bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quasi-Steady Aeromechanic Helicopter Simulations Using Mid-Fidelity Aerodynamics
Authors:   German Aerospace Center (DLR), Kunze Philipp ,   Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH, Ries Tobias
Published: September 2022

A numerical simulation process based on loosely coupling a helicopter flight mechanics code and a 3D panel and free wake aerodynamics method is extended for arbitrary steady flight states and quasi-steady maneuver analysis. First, the basic coupling procedure and their building blocks are introduced. Then, the extensions for arbitrary steady flight states are illustrated and a newly developed procedure for approximate maneuver simulations using a sequence of steady aeromechanically coupled simulations is presented. The aim of this procedure is to provide a rapid method for evaluation of loads, performance and stability in the helicopter design and development process. It includes an improved physics-based modeling of aerodynamic interactions as compared to low-fidelity aerodynamics models used in comprehensive codes. At the same time the computational effort is dramatically reduced as compared to highf idelity aerodynamics methods. Finally, validation results for the coupling procedure and first applications of the maneuver simulation process are shown. The computed results are compared with flight tests and blade element momentum theory based results. In many cases the solution accuracy can be significantly improved by using the coupled simulation procedure. But for maneuvers involving fast pilot inputs or considerable translational or rotational accelerations of the helicopter, the quasi-steady coupling approach is not suitable and an extension to fully unsteady loose coupling or the implementation of a tight coupling approach is proposed.
Large Eddy Simulation of the Wakes of Three Urban Air Mobility Vehicles
Authors:   Brigham Young University, Caprace Denis-Gabriel , Ning Andrew
Published: September 2022

Recent advances in urban air mobility have driven the development of many new VTOL concepts. These vehicles often feature original designs and futuristic shapes. Due to their novelty, the wake characteristics of such aircraft are unknown. However, large wake-induced velocities, should they exist, may be dangerous for any other vehicle evolving in their close proximity. Therefore, improved knowledge about the wakes of VTOL vehicles is needed to guarantee the safety of urban air mobility operations. In this work, we study the wake of three VTOL aircraft in cruise by means of large eddy simulation. We present a two-stage numerical procedure that enables the simulation of long wake ages at a limited computational cost. The analysis of our simulation results reveals that the wakes of rotary vehicles feature larger wake vortex cores than a typical airplane wing. The vortex circulation decay is also faster due to the self-induced turbulence generated during the wake roll-up. Finally, we introduce a model of the vortex circulation distribution that fits the numerical measurements with satisfactory agreement across space and time, and can be used to evaluate induced velocities.
Investigation of Dynamic Stall Leading-Edge Flow Features at a Low Transitional Reynolds Number
Authors:   University of California Davis, Batther Jagdeep , Lee Seongkyu
Published: September 2022

The unsteady laminar separation and subsequent dynamic stall vortex (DSV) formation is investigated on a NACA 0012 airfoil section subject to a constant pitch rate motion using Delayed Detached Eddy Simulations (DDES) in NASA's OVERFLOW 2.3 solver. This study focuses on the complex flow features during the initial DSVformation and analyzes the distinct mechanisms from which the vortex is formed. It is shown that DDES accurately predicts the bursting of a laminar separation bubble (LSB), which triggers the onset of a DSV. In parallel to studying the feasibility of DDES in terms of capturing distinct flow features compared to Large Eddy Simulation (LES) results, a turbulence model study is also carried out, analyzing the influence of stateof-the-art turbulent and transition models on the DSV formation and subsequent stall onset. These include the fully turbulent Spalart Allmaras (SA) turbulence model and three different transition models: SA Coder Amplification Factor Transport (AFT), SA Medida-Baeder ? ? �Re?t , and the Shear Stress Transport (SST) Langtry-Menter ? ? �Re?t . It is found that the Coder SA AFT model provides the closest results with LES and the SST Langtry-Menter model predicts the earlier on set of the DSV. The fully turbulent model shows an abrupt development of a turbulent separation bubble and the under-prediction of the lift coefficient at lower angles of attack. At higher angles of attack, after the collapse of the separation bubble, all the models provide similar trends with each other and LES results.
Comparing Strategies for DNS Based Optimization of Airfoils for Martian Rotorcraft
Authors:   Imperial College London, Caros Lidia ,   Michigan State University, Blank Julian , Buxton Oliver , Vincent Peter
Published: September 2022

