The study examined the marketing of a cassava-based product （garri） in Delta State, Nigeria. Data was collected from 168 respondents using structured questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in s...The study examined the marketing of a cassava-based product （garri） in Delta State, Nigeria. Data was collected from 168 respondents using structured questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 168 respondents from six markets in Delta State where garri is produced and marketed. Data was analyzed by the calculation of percentages, means and running of regression. The study revealed that the marketing of garri in Delta State was predominantly a female activity. The study also revealed that the garri was marketed in three channels and that 46.4% were retailers. The study further revealed a reasonable degree of freedom of entry and exit in the garri business in Delta State. Each trader or marketer was able to earn an average profit margin of N2 190.00 （for garri marketers）, while the marketing margins for garri was 13.1%. Although the marketers were faced with some challenges the average profit per marketer per month was reasonably high （N40 722）. The study further showed that the socio- economic characteristics of the marketers to a large extent had a positive influence on the quantity of garri sold in the study area. From the findings it was recommended that storage facilities, extension services and good road network among others should be provided to improve the marketing of garri in Delta State, Nigeria.展开更多
<p> Characterization and identification of molds based on cultural and morphological characteristics are often not reliable and frail with limitations. The occurrence of <em>Aspergillus</em> species ...<p> Characterization and identification of molds based on cultural and morphological characteristics are often not reliable and frail with limitations. The occurrence of <em>Aspergillus</em> species in garri on sale in markets in Benue State, Nigeria, was studied by molecular techniques. <em>Aspergillus</em> species were isolated and purified on Potato Dextrose Agar. DNA from the purified isolates was extracted using the ZR fungal DNA miniprep and amplified by PCR mix made up of 12.5 μL of Taq 2X Master Mix. Primer sequences for the fungi characterization were internal transcribed spacers ITS 4 and ITS 5. The phylogenetic tree was plotted between the isolated organisms and reference sequences and evolutionary analysis was conducted in MEGA X. Result revealed that one thousand, six hundred and forty-six <em>Aspergilli </em>were isolated comprising of 980 and 666 isolates from the white and yellow garri respectively. <em>Aspergillus</em> <em>flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. aculeatinus</em>, and <em>A. aculeatus</em> were identified. Twenty percent (20%) of the strains had aflatoxin D structural gene, 50% amplified AFLP and 70% of the strains expressed AFLQ genes needed for the biosynthesis of aflatoxin B1. Majority of the strains that showed the expression of these structural genes were consistent with<em> Aspergillus </em><em>flavus</em>. Phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship among the isolates and their most identical sequence in the NCBI database. </p>展开更多
The presence of aflatoxin-producing fungi in foods consumed by humans and animals has often resulted in the health hazards and even death. Aflatoxin contaminations of garri sold in some markets of Benue State, Nigeria...The presence of aflatoxin-producing fungi in foods consumed by humans and animals has often resulted in the health hazards and even death. Aflatoxin contaminations of garri sold in some markets of Benue State, Nigeria, were studied, to ascertain the health implications on the consumers. Sixty garri samples comprising of 30 white garri and 30 yellow garri respectively were studied. The garri samples were ground to a particle size of 250 μm using a sterile blender. The total aflatoxin was extracted using 70% (v/v) methanol. The total aflatoxin concentration was detected and quantified using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique. The results showed that overall, 76.67% of the white garri samples and 80% of the yellow garri samples were aflatoxin positive. The total aflatoxin concentration in white garri ranged from 0.3 μg/kg to 2.4 μg/kg and 0.2 to 2.4 μg/kg in yellow garri respectively. The total mean aflatoxin across the States recorded was 2.96 μg/kg in white garri and 3.07 μg/kg in yellow garri. All the aflatoxin-positive garri samples of both the white and yellow garri were within the NAFDAC permissible aflatoxin level. Even though the aflatoxins are within the approved standard consumable limits, the continuous consumption of these doses over a long period of time could lead to the accumulation of these toxins in the body. These may eventually constitute a toxic health challenge.展开更多
Mozambican diets are often lacking in vitamin A. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, but are not easily introduced into the diet as the consistency of the porridge...Mozambican diets are often lacking in vitamin A. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, but are not easily introduced into the diet as the consistency of the porridge made from OFSP is unappetising. Flour made from roasted cassava (garri) produces a palatable porridge with a high energy density. We propose a simple procedure for producing an instant porridge by roasting grated OFSP with flour from shredded sun-dried cassava (G-OFSP). This is an easily adopted variant of the traditional garri-making process. The consistency of this porridge made from milled G-OFSP (G-OFSPf) was compared to the consistency of porridges made from maize flour (Mf), cassava flour (Cf), OFSP flour (OFSPf) and garri flour (Gf) at 43°C, and then correlated to the perceived characteristics assessed by a sensory panel. The dry matter concentration of the porridges was adjusted to give similar consistency, measured by the maximum force of back extrusion, using traditional maize porridge as a reference. The porridges were additionally characterized by back extrusion force relaxation time. Short relaxation times were obtained for G-OFSPf, Mf and Gf porridges and longer times for Cf and OFSPf porridges, corresponding roughly to the sensory preference. In the sensory test of consistency, G-OFSPf porridge was ranked first, followed by Mf, Gf, OFSPf and Cf. In overall sensory tests comparing G-OFSPf porridge to Gf porridge, G-OFSPf porridge was significantly preferred with regard to all sensory attributes evaluated (p < 0.01). The energy density of the G-OFSPf porridge was 5.6 kJ/ml;the highest of the three most preferred porridges with regard to texture. The preparation of flour from a mixture of grated OFSP and shredded sun-dried cassava improved the perceived porridge consistency, increased its energy density, and its high acceptability would increase the intake of betacarotene.展开更多
