Archives-October 2024

Essential oils have been used in cuisine as spices or herbs as well as in fragrance, cosmetics, and medicine since ancient times. Although their primary usage in the nineteenth century was as additives for scent and flavor, their original application was in medicine. In this study, essential oil was extracted from fresh leaves of Lantana camara using hydro-distillation procedure. The yield of the oil obtained was 12.68g which represented a 2.54% yield. Gas Chromatography -Mass Spectrometry Analysis of the oil revealed that the essential oil from Lantana camara contains total of 76 compounds representing 99.40% of the oil with (E)- Caryophyllene as the predominant compound in the oil extract constituting 20.6%. The total flavonoid was determined as well as the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of the essential oil extract of the Lantana camara was examined using UV-Vis spectrophotometer according to the phosphomolybdenum assay. Also, the free radical scavenging activity of the essential oil extract was then determined using the DPPH assay. A comparison of the total phenolic content (TPC) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the oil extract indicated a slight difference in activity of the TAC than the TPC, meaning there are more phenolic contents present in the oil extract, with a lower antioxidant capacity. Its (Lantana camara) widespread usage as a medicinal plant with the curative effect against a variety of diseases and conditions is supported by the presence of antioxidant qualities in the essential oil.

Cocoa pod husk (CPH), is a rich source of minerals (particularly potassium), fiber (including lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin), and antioxidants (e.g. phenolic acids). It is composed of mesocarp, endocarp, and epicarp. The mesocarp consists of fiber (crude, NDF, and ADF-44-48%) and cellulose (53%). CPH’s potential application to human health includes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, immunomodulatory, vasodilatory analgesic, and antimicrobial activities. Fresh ripe cocoa pod husks were collected, and the mesocarp was separated and air dried followed by size reduction and extraction with acetone: methanol (7:3) (v/v) using the maceration process. GC-MS analysis was carried out to identify the phytochemical compounds present in the extract. The compounds identified in the extract highlight the great potential of the extract to improve life. When tested, the extract showed activity against nine different human pathogens at varying concentrations. Free radical scavenging activity was also determined using ABTS and DPPH assays, and the extract was found to be potent.

Interruptions in hydroelectric energy damage equipment and reduce worker productivity. Manufacturing leaders in Zambia who fail to implement strategies to manage hydroelectricity interruptions risk financial losses. Grounded in the contingency theory (CT), the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore strategies that some manufacturing leaders use to manage hydroelectricity interruptions. The participants were six managers from different manufacturing industries based in Lusaka, Zambia, who implemented strategies to manage hydropower interruptions. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and reviews of company documents, company websites, and publications from the Zambia Association of Manufacturers related to managing hydroelectricity power interruptions. Thematic analysis was used to understand and discern the data. The important emergent theme was the importance of investment in stabilizers and storage facilities. A key recommendation from the findings, is to ensure an appropriate level of investment in alternative power-generating equipment and upgrading of plant transformers. The investment and the strategic outcomes from substantive investments in preventing energy disruptions are in the impetus for job creation, and the consequent positive social change with arising from fueling the local economy and subsequent tax base.

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), a leguminous crop, is widely consumed in developing countries for its high nutritional content, particularly its vitamin C and essential micronutrients. Sprouting is known to enhance the nutritional profile of seeds, but there is limited research on its effect on the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and phosphate content of pigeon pea. Pigeon pea seeds were purchased from Ogbete market in Enugu State, Nigeria, and sprouted over five days. Ascorbic acid content was quantified using an iodine titration method, while phosphate levels were determined via spectrophotometry. Samples were collected and analyzed at 24-hour intervals (Day 0 to Day 5). The ascorbic acid content of pigeon pea seeds showed a increase from 0.088 mg/100g on Day 0 to 0.152 mg/100g on Day 5, with the highest increase observed between Day 3 and Day 5. The phosphate content initially increased from 0.275 mg/100g on Day 0 to 0.718 mg/100g on Day 3, before declining slightly to 0.556 mg/100g by Day 5. Statistical analysis indicated that the changes in both ascorbic acid and phosphate content were significant (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that sprouting significantly enhances the nutritional content of pigeon pea seeds, particularly with respect to ascorbic acid and phosphate levels. This increase in nutrient content supports the potential health benefits of incorporating sprouted pigeon pea into diets, especially in regions where micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent.