The instruments used for the study was the Test of Science Process Skills Acquisition Test (TOSPSAT). The instruments were given to four (4) experts in science education, two (2) science educators (measurement and evaluators) and two (2) experienced integrated teachers for face and content validation. The reliability of TOSPSAT was done using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (K-R 20). The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for testing hypotheses at P<0.05 level of significance. The students taught using game teaching approach had higher mean science process skills acquisition scores in all the skills studied than those taught using conventional method. There was a significant difference in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of subjects exposed to games than those exposed to conventional method. Male and female students exposed to games scored higher in all the science process skills studied. There was no significant difference found in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of male and female students exposed to games. The interaction effect of instructional methods and gender on mean science process skills acquisition scores was not significant. The findings of this implies that students, teachers and curriculum planners should adopt the use of games in teaching and learning processes.

Journal of Education and Practice, 2020

The present study was designed to evaluate the influenced of location on using game-based teachin... more The present study was designed to evaluate the influenced of location on using game-based teaching method in acquisition of science process skills in junior secondary school south east Nigeria. The quasi-experimental design was used for this study. The population of this study consisted of the entire Junior Secondary School, Basic Science students one (JSS 1) of the thirty-five (35) public secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone. The sample for the study was one hundred and sixty (160) Basic Science students and four Basic Science teachers from co-education secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone of Enugu state. Stratified random sampling was employed to obtain the schools used for the study. The instruments used for the study was the Test of Science Process Skills Acquisition Test (TOSPSAT). The instruments were given to four (4) experts in science education, two (2) science educators (measurement and evaluators) and two (2) experienced integrated teachers for face and content validation. The reliability of TOSPSAT was done using Kuder-Richardson formula 20 (K-R 20). The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for testing hypotheses at P<0.05 level of significance. The students taught using game teaching approach had higher mean science process skills acquisition scores in all the skills studied than those taught using conventional method. There was a significant difference in the mean science process skills acquisition scores of subjects exposed to games than those exposed to conventional method. Location of school had no significant effect on the mean science process skills acquisition scores of students exposed to treatment and conventional method. The interaction effect of instructional methods and location on mean science process skills acquisition scores was not significance. The findings of this implies that students, teachers and curriculum planners should adopt the use of games in teaching and learning processes.

African Journal of Biotechnology, 2016

This study conducted in 2014 investigated the histopathological effects of Cyperdicot and vitamin... more This study conducted in 2014 investigated the histopathological effects of Cyperdicot and vitamin E supplementation on some selected organs in juveniles of Clarias gariepinus . Fish were exposed to 0. 0.08 and 0.16 mg/L Cyperdicot and vitamin E. Fish were divided into six groups: control, 0.80 mg/L; Cyperdicot, 0.16 mg/L; Cyperdicot, vitamin E, vitamin E + 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot, and vitamin E + 0.16 m/L Cyperdicot insecticide. There was significant relation between temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen with Cyperdicot concentration. The LC 50 value based on probit analysis was found to be 0.08 mg/L for 96 h. Samples were taken at fixed times for histopathological studies. The fish exhibited behavioural and dermatological changes. Vitamin E + 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot and vitamin E + 0.16 mg/L Cyperdicot treated fish showed abnormalities in their behaviour. Gills, liver, and kidneys of the 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot treated group also showed several histopathological changes during the experimen...

Annals of Experimental and Molecular Biology, 2018

The present study was designed to evaluate the acceptability and growth performance of African ca... more The present study was designed to evaluate the acceptability and growth performance of African catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis) fingerlings treated with graded levels of Telfairia occidentalis leaf meal used as substitute to fishmeal. One hundred and thirty-five H. bidorsalis fingerlings were assigned into five treatment groups with three replicates per group. Five iso-nitrogenous diets (45% crude protein) were formulated by substituting fishmeal with T. occidentalis leaf meal. The control diet (T0) contained 0% T. occidentalis leaf meal while the other experimental diets (T10, T20, T30 and T40) contained T. occidentalis leaf meal at the percentage of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%, respectively. Treatment lasted fortytwo days, the experimental diets were administered at 5% of body weight two times daily (9am and 4pm). Water was changed every three days and mortality monitored daily. The acceptability indices of the diets, body weight (g) and length (cm) were measured and recorded weekly. The control diet (T0) recorded the most effective results in all parameters evaluated compared with all treatments. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was recorded in the water qualities tested. Conclusively, It is evident from this study that fishmeal cannot be replaced totally by T. occidentalis leaf meal in the diet of H. bidorsalis fingerlings. However, based on the non-significant difference (p > 0.05) observed in the growth performance of H. bidorsalis fingerlings fed the control diet and 10% Telfairia-based diet, we recommend that H. bidorsalis fingerling producers can substitute fishmeal with T. occidentalis leaf meal just at an optimal level of 10%.