Introduction:The small archipelago of Tl’chés,in coastal British Columbia,has gone through drastic social-ecological change culminating in the decline of traditional management practices,invasion of exotic plant...Introduction:The small archipelago of Tl’chés,in coastal British Columbia,has gone through drastic social-ecological change culminating in the decline of traditional management practices,invasion of exotic plant species and,in the early 1960s,land abandonment.This is a common trend in cultural landscapes around the world.Cultural landscapes have great social-ecological significance,including cultural safeguarding and renewal,as well as maintenance of biodiversity,ecosystem functions and services,making them objects of special attention in conservation and restoration efforts.This study investigates the relationship between the Lekwungen people and heavily altered ecosystems in the context of ecological restoration for the cultural landscapes of Tl’chés.Methods:In order to thoroughly explore the ecological,social and cultural aspects and processes involved in the restoration of Tl’chés,this study combined different environmental sciences methodologies,including historical and archival research,semi-structured interviews and participatory observation with Lekwungen participants,as well as ecological field assessments and an innovative mapping approach termed Terrestrial Cultural Ecosystem Mapping(TCEM).Results:This study generated historical and spatial references for ecosystem and land use change in West Chatham Island,as well as cultural and ecological understandings to support restoration.Although important native species such as Camassia spp.are still thriving,present-day ecosystems on this island are heavily altered from the natural Garry oak ecosystem reference sites and are largely dominated by exotic invasive shrubs and graminoid species.This investigation indicates that the Lekwungen value both the historical ecological conditions of the island and particular types of the present-day novel or hybrid ecological states,such as the overgrown heritage orchard and nonnative berries found on the islands.Conclusions:Present-day ecosystems of Tl’chés are a result of a hybrid management system(traditional and conventional),coupled with land abandonment for many decades.Restoration of Tl’chés must involve both ecological and cultural components.Therefore,intervention strategies should consider the incorporation of novel and hybrid ecosystems(i.e.naturalized exotic species)into a restoration plan for ecological,cultural,historical,and subsistence values.展开更多
文摘The study examined the marketing of a cassava-based product （garri） in Delta State, Nigeria. Data was collected from 168 respondents using structured questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 168 respondents from six markets in Delta State where garri is produced and marketed. Data was analyzed by the calculation of percentages, means and running of regression. The study revealed that the marketing of garri in Delta State was predominantly a female activity. The study also revealed that the garri was marketed in three channels and that 46.4% were retailers. The study further revealed a reasonable degree of freedom of entry and exit in the garri business in Delta State. Each trader or marketer was able to earn an average profit margin of N2 190.00 （for garri marketers）, while the marketing margins for garri was 13.1%. Although the marketers were faced with some challenges the average profit per marketer per month was reasonably high （N40 722）. The study further showed that the socio- economic characteristics of the marketers to a large extent had a positive influence on the quantity of garri sold in the study area. From the findings it was recommended that storage facilities, extension services and good road network among others should be provided to improve the marketing of garri in Delta State, Nigeria.
文摘<p> Characterization and identification of molds based on cultural and morphological characteristics are often not reliable and frail with limitations. The occurrence of <em>Aspergillus</em> species in garri on sale in markets in Benue State, Nigeria, was studied by molecular techniques. <em>Aspergillus</em> species were isolated and purified on Potato Dextrose Agar. DNA from the purified isolates was extracted using the ZR fungal DNA miniprep and amplified by PCR mix made up of 12.5 μL of Taq 2X Master Mix. Primer sequences for the fungi characterization were internal transcribed spacers ITS 4 and ITS 5. The phylogenetic tree was plotted between the isolated organisms and reference sequences and evolutionary analysis was conducted in MEGA X. Result revealed that one thousand, six hundred and forty-six <em>Aspergilli </em>were isolated comprising of 980 and 666 isolates from the white and yellow garri respectively. <em>Aspergillus</em> <em>flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. aculeatinus</em>, and <em>A. aculeatus</em> were identified. Twenty percent (20%) of the strains had aflatoxin D structural gene, 50% amplified AFLP and 70% of the strains expressed AFLQ genes needed for the biosynthesis of aflatoxin B1. Majority of the strains that showed the expression of these structural genes were consistent with<em> Aspergillus </em><em>flavus</em>. Phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship among the isolates and their most identical sequence in the NCBI database. </p>
文摘The presence of aflatoxin-producing fungi in foods consumed by humans and animals has often resulted in the health hazards and even death. Aflatoxin contaminations of garri sold in some markets of Benue State, Nigeria, were studied, to ascertain the health implications on the consumers. Sixty garri samples comprising of 30 white garri and 30 yellow garri respectively were studied. The garri samples were ground to a particle size of 250 μm using a sterile blender. The total aflatoxin was extracted using 70% (v/v) methanol. The total aflatoxin concentration was detected and quantified using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique. The results showed that overall, 76.67% of the white garri samples and 80% of the yellow garri samples were aflatoxin positive. The total aflatoxin concentration in white garri ranged from 0.3 μg/kg to 2.4 μg/kg and 0.2 to 2.4 μg/kg in yellow garri respectively. The total mean aflatoxin across the States recorded was 2.96 μg/kg in white garri and 3.07 μg/kg in yellow garri. All the aflatoxin-positive garri samples of both the white and yellow garri were within the NAFDAC permissible aflatoxin level. Even though the aflatoxins are within the approved standard consumable limits, the continuous consumption of these doses over a long period of time could lead to the accumulation of these toxins in the body. These may eventually constitute a toxic health challenge.
