The overwhelming disproportionate burdens of mosquito-borne diseases recorded in the Tropics have been attributed, to a large extent, to the prevailing clement climatic conditions for enhanced mosquito vector population development and parasite embryogeny. Yet, spatial heterogeneity in tropical climatic conditions abound, and the exact inter-play between weather conditions and mosquito ecology is not well understood in different tropical localities. This study, therefore, established the climatic status of North-central Nigeria, and elucidated the potential influence of prevailing weather conditions on mosquito vectorial capacity in the area. Methodology: Minna, an ecological setting that represents the general ecotype of North-central Nigeria was selected for data collection. Meteorological data of rainfall, relative humidity and temperatures, spanning periods variously ranging from 1985 – 2010, were obtained from standard weather stations in the area. Collected data were processed and analyzed for mean monthly and annual values for each climatic variable. Results: The results indicated mean cumulative annual and monthly rainfall in North-central Nigeria to be 1247.52±166.68mm and 103.96mm, respectively. Mean annual temperatures in the area were 22.55±0.42oC minimum, and maximum of 33.54±0.23oC. Mean annual relative humidity was barely above 50%, and varied within narrow limits (range = 50.08 – 52.75%). Monthly rainfall distribution extends from May through October, with a unimodal peak in August (274.23mm). The months of January and February were completely rainless while months of very little rainfall were recorded in April and November, respectively, regarded as pre- and post-rainy season transition periods. Interpretation/Conclusion: The results clearly confirmed the climate of North-central Nigeria to be tropical and of the dry grassland Savanna type. However, while the amounts and distribution of rainfall as well as, temperatures of the area are such that, respectively, promote rapid mosquito population development and parasite maturation; the relative humidity appears limiting to mosquito survival.

This study was aimed at elucidating prevailing physic-chemical properties of culture media of the fish species, Heteroclarias, as well as the associated-bacterial population under Laboratory conditions. Adequately replicated fingerling specimens of the species were raised under artificial conditions in the Laboratory, following recommended procedures for fish culture. Physico-chemical analysis of the culture media, as well as, bacteriological studies of swab samples from external surfaces of the skin, fins and gills of the fishes, were carried out following standard protocols. The results showed that with the exception of Ammonia (range = 0.05±0.01 to 0.54±0.01mg/l), the physic-chemical properties investigated namely, pH (mean = 8.58±0.01), temperature (26.50±0.50oC), Dissolved Oxygen (6.29±0.10mg/l) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (0.21±0.03mg/l), did not differ significantly (P>0.05); even with increasing age and/or size of the fingerlings. Six bacterial species: S. faecalis, K. pneumonea, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, B. subtilis and S. mutans, were encountered on the external parts of the fishes. However, while three of the species namely, S. faecalis, K. pneumonea and E. coli, were recovered from all three body parts of the fishes, the remaining three species were less distributed. The number of associated-bacterial species was similar for the fin and gills, and was higher than that of the skin. The bacterial load was significantly highest on the fins (mean = 12.24±2.21cfu/g), followed by the gills (9.31±2.45cfu/g) and least on the skin (6.04±1.49cfu/g).

Metals occur naturally in the environment, but anthropogenic activities contribute natural concentrations. Industrial wastes, vehicular emissions and certain fertilizers used in agriculture are all contributors. Some of the heavy metals are needed in trace amounts, but lethal in elevated amounts, while others are toxic at any level. Heavy metals are dangerous because they tend to bioaccumulate. Bioaccumulation means an increase in the concentration of a chemical in a biological organism over time, compared to the chemical's concentration in the environment. Compounds accumulate in living things any time they are taken up and stored faster than they are broken down (metabolized) or excreted. Metals can enter a water supply by industrial and consumer waste, or even from acidic rain breaking down soils and releasing heavy metals into streams, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Exposure to air, water, and soil all add to our uptake of heavy metals. Inhalation and dermal uptake are both exposure routes, but ingestion is the biggest contributor. Prolonged exposure to heavy metals can have carcinogenic and also adverse non-cancer effects. The aim of the present article is to summarize current knowledge regarding the risks of these widespread metals to human health. The review will be focused common occurring heavy metals and also address some of the issues that covers health risk from exposure of metals.

This article reviews the work done on the life history, damage symptoms, distribution, resistance and management of Tuta absoluta (T.absoluta) . It also gives an account of chemical control, biological control, and recent techniques of control. In addition, an experimental trials were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of entamopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Trichoderma album), toxicity units of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki , Alpha-Cypermethrin, Electrochemical activated water (EAW) and Nano-particles of scilica (SNPs) as well as their combinations for controlling T. absoluta. In adults T. absoluta, 10 % mortality was occurred in the control group within of the test durations. T.album was more virulent (70%, mortality) than those of B. bassiana (60%, mortality), killing the treated larvae relatively quickly (LT50: 3.5-5 days), in comparison with the B. bassiana (50 %, mortality) that began to affect the larvae only after 6 days (LT50: 5.5.6.5 days). The larval mortality percentage of T.absoluta treated as newly hatched larvae with EAW + α-cyper + SNPs and B. thuringiensis var. hsrstciki + EAW + α-cyper. reached 90 %, followed by EAW + α-cyper. treatment 70 %) , while the value was 10% in the control. Percentages of hatchability of T. absoluta treated with EAW + α-cyper and EAW+ α-cyper.+ SNPs were 30 % for each. Meanwhile, the other treatments of B. bassiana , Bacillus thuringiensis and T.album were 80,72 and 50 %,respectively. On the other hand, percentage of hatchability of T. absoluta reduced to 25% in EAW+ α-cyper + SNPs.,while the value was 92% in the control. It is common knowledge that intensive chemical treatment leads to the development of resistance, and therefore alternative methods should be considered.

In the capital of Greece, Athens, several monuments of some astronomical significance are preserved till now. These monuments are: the Athenian Calendar in Panagia Gorgoëpikoos or St. Eleftherios church, the clepsydrae of the Ancient Agora Museum in Athens, the seven sundials of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and the sundial on the south slope of the Acropolis hill. The Athenian Calendar in Panagia Gorgoëpikoos church is a personified relief depiction which refers to the months, the seasons, the weather conditions, the daily occupations of the Athenian people and to the zodiacal signs; the clepsydrae of the Ancient Agora Museum was an instrument for the measurement of time in the ancient law courts; the sundials of the Archaeological Museum of Athens, the Acropolis’ sundial and the sundials of the Tower of the Winds used for time measurements in sunny days. From the study of the geometrical characteristics of these astronomical monuments specific information concerning the measurement of time in antiquity is obtained.