Martian atmospheric conditions present various challenges when designing rotorcraft. Specifically, the thin atmosphere and lower speed of sound compared to Earth requires Martian rotor blades to operate in a low-Reynoldsnumber ( approximately equal to 103 to 104) compressible regime, for which conventional airfoils have not been designed. Airfoils with sharp leading edges and flat surfaces have been shown to perform better than conventional airfoils under these conditions. In order to find the optimal airfoils, several studies have explored optimizing non-conventional airfoils with evolutionary techniques. These algorithms usually require many cost function evaluations, and hence, they typically employ Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) solvers because of their low computational cost. However, RANS solvers have limited predictive capability when the flow becomes unsteady and separated at moderate angles of attack. Enabled by recent advances in solver technology and GPU hardware, we are able to overcome this limitation by undertaking optimization using high-fidelity Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS), able to capture the flow physics, via the compressible flow solver in PyFR (www.pyfr.org). In order to reduce the cost of the optimization, given that it involves expensive cost function evaluations, the current study compares two multi-objective optimization strategies using pymoo (www.pymoo.org) as the optimizer. Specifically, the study compares the cost of Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization with two-dimensional DNS used to evaluate the cost function, with the cost of surrogate-assisted GA optimization where the model is generated and updated with two-dimensional DNS. Results help elucidate efficient strategies for high-fidelity two- and three-dimensional DNS optimization for aerospace applications, specifically rotorcraft airfoils in Martian atmospheric conditions.
Squamous cell carcinoma arising from keratinizing desquamative squamous metaplasia of renal pelvis and double paraneoplastic syndrome
Authors: Agarwal Kiran , Osama Md Ali , Kavita Gaur , Majumdar Anju Dhali
Published: September 2022

Keratinizing desquamative squamous metaplasia (KDSM) of the upper urinary tract is a rare entity. The present case is of a 45-year-old female patient with an 8-month history of abdominal lump, recurrent right lumbar pain, intermittent fever, and oliguria. Computed tomography kidney, ureter, and bladder revealed a grossly enlarged right kidney along with heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue density mass and internal septations. A differential diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, tuberculosis, and pyonephrosis of the kidney was considered as per the clinical and radiological presentation. Intraoperatively, thick fluid was seen in the kidney and its pedicle was seen adhered to duodenum. Partial nephrectomy was done and on microscopic examination squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was seen arising in the setting of KDSM. Postoperatively, the patient showed an exponential rise of total leukocyte count (100/153 × 103/μl) and serum calcium levels (10.1/17.2/20.4 mg/dl); eventually started deteriorating and later succumbed to illness. We report this rare association of SCC of the renal pelvis arising in KDSM along with the double paraneoplastic syndrome.
Impact of Ayurveda-based Ischemia Reversal Program on Reduction of Resting Myocardial Ischemia Studied with Speckle-Tracking Global Longitudinal Strain Imaging
Authors: Sane Rohit , Manohar Pramod , Mandole Rahul , Amin Gurudatta , Ghadigaonkar Pravin , Patil Dinesh , Dongre Snehal , Jadhav Rahul , Yanshwantrao Prafull
Published: September 2022

Background:

Cardiovascular disease, commonly seen on a rise globally, is especially prevalent in the developing countries, whose numerous causes are improper diet and lifestyle. Ayurveda, the ancient medical practice, offers antidotes to major diseases. Its detoxification process, Panchakarma, boosts immunity, reduces stress, eliminates toxins from the body, etc., This study was conducted to establish the role of Ayurveda-based ischemia reversal program (IRP) in minimizing ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective clinical study was conducted in cardiac hospital on patients, having a clinical evidence of IHD. During the 7-day study period, patients received, 14 IRP Panchakarma sessions comprising, Snehana, Svedana, and Gokshur Haridra Amalki Basti. In addition, the patients were given a calorie-controlled diet. The primary endpoint was change in the global longitudinal strain score as compared to baseline and secondary endpoint was reduced dependency on modern medicine with respect to weight, body mass index (BMI), left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), 6-min walk test, noninvasive cardiac output, and end diastolic volume.

Results:

Fifty-nine patients were involved in the study, belonging to 61.02 ± 11.47 years of age, with 74.58% being males. The primary endpoint, decreased from −10.26 ± 4.02, on day 1, to −10.99 ± 3.94, on day 7. Appreciable decrease was also observed for the abdominal girth, body weight, BMI, and dependency on modern medicines.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that IRP notably reduces heart disease, by influencing various parameters studied in this investigation. An increased EF, decreased LV mass, an improved 6-min walk test, decreased heart rate, normal systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and other parameters indicate an improvement in the existing disease of the heart.
Congenital myasthenic syndrome due to homozygous mutation of the cholinergic receptor nicotinic epsilon subunit in a Moroccan child
Authors: Rafai Mohammed Abdoh , Berrada Malika , El Moutawakil Bouchra , El Otmani Hicham , Dehbi Hind
Published: September 2022

Les syndromes myasthéniques congénitaux sont des troubles neuromusculaires génétiquement transmis. Nous rapportons ici le cas d’un garçon de 10 ans, suivi pour une ophtalmoparésie, un ptosis et une fatigabilité évoluant depuis la petite enfance. L’électroneuromyogramme a montré un décrément à la stimulation répétitive à 3 Hz et les tests génétiques ont identifié une mutation de type c.1293ins G au niveau de l’exon 12 de la sous unité epsilon du récepteur cholinergique nicotinique. Sous les inhibiteurs des cholinestérases, une nette amélioration clinique, a été observée. Cette pathologie potentiellement sensible aux médicaments souligne l’intérêt d’un diagnostic précoce afin d’éviter ses complications mortelles.

Congenital myasthenic syndromes are genetically transmitted neuromuscular disorders. We report a case of 10-year-old, presented with early onset ophthalmoparesis, diurnal fluctuations of ptosis and fatigability. Electromyography showed a decremental response to 3-hertz repetitive nerve stimulation and genetic tests identified a mutation of c.1293ins G in exon 12 in cholinergic receptor nicotinic epsilon subunit. The patient was treated with cholinesterase inhibitors with significant improvement. This possibly drug-responsive disease emphasizes the need for an early and quick diagnosis to avoid fatal complications of this disease.
Association lymphome malin non Hodgkinien et sarcoïdose : une observation inhabituelle
Authors: Merad Zakaria
Published: September 2022

The combination of sarcoidosis and lymphoma is known as sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome where sarcoidosis precedes lymphoma, but the occurrence of sarcoidosis after lymphoma has only rarely been reported in the literature. We report an observation of a 50-year-old woman presenting with an alteration of general condition with gait disorder progressing during the last 7 days. These clinical signs were observed 2 years after complete remission from a small type B cell mediastinal lymph node Non-Hodgkin Malign Lymphoma (NHML). Pathological examination of the bone marrow biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. However, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis after remission from NHML is often challenging as a relapse of NHML may be suspected.

L’association de sarco dose et de lymphome est connue sous le nom de syndrome sarcoïdose-lymphome où la sarcoïdose précède le lymphome. Mais, la survenue de sarcoïdose après lymphome est rarement décrite dans la littérature. Nous rapportons ici, une observation clinique d’une femme de 50 ans présentant une altération de l’état général avec trouble de la marche depuis une semaine, survenant deux ans après une rémission complète d’un LMNH ganglionnaire médiastinal de type B à petites cellules et dont l’examen anatomopathologique de la biopsie ostéo-médullaire a permis de confirmer le diagnostic d’une sarco dose. Cependant, le diagnostic de sarcoïdose après LMNH pose le plus souvent un problème de diagnostic lorsqu’une rechute est suspectée.
Sustaining the Culture of Publications in an Economic and Pandemic Crises
Authors: Garba Saleh. N.
Published: September 2022

No Abstract.
Assessment of the Capacity and Availability of Post Abortion Care Resources in Secondary Healthcare Facility-Based Hospital in Kano State
Authors: Abdullahi Aisha Suleiman , Gomma Hayat , Sulayman Hajaratu Umar , Bawa U.S. , Dalhatu Adamu
Published: September 2022

Post-abortion care (PAC) is a global approach towards solving the problem of maternal mortality and morbidity arising from abortion and its related complications. It is designed to manage the complications of abortion and to improve women’s sexual and reproductive health. This study was therefore conducted to assess the capacity of secondary health care facilities within Kano metropolis towards the provision of PAC. An explorative research design was adopted for this study. Results show that; All the first four-components (71%) with an exception of community and service provider partnership were rendered as part of the PAC component and more than half (65%) of the required resources for the provision of PAC were available. It can be concluded that; The capacity toward post-abortion care provision was high and more than half of the required resources for delivering PAC were available. It is recommended that; more health personnel are recruited to enable the facility to incorporate the last component of the PAC, notably community and service provider partnership.
Utilization of Social Support Center on Depression and Suicidal Ideation among Undergraduates in a Tertiary Institution, Benin City
Authors: Ehwarieme Timothy A , Uzezi Josiah
Published: September 2022

Background: Social support consists of a network of people drawn from the community members that promote mental health wellbeing, as inadequate social support gives rise to various mental illnesses such as depression and this has a negative influence on the life of students which can increases the risk of suicidal ideation. Aim: This study aims to access the utilization of social support among undergraduate students residing in halls of residence at University of Benin. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional non-experimental research design was used for the study. A total of 380 participants was employed using convenient sampling and a self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis were tested using ANOVA, ANCOVA, Independent T-test, and Multivariate logistic regression model at a 5% level of significance.. All the analyses were done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Findings from this study showed that most 226(59.5%) of the respondents recorded a fair level of knowledge of social support on depression and suicidal ideation. The majority 266(70%) of the respondents had a good level of utilization of social support. Factors that promote the use of social support among undergraduates were nearness to residence (2.50 ± 0.90), availability of time (4.01 ± 0.31), awareness of social support centers (3.90 ± 0.52), free of cost/charges (3.90 ± 0.42), less time-consuming process (4.01 ± 0.21), and concern from family (2.72 ± 0.92). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean knowledge level based on the hall of residence of respondents (F = 6.033, p < 0.001). On the effect of the covariate “Level of respondent” on the outcome variable “Knowledge of social support”. The association between the class level of respondents and their knowledge of social support was not statistically significant (F1,7 = 0.576, p = 0.448), while the association between hall of residence and knowledge of social support was statistically significant (F6,7 = 6.121, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although the level of utilization of social support services in the present study is encouraging there is a need for improvement as the level of knowledge is poor. Better knowledge of social support services can translate into good utilization among the students. The researchers, therefore, recommend that more sensitization, seminars, conferences, and workshops on the importance of social support services should be organized from time to time to update the students’ knowledge and create awareness on the various social support services available both physical and online.
Inhibiting factors of acquisition of library materials and services provision to users in special libraries
Authors: Akanbi Mohammed Lawal , Sambo Atanda Saliu
Published: September 2022

The study investigated the inhibiting factors of the acquisition of library materials and services provided to users in special libraries. In carrying out this study three research questions were posed. A social survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised librarians and para-professional staff working in the special libraries. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data using frequency counts, tables and percentages. The findings showed that the libraries face diverse problems in the acquisition of library materials. These include lack of acquisition policy, inadequate funds, high cost of foreign materials, poor quality of locally published materials, poor communication services, poor bibliographic control and poor management of funds. It also revealed that several factors were found to be militating against the effective provision of library service delivery to users in the selected special libraries. These include lack of Information and Communication Technology tools and compliance, inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and inadequate human resources.
An assessment of the extent of provision of research support services in public university libraries in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Okunoye Oluwatosin Olubunmi , Okere Oluchi Ojinamma
Published: September 2022

University libraries provide a wide range of services that are meant to contribute to research excellence for the university community. The study assessed the research support services provided by selected public universities in Southwest Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted using a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The population of the study comprised 12 librarians from 12 different public university libraries. All 12 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 11 were usably retrieved. Findings reveal that the services provided are under general services, training services and publishing services which show that up to 50% of the research support services listed in the study are provided. Also, results show the services provided by the selected university libraries reveal the extent to which the services are being provided for research support. For general services, training services and publishing services, the university libraries provided about 50% of the services under study at about 50% high extent. The recommendation is that public universities should commit more funding to further providing and sustaining research support tools, and facilities in the selected libraries.
Academic performance and training of Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates in Nigeria
Authors: Adeagbo Omobolade , Mabawonku Iyabo
Published: September 2022

The study aims to determine the academic performance of Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates in Nigeria. There is an established relationship between academic performance and the quality of graduates from universities. Consequently, high academic performance will improve the quality of services that will be rendered by university graduates and vice-versa. This makes academic performance to be crucial for a professional course like Library and Information Science (LIS), therefore, necessitating the need for the evaluation of the academic performance of LIS undergraduates in Nigeria. Hence, a descriptive research design was adopted for this study and 14 universities from the federal, state and private categories in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, were enumerated. The proportionate sampling technique was adopted to select 40% of 200 to 400 Level LIS undergraduates in each university, making a total of 1526. Primary and secondary data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics like percentages, frequencies, pie charts and columns. The result showed that the academic performance of most of the LIS undergraduates was on average. Thus, much is still desired to improve the quality of the academic performance of the LIS undergraduates. Therefore, the need for an enhanced attitude toward learning to raise quality librarians and information professionals.
Preliminary mineralogical and geotechnical characterization of kaolin from Abeokuta area, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Olisa O.G. , Ajibade O.M. , Ogunjinrin O.A. , Ayodele M. , Bamgboye D.O.
Published: September 2022

Kaolin of sedimentary origin in the Abeokuta area, southwestern Nigeria was studied to determine its mineralogy and geotechnical properties as well as possible industrial applications. Samples of kaolin were collected from different mine sites in the Abeokuta area. Geotechnical test was also performed to determine the grain size parameters and plasticity of the kaolin samples. Samples were also subjected to mineralogical and morphological analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results revealed that kaolin samples have clay, silt and sand fraction ranging from 7.3 -53.93%, 29.56 – 53.72% and 1.8 to 29.56% respectively. XRD and SEM results revealed that minerals in kaolin are kaolin, quartz, rutile and anatase. Industrial and geotechnical appraisal revealed that some of the samples with high content and low quartz content can be used in production of ceramics and paper while cannot be used in some industrial application such as pottery and production of ceramics due to the grain size geotechnical properties and mineralogy.
Methanol leaf extract of Simarouba glauca induced dyslipidemia-linked cardiovascular disease indicators and its effect on antioxidant proteins
Authors: Osagie-Eweka S.D.E. , Orhue N.E.J. , Omogbai E.K.I. , Moke E.G.
Published: September 2022

The study focused on the effect of methanol leaf extract of Simarouba glauca (MESG) on lipoproteins cholesterols and oxidative stress biomarkers in male Wistar rat. Toxicological inquest of MESG was evaluated as prescribed in the guidelines of organization for economic co-operation and development (OECD), No. 425. A total of twenty-four male Wistar rats were used; divided into four groups of six rats each, including the control. Test rats were given MESG 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight respectively, daily for thirty (30) days. At the end of the study, the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed and biochemical indicators were evaluated. Results showed marked increase (p ˂ 0.05) in Total Cholesterol at MESG 2000 mg/kg; a reduction and increase (p ˂ 0.05) in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Triglycerides respectively, at all doses; an increase (p ˂ 0.05) in Low- Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol at MESG 2000 mg/kg. Additional data indicated no changes (p ˃ 0.05) in Malondialdehyde levels; liver Catalase was significantly (p ˂ 0.05) expressed at MESG 500 and 2000 mg/kg, kidney CAT was significantly (P ˂ 0.05) expressed at all doses. The liver Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) was significantly (p ˂ 0.05) expressed at MESG 1000 and 2000 mg/kg; the kidney and heart SOD were also significantly (P ˂ 0.05) expressed at MESG 500 and 2000 mg/kg respectively. The plasma GSH-PX was significantly (P ˂ 0.05) expressed at MESG 1000 mg/kg; while the liver and heart GSH-PX were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) expressed and repressed at 500 mg/kg respectively. Conclusively, MESG elicited obvious dyslipidemia; accompanied by marked alterations in selected endogenous oxidative stress biomarkers.
Effect of mercury-treated soil on germination and growth of papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: Igiebor F.A. , Ehiarinmwian R.I. , Okojie J.O. , Osadebamwen O.S.
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the stress of mercury-treated soils on the germination and growth of papaya (Carica papaya L.). The research was carried out in the field as a potted experiment where 10 kg soils were treated with mercury concentrations of 0, 30, 50, 70 and 100 ppm. The soils were supplemented with poultry manure before seeding, and then mercury solution treatments were administered. Up to the fourth week after planting, the mercury solutions were administered every fourth day. Germination, plant height, stem girth, and number of leaves generated were all examined using standard procedures. Carica papaya germinated twenty-five days after sowing. Thirty-four days after planting, the control had the highest rate of germination (about 53%). The presence of Hg reduced the duration of seedling emergence in contaminated soil, lowering the proportion of seedlings that germinated. Treatments of 30 ppm and 70 ppm improved the plant growth upon emergence. It is recommended that further study be carried out to determine the physiological effects of Hg treatment.
Application of hidden Markov model in yam yield forecasting
Authors: Adamu Lawal , Yakubu Saidu Daudu , Didigwu Edith Ndidiamaka , Abubakar Abdullahi , Audu Khadeejah James , Adaji Isaac
Published: September 2022

Providing the government and farmers with reliable and dependable information about crop yields before each growing season begins is the thrust of this research. A four-state stochastic model was formulated using the principle of Markov, each state of the model has three possible observations. The model is designed to make a forecast of yam yield in the next and subsequent growing seasons given the yam yield in the present growing season. The parameters of the model were estimated from the yam yield data of Niger state, Nigeria for the period of sixteen years (2001-2016). After which, the model was trained using Baum-Welch algorithm to attend maximum likelihood. A short time validity test conduct on the model showed good performance. Both the validity test and the future forecast shows prevalence of High yam yield, this attest to the reality on the ground, that Niger State is one of the largest producers of yam in Nigeria. The general performance of the model, showed that it is reliable therefore, the results from the model could serve as a guide to the yam farmers and the government to plan strategies for high yam production in the region.
Comparative study of the proximate compositions of some scaled and unscaled fish
Authors: Ogbe K.U. , Omada O.I. , Dasuma E.
Published: September 2022

A study on the proximate composition of 4 scaled and unscaled fish samples were carried out in September, 2019 using standard procedures. The protein content between 7.02±2.05% in the scaled fish samples, while that of unscaled fish ranged from 18.29±2.26%. Concentrations of fats were 2.21±0.70% in scaled while unsealed were 2.58±21.10%. Fibre values ranged from 0.130±0.0.037% in the scaled and unscaled were observed to be 0.26±0.11%. Carbohydrate recorded in scaled fish samples ranged from 12.03±5.65 in unscaled fish samples ranged from 9.71±2.30% . Ash content observed was (0.61±0.36% in scaled fish samples while unscaled fish samples shows 1.93±0.69% Moisture contents recorded in scaled was 67.74±5.17% while unscaled shows 67.18±3.73%. They was no significance difference at P > 0.05 except for ash content. Bargus bayad had the highest crude protein content and could be recommended as a possible effective way to solve protein malnutrition
Lithofacies control on depositional environments in shallow offshore Niger Delta: implication on reservoir quality
Authors: Ndukwe O.S , Udom G.J , Ugwueze C.U
Published: September 2022

The KEN field lies within latitude 4⁰52ꞌ44ꞌꞌ N to 4⁰53'04'' N and 6⁰22'50'' E to 6⁰22'26'' E. The geological and geophysical data sets were used to describe reservoir depositional facies and their environment of deposition. A detailed and accurate environment of sediment delineation is a solid basis to enhance characterization and providing measures for improving hydrocarbon reservoirs. This study aims to presents an effective method for accurately defining depositional environment with different data sets. The data used comprises of biostratigraphy, well logs from three wells and 3D full angle stack seismic data. The biostratigraphic data help to ascertain the age of the formation delineated to be middle Miocene to late Miocene based on the marker shale. It also helps in picking the stratigraphic surfaces. Three depositional sequences were delineated and dated with maximum flooding surfaces of 15.0, 12.6 and 11.5 Ma, respectively. Log sequence analysis reveals the internal geometry and stacking pattern of the mapped sequences. The gamma ray signature varies from serrated cylindrical, funnel to the bell-shaped log motif. The seismic stratigraphy involved facies analysis and reflection termination patterns, which aided the mapping of depositional sequence. The internal geometry is composed of Highstand, transgressive, and lowstand systems tracts. The stacking patterns vary from progradational, aggradational and retrogradational. Based on the seismic facies analysis, the integrated results show that the field of study is of pelagic and debris flow origin deposited in shallow marine settings, which also conform with the other data sets used for this study. The depositional environment of the three delineated reservoirs (Reservoir A, B and C) vary from deltaic upper to lower shoreface channels sand. Reservoir C, which is laterally continuous across the three studied wells shows that the connectivity of reservoir C is loosely amalgamated. The integrated data used for this study indicate that the environment of deposition varies from inner neritic to outer neritic environment. The results of this research are essential for reservoir quality, exploration, appraisal and development phases.
Identification, antimicrobial susceptibility screening and ESBL-status of Gram-negative bacteria from healthy humans and livestock waste by VITEK-2 Automated System
Authors: Nmema E.E , Osuagwu C.S , Tobin E.A
Published: September 2022

Bacteria in healthy body sites of humans and livestock waste may harbour antibiotic resistance and cause community-based opportunistic and resistant infections. The study profiled the antibiotic susceptibilities of resident bacteria in healthy humans and livestock waste. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from 23 specimens including skin swabs (6), nasal swabs (4), urine (6), stool (3), chicken droppings (2) and cattle droppings (2). VITEK® 2 Automated System was used for identification, antimicrobial susceptibility and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production test of the isolates. Nineteen (19) Gram-negative bacteria belonging to five genera and six species were identified, including Escherichia coli (n=9) 47.4%, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp pneumoniae (n=1) 11.1%, Enterobacter cloacae ssp dissolvens (n=1) 11.1%, Acinetobacter baumannii (n=3) 15.8%, Acinetobacter haemolyticus (n=1) 11.1%, and Providentia stuartii (n=4) 21.1%. The isolates showed highest resistances to Ampicillin (78.6%) and Piperacillin (63.2%) and high susceptibilities to Ertapenem, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin (100%); Ceftazidime, Cefepime, Meropenem (94.7%); Cefoxitin (93.3%); Gentamicin and Tobramycin (73.7%). Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index values above the critical limit of 0.2 were shown by 100% (4/4) of Providentia stuartii isolates, 75% (3/4) of Acinetobacter isolates and 33.3% (3/9) of E. coli isolates. All the isolates tested negative for ESBL production. The public health implication is that resident bacteria from healthy individuals harbouring antibiotic resistance may transmit these to other bacteria or cause resistant opportunistic infections difficult to treat. Resistant bacteria from livestock can be transmitted to humans through the food chain. Proper disposal or decontamination of human body secretions and livestock waste is necessary.
The statistical qualities of the zone design census output areas
Authors: Mokhele T , Mutanga O , Ahmed F
Published: September 2022

The statistical qualities of census output areas are of great importance especially when the purpose of output areas is to understand the statistical properties of the population rather than mapping. If the purpose of creating census output areas is solely for displaying results in a map format, shape compactness of output areas is prioritised. In that case, other statistical characteristics such as population, population mean and social homogeneity are often ignored. This paper explored the statistical qualities of the Automated Zone-design Tool (AZTool) generated census output areas using the 2001 census Enumeration Areas (EAs) as building blocks in South Africa. The statistical qualities were mainly based on population target mean, minimum population threshold, social homogeneity as well as shape compactness. The homogeneity variables that were selected from the 2001 census data were dwelling type and geotype. The results showed that the AZTool generated output areas substantially outperformed the original EAs and Small Area Layers (SALs) in terms of the minimum population threshold and population distribution statistical qualities. It is worth noting though that the AZTool output areas were less compact and homogeneous than the original EAs in both urban and rural settings. The fact that a minimum population threshold of 500 was respected by the AZTool output areas in both rural and urban settings was a huge success from confidentiality point of view. It was concluded that the AZTool could be utilized to produce robust and high-quality optimised output areas for population census dissemination in South Africa.
Detecting land use and land cover change for a 28-year period using multi-temporal Landsat satellite images in the Jukskei River catchment, Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Mawasha Tshepo , Britz Wilma
Published: September 2022

The Jukskei River catchment is one of the urban catchments in the central part of Gauteng province covering a large part of City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and small part of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipalities that have witnessed tremendous land use/land cover (LULC) change over time. Jukskei River catchment is one of the fastest growing catchments in terms of population and change in LULC over time. Therefore, it is very important to detect the nature and extent of these changes in order to identify the direction and future expansion of LULC within the catchment area. To accomplish that, multi-temporal satellite remotely sensed data acquired from Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) 1987, Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) 2001 and Landsat-8 Operational Land imager (OLI) 2015 were used to detect LULC change in Jukskei River catchment area. The Jukskei River catchment was classified into four major LULC classes including: Built-up area, bare surface, sparse vegetation and intact vegetation. The analysis of the results revealed that for the past 28 years (i.e., 1987-2015), built-up and bare surface areas have increased by 56.2% (42713.1 ha) and 8,2% (6225.1 ha) while intact and sparse vegetation have decreased by 9.8% (7455.0 ha) and 25.8% (19659.6 ha), respectively. The overall accuracies for 1987, 2001, and 2015, were 85.9%, 87.5%, and 92.5% respectively, with Kappa Index of Agreement (KIA) of 81.3%, 83.3%, and 90% which indicates the accuracy of classified images with the reference images. The results revealed by this study can be used for decision-making activities and policy development regarding land use management within the catchment.
Estimation of foliar nitrogen using remotely sensed data: A quantitative review
Authors: Naicker Rowan , Mutanga Onisimo , Peerbhay Kabir
Published: September 2022

Several ecosystems have been significantly altered by anthropogenic nitrogen inputs. The timely estimation of nitrogen concentration is essential for ensuring environmental sustainability. Academic publications between 1966 and 2016 were reviewed to assess the potential of remotely sensed information to estimate nitrogen concentrations for various applications. A discriminatory keyword search and a set of inclusion criteria was used to develop a representative sample (n = 100). Results revealed that the global distribution of academic publications is skewed towards the Northern Hemisphere with the largest research gap occurring within Africa. Moreover, prior to 2006, research into the remote estimation of nitrogen had a minor presence in literature, with the agricultural sector being the most extensively researched (56%). Freely available, high spatial and temporal resolution imagery has afforded research into the remote estimation of nitrogen in the African continent, particularly in the subject area of policy and management, the capacity to grow.
Using geographic information system to analyse the divergence of urban development from spatial plans in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Machakaire Danai , Tapela Tshen Nigelesani , Mokhele Lonyane
Published: September 2022

Africa is experiencing rapid urbanisation, which calls for well-considered urban and regional planning efforts to cater for the current and future populations. However, as it is typically the case in the global South, African countries are characterised by a lack of quality spatial economic data required for planning and evaluation processes. Using the study area of Harare, Zimbabwe, the paper demonstrates ways that, amidst the paucity of data, geographic information system can be used to measure urban development’s congruence with spatial plans. To prepare for the analysis, the base map preparation process entailed a laborious digitisation of hardcopy material obtained from the authorities. This was followed by land-use surveys and land-use change investigations whose data were analysed in ESRI’s ArcGIS 9.3. The analysis compared urban development patterns in 2014 with the proposals of two applicable spatial plans, which were approved in 1990 and 2000 respectively. The investigations uncovered that urban development patterns and trends did not correspond with the aspirations of the plans. The paper proposes that follow-up research be conducted on factors that influence the misalignment between plans and development, particularly in African countries that are characterised by rapid urbanisation.
Mapping of gold-related alteration minerals and linear structures using ASTER data in the Giyani Greenstone Belt, South Africa
Authors: Muavhi Nndanduleni , Mavhungu Mbofholowo Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

This paper focuses on the mapping of alteration minerals and linear structures associated with gold mineralization in the Giyani Greenstone Belt (GGB). Spectral Information Divergence (SID) and Linear Spectral Unmixing (LSU) classification algorithms were applied to the ASTER data using image extracted endmember spectra which match the spectral profiles of predominant alteration minerals (biotite and calcite) related to gold mineralization in the GGB. Directional convolution filters were also applied to the ASTER data to extract structural lineaments that may be related to gold mineralization. In addition, Fry analysis of known gold occurrences in the GGB was conducted to determine the major distribution patterns along which gold mineralization have occurred. LSU and SID results show several pixels classified as alteration minerals corresponding to known gold occurrences. SID results also show minerals overlapping into the gneissic rock, which is a rare host of gold mineralization in the study area. On the other hand, LSU results show high abundances of calcite and biotite generally confined within the mafic-ultramafic greenstone rocks, which have been hypothesized as the source of gold-mineralized fluids in the GGB. In general, LSU show distinct broad regions classified as alteration minerals corresponding to known gold occurrences that have been previously reported to host these alteration minerals. Directional convolution filters enabled the extraction of predominately NE-SW oriented linear structures, including the major shear zone which is associated with gold mineralization in the GGB. Fry analysis revealed three major distribution patterns: N-S, NE-SW, ENE-WSW along which gold mineralization have occurred. These patterns correspond to major lineaments associated with gold mineralization reported in the previous structural studies of the GGB.
Simulating change in surface runoff depth due to LULC change using soil and water assessment tool for flash floods prediction
Authors: Mawasha Tshepo Sylvester , Britz Wilma
Published: September 2022

Accurate documentation of land-use/land-cover (LULC) change and evaluating its hydrological impact are of great interest for catchment hydrological management. Jukskei River catchment has undergone a rapid infrastructural and residential development which had an influence on runoff depth. The objective of the study is to integrate Geographical Information System (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) techniques with Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to quantify the spatial and temporal changes in surface runoff depth resulting from LULC change. Landsat images of 1987 MSS, 2001 TM and 2015 OLI were pre-processed and classified using a supervised classification method with maximum likelihood. Results indicated that, there was a significant increase in built-up area from 28700.4ha in 1987 LULC to 36313.6ha in 2001 and 42713.1ha in 2015 at the expense of bare surface, intact vegetation and sparsed vegetation. However, during hydrological modelling, soil, DEM and climatic data were kept constant except LULC images which were interchanged during each simulation phase. Calibrated with observed hydrological data at the catchment outlets, SWAT model was used to evaluate the effect of LULC change on surface runoff depth. The analysis of SWAT model showed increases surface runoff depth from 70.5mm in 1987 LULC to 134.2mm in 2001 and 199.3mm in 2015 LULC. The SWAT model indicated satisfactorily results based on model calibration and validation results. Therefore, this study concluded that, integration of GIS and RS techniques with SWAT model can help in formulating policy guidelines for land-use practices thereby reducing hydrological impacts associated with LULC changes.
Spatial dimensions of food and nutrition security in the Northern region of Ghana
Authors: Korbli Moses Yao , Acheampong Akwasi Afrifa
Published: September 2022

This study focused on analyzing the trend of food insecurity in the Northern regions of Ghana. It applied the GIS-based Multi-Criteria Evaluation approach to the criteria of rainfall, land cover, population density, road networks, slope, market centres, potable water access, access to sanitation facilities, and disaster and conflict hotspots. The Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) technique, was used to standardize a set of criteria for each of the four dimensions of food security (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability) into an ordinary numeric scale after which those factors were accumulated via weighted averaging to determine a composite index for all the districts within the study area. The research found that the food insecurity situation is relatively high, as 174,509 people (6.3 percent) are moderately food insecure while 25,246 people (0.9 percent) are severely food insecure. Overall, 199,755 people, representing 7.2 percent of the population were food insecure (both severely and moderately food insecure). The proportion of the food insecure population was highest in the Tamale metropolis (37.2 percent) and lowest in the Zabzugu and Tatale Sanguli districts (0 percent). A correlation analysis also revealed that the composite food security index was mainly influenced by food utilization (0.75) and stability (0.64). Also, there was no significant relationship between Food stability and the other three dimension of food security (food availability, accessibility, and utilization), implying that it did not influence domestic food production or market access due to the short-term nature of its effect.
Non-traumatic head swellings in a child with a sickle cell disease presented to a tertiary hospital North of Tanzania: A case report
Authors: Mlay Isaac E , Mbwasi Ronald  M
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Sickle cell is the commonest inherited haemoglobin disorder in Sub-Saharan Africa. Often patients present with painful crises in the extremities. But rarely non-traumatic Sub-galeal hematoma whose pathogenesis is not clearly defined, presenting with scalp swellings can occur. We present a case, nine years old male, with this uncommon complication which is also known as Acute Soft Head Syndrome and was managed conventionally at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania with hydration, analgesics, blood transfusion and antibiotics with marked improvement within a week.
Magnitude and factors associated with pre-diagnosis loss to follow-up among tuberculosis presumptive patients in the Cycle of Health Care, Musoma, Tanzania: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Mgina Nicodem , Elias Godfrey , Godfather Kimaro , Ramadhan Shemtandulo , Erica Sandi , Sayoki Mfinanga , Esther Ngadaya , Raymond Shirima
Published: September 2022

Background: Despite National Tuberculosis (TB) Program efforts on tuberculosis control in the country, pre-diagnosis loss to follow-up is still a major problem. The study aims at exploring the magnitude and risk factors of presumptive TB cases who either do not submit a second sputum sample or do not show up for their laboratory results.

Methods: The study included presumptive TB registered at the Musoma Regional Referral Hospital between May and November 2014.  Lost to follow up presumptive TB were then traced and interviewed from December 2014 to April 2015. One hundred and thirty-two among those who submitted both samples and showed up for their results were randomly selected as a comparison group. 

Results: A total of 620 presumptive TB was registered at the Musoma Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), of which 521 (84.0%) completed TB testing in accordance with the national TB diagnostic algorithm while 99 (16.0%) did not complete. Out of those who did not complete, 65 (65.7%) submitted only one spot sample and 34 (34.3%) submitted both but all of these did not pick-up their results. The Mean age of participants was 45.3 years (Standard deviation 17.7). The main reasons