Mosquito species of the Anopheles gambiae complex represent the major vectors of human malaria an... more Mosquito species of the Anopheles gambiae complex represent the major vectors of human malaria and they pose an enormous burden on global health and economies. Every year 300–500 million people are infected by malaria and over a million people die as consequence of Plasmodium parasite infections. Disease endemic countries often do not have the economic resources and the logistics to sustain control efforts like the massive and prolonged use of insecticides, the use of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITN), Indoor Residual Sprays (IRS), Larviciding (abortion of metamorphosis) and adequate environmental sanitation. New control strategies that have Review Article Joseph et al.; AJBGE, 1(1): 1-16, 2018; Article no.AJBGE.40646 2 sustainable effects are desperately needed. This article, therefore, considered the unprecedented effort aimed at generating new molecular tools and a comprehensive knowledge of biology and the genetics of Anopheline mosquitoes which has culminated in the...

Transylvanian Review, 2016

It is quit unfortunate that methods of teaching Basic Science is not adequate. Hence, there is ne... more It is quit unfortunate that methods of teaching Basic Science is not adequate. Hence, there is need to investigate methods that can be effective in teaching the subject in Nigerian Primary Schools. Thus, the objective of the study was to determine the effect of play way method on the achievement of the primary one pupils in Basic Science in Udenu Local Government Education Authority of Enugu State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design. The study was carried out in Udenu Local Government Education Authority of Enugu State (N=120). A 20 objective test items Basic Science Achievement Test (BSAT) was used for data collection. The play-way and the conventional lesson plans were also developed for the study. The data collected for the study were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Based on the data collected and analyzed, the study revealed that the pupils taught basic science using play-way method achieved higher than th...

Animal Research International, 2016

Phytochemical composition and antitrypanosomal activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus m... more Phytochemical composition and antitrypanosomal activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei was investigated for 28 days using 72 adult male albino rats weighing between 150 – 250 g. The rats were divided into six groups (A – F), replicated thrice with each replicate having four rats. Group A, B and C were given 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg of the extracts respectively, according to their body weights, while group D, E and F served as the negative, positive and normal control groups, respectively. LD50, phytochemical screening, parasitaemia and body weight were determined using standard methods. It was observed that tannins and flavonoids were highly present, alkaloids, resins, steroids and saponins were moderately present in the plant extract, while terpenes and glycosides were present in trace amounts. LD50 of the crude leaf extract of L. micranthus showed no mortality at dose levels of up to 5,000 mg/kg after 2...

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2018

Eighty male albino rats were used to investigate the effects of methanolic calyx extract of Hibis... more Eighty male albino rats were used to investigate the effects of methanolic calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on body weight, blood cholesterol and liver enzymes markers. Twenty-eight days oral administration of 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed a significant (p<0.05) time-dependent decrease in the body weights of all the treated groups when compared with the control, with 100 mg/kg causing significant (p<0.05) decrease at weeks 2 and 4, respectively when compared with other treatment doses. The extract significantly (p>0.05) decreased the serum cholesterol and increased the liver marker enzymes (ALP, ALT and AST) in dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, when compared with the control. However, on day 21, the group treated with 400 mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.05) increase the serum cholesterol, and decrease in liver marker enzymes when compared with the rest of the treatment groups. Histopathology from all the treatment groups revealed graded degrees of vacuolar degeneration of the hepatocytes and peri-portal infiltration of mononuclear leucocytes. The results of this present study suggests that the methanolic calyx extract of H. sabdariffa possesses anti-obesity and hypocholesterolemic potentials which should be harnessed with caution due to its tendency to adversely affect the liver.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019

Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract (HS) is often used as complementary therapy for hypertension.... more Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract (HS) is often used as complementary therapy for hypertension. However, some studies have shown that coadministration with a conventional antihypertensive drug can affect drug potency. We compared the effects of HS plus captopril (CAP) coadministration to HS and CAP administration alone on blood pressure and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) biomarkers in the rat two-kidney-one-clip (2K1C) model of hypertension. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=6/group), a normal control (SHAM) group, and six 2K1C groups. In 2K1C animals, hypertension was induced using a stainless microclip (inner diameter of 0.20 mm). Four weeks after 2K1C surgery, blood pressure was significantly higher than in the SHAM group. Then, model rats were randomly divided into negative control (2K1C, no treatment), positive control (4.5 mg captopril/200 g body weight [BW] orally [p.o.]), HS alone (30 mg/200 g BW; p.o.), and 3 co-treatment gro...

Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2019

The given name and family name of the authors of the original publication of this article were in... more The given name and family name of the authors of the original publication of this article were inversed. Correct presentation of the author names are presented here. Publisher's note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 2016

The methanolic and aqueous pulp extracts of Picralima nitida as an eco-friendly alternative in ma... more The methanolic and aqueous pulp extracts of Picralima nitida as an eco-friendly alternative in malaria vector control were investigated. The sample yielded a 3.93% extract with methanol and 0.89% with aqueous. The phytochemicals constitutes of crude methanolic and aqueous extracts of P. nitida pulp include the alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes and steroids. Laboratory reared larvae of Anopheles gambiae 4th instar were exposed to varying concentrations of the P. nitida pulp extracts ranging from 0.5 to 5.0mg/ml, according to WHO Bioassay Methods for susceptibility. Probit analysis using statistical package for social sciences version 16.0, at (P<0.05) gave time dependent LC 50 and LC 95 values of 4.979 mg/ml and 18.541mg/ml, 4.299 mg/ml and 16.008 mg/ml and 2.792 mg/ml and 10.397 mg/ml for aqueous pulp extracts at 24, 48 and 72 hours while methanolic extract values were 12.285 and 96.993 mg/ml, 9.700 and 76.584 mg/ml and 6.490 and 51.236 mg/ml ...

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Mucuna sloanei is a legume used as a soup thickener by communities in some parts of Africa countr... more Mucuna sloanei is a legume used as a soup thickener by communities in some parts of Africa countries. The effect of aqueous seed extract of M. sloanei on the haematological profile of normal albino rats was investigated for 28 days using standard methods. The results show no overall dose dependent significant difference (p > 0.05) in the serum levels of the white blood cell count, red blood cell count and its indices (haemoglobin content, pack cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) of the rats throughout the duration of the experiment when compared with the control. However, a dose independent significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the white blood cell level was observed in week 3, while the decrease observed in the remaining week was not significant. The effects of the interaction between the doses and duration of treatment were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in all the haematological parame...

Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment, 2014

Information on biological communities is important to assess the qualities of aquatic systems rec... more Information on biological communities is important to assess the qualities of aquatic systems receiving wastewater. Crustacean communities have a cosmopolitan distribution, short life cycle and are useful for the general monitoring of certain aspects of the environment, such as eutrophication, pollution, warming trends and long-term changes which are sign of environmental disturbance. In this study, spatial-temporal and limnology of crustacean in a tropical freshwater lake was carried out between 2010 and 2011 at three stations. Identification of all the sampled organisms was done using taxonomic keys. The sampled crustaceans were made up of 7 species (N = 820): Daphnia (30.44%), Napilius (18.33%), Camptocerus (14.30%), Eurycerus (8.54%), Bosmina (9.27%), Canthocamptus (8.57%) and Cyclops (10.51%). Phytoplankton sampled were composed of six families: Bacillariophycea, Chlorophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae and Xanthophyceae while 12 species of macrophytes were sampled (Kyllingn squamalata, Nymphaea lotus, Acroceras zizanioid, Cyperacea difformislinn, Alchonea. The physico-chemical, plankton abundance, macro flora and fauna in Opi Lake fell within the productive values for aquatic ecosystem and indicated that the lake is eutrophic, crustaceans and biotic/abiotc factors are example of natural freshwater habitat.