文摘Mozambican diets are often lacking in vitamin A. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, but are not easily introduced into the diet as the consistency of the porridge made from OFSP is unappetising. Flour made from roasted cassava (garri) produces a palatable porridge with a high energy density. We propose a simple procedure for producing an instant porridge by roasting grated OFSP with flour from shredded sun-dried cassava (G-OFSP). This is an easily adopted variant of the traditional garri-making process. The consistency of this porridge made from milled G-OFSP (G-OFSPf) was compared to the consistency of porridges made from maize flour (Mf), cassava flour (Cf), OFSP flour (OFSPf) and garri flour (Gf) at 43°C, and then correlated to the perceived characteristics assessed by a sensory panel. The dry matter concentration of the porridges was adjusted to give similar consistency, measured by the maximum force of back extrusion, using traditional maize porridge as a reference. The porridges were additionally characterized by back extrusion force relaxation time. Short relaxation times were obtained for G-OFSPf, Mf and Gf porridges and longer times for Cf and OFSPf porridges, corresponding roughly to the sensory preference. In the sensory test of consistency, G-OFSPf porridge was ranked first, followed by Mf, Gf, OFSPf and Cf. In overall sensory tests comparing G-OFSPf porridge to Gf porridge, G-OFSPf porridge was significantly preferred with regard to all sensory attributes evaluated (p < 0.01). The energy density of the G-OFSPf porridge was 5.6 kJ/ml;the highest of the three most preferred porridges with regard to texture. The preparation of flour from a mixture of grated OFSP and shredded sun-dried cassava improved the perceived porridge consistency, increased its energy density, and its high acceptability would increase the intake of betacarotene.
基金I would like to thank Lekwungen elder Joan Morris,Sellemah,for sharing her vision for Tl’chés and her life experiences,and Dr.Nancy Turner and Dr.Eric Higgs from the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria for exceptional supervision during this research project.I would also like to thank Andra Forney for assisting with language edits.And finally,thanks to the Sarah Spencer Research Foundation(SPRF)and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council(SSHRC)for funding this project.
文摘Introduction:The small archipelago of Tl’chés,in coastal British Columbia,has gone through drastic social-ecological change culminating in the decline of traditional management practices,invasion of exotic plant species and,in the early 1960s,land abandonment.This is a common trend in cultural landscapes around the world.Cultural landscapes have great social-ecological significance,including cultural safeguarding and renewal,as well as maintenance of biodiversity,ecosystem functions and services,making them objects of special attention in conservation and restoration efforts.This study investigates the relationship between the Lekwungen people and heavily altered ecosystems in the context of ecological restoration for the cultural landscapes of Tl’chés.Methods:In order to thoroughly explore the ecological,social and cultural aspects and processes involved in the restoration of Tl’chés,this study combined different environmental sciences methodologies,including historical and archival research,semi-structured interviews and participatory observation with Lekwungen participants,as well as ecological field assessments and an innovative mapping approach termed Terrestrial Cultural Ecosystem Mapping(TCEM).Results:This study generated historical and spatial references for ecosystem and land use change in West Chatham Island,as well as cultural and ecological understandings to support restoration.Although important native species such as Camassia spp.are still thriving,present-day ecosystems on this island are heavily altered from the natural Garry oak ecosystem reference sites and are largely dominated by exotic invasive shrubs and graminoid species.This investigation indicates that the Lekwungen value both the historical ecological conditions of the island and particular types of the present-day novel or hybrid ecological states,such as the overgrown heritage orchard and nonnative berries found on the islands.Conclusions:Present-day ecosystems of Tl’chés are a result of a hybrid management system(traditional and conventional),coupled with land abandonment for many decades.Restoration of Tl’chés must involve both ecological and cultural components.Therefore,intervention strategies should consider the incorporation of novel and hybrid ecosystems(i.e.naturalized exotic species)into a restoration plan for ecological,cultural,historical,and subsistence values.
