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Journal : Open Access DRIVERset

Effect of Sun-Drying and Oven-Drying Processing Methods on the Chemical Composition of Bitter Leaves (Vernonia amygdalina) Udoh, Mary Athanasius; Ijezie, Augustina Elochukwu; Abah, Scholastica Ene; Olayemi, Abimbola Gbenga; Yahaya, Musbau Adekunle; Mohammed, Kulu Sanda
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i3.7903

Abstract

Leafy vegetables, commonly consumed as edible plant shoots, are rich sources of macro- and micronutrients. Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaves) is a widely consumed vegetable in Nigeria, especially among the Igbo community, where drying—either by sun or oven—is a prevalent preservation method that also enhances taste. This study investigates the effects of sun-drying and oven-drying on the chemical composition of Vernonia amygdalina leaves. Approximately 2.5 kg of fresh leaves were purchased from Watt Market, Calabar (South-South Nigeria), destalked, and divided into three equal portions. One portion was used as a control (fresh, unprocessed), while the other two were subjected to one-month drying treatments—sun-drying and oven-drying—before being pulverized into flours, sealed in airtight containers, and stored under cool, dry conditions. Standard analytical procedures were employed to assess proximate composition, elemental content, and phytochemical properties. Results revealed that both drying methods significantly reduced moisture content, leading to an increase in dry matter. Notably, the sun-dried samples showed increased ash (6.32 ± 0.02% vs. 2.45 ± 0.02% in control) and crude protein (6.23 ± 0.02% vs. 5.40 ± 0.1%), while oven-dried samples exhibited elevated crude fat (3.33 ± 0.2%), crude fibre (14.30 ± 0.1%), and carbohydrate content (52.10 ± 0.01%) compared to the control. Conversely, drying led to reductions in vitamin levels, mineral content, antinutrients, and food toxicants. These findings indicate that drying improves the nutritional density of macronutrients while decreasing potentially harmful components, thus enhancing the digestibility and safety of the leaves. The study concludes that sun and oven-drying are effective preservation techniques that significantly influence the nutritional profile of Vernonia amygdalina, with important implications for food security and dietary quality.
Assessment of Biological Risk Exposure Among Hospital Housekeepers at Wukari Teaching Hospital Umaru, Isaac John; Asare, Solomon Ossom; Morgan, Akpan Usenobong; Umogbai, Debora Akinola; Olayemi, Abimbola Gbenga; Yeboah, Genevieve Akpah
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i3.8026

Abstract

Hospital housekeepers play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and preventing infections within healthcare facilities, yet they are frequently exposed to biological hazards such as bloodborne pathogens, respiratory droplets, and contaminated waste, often without adequate protection or training. In Nigeria, particularly in tertiary institutions like Wukari Teaching Hospital, limited resources and weak enforcement of safety protocols further increase the vulnerability of non-clinical staff. This study aimed to assess the level of biological risk exposure among hospital housekeepers and identify gaps in personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, hygiene practices, and institutional support. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 hospital housekeepers at Wukari Teaching Hospital, with stratified random sampling ensuring representation across departments including wards, emergency, surgery, and outpatient units. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, direct observation checklists, and key informant interviews with infection control officers, and variables assessed included demographic data, exposure history, PPE usage, hygiene practices, and training experience. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while qualitative responses were thematically coded. Findings revealed that 78.3% of housekeepers had direct contact with biological waste in the past six months, with blood, sputum, and vomit being the most common contaminants; only 41.7% consistently used full PPE, and just 36.7% reported that PPE was always available. Hand hygiene compliance was observed in 58.3% of cases, while 65% of respondents had never received formal infection control training, and only 30% felt adequately protected at work, with a majority suggesting improvements such as regular training, better supervision, and increased PPE supply. The study concludes that hospital housekeepers at Wukari Teaching Hospital face substantial biological risks due to frequent exposure, inconsistent PPE usage, and inadequate training, highlighting the urgent need for institutional reforms including structured infection control education, reliable PPE provision, and strict enforcement of hygiene protocols to protect this essential workforce and ensure a safe and resilient healthcare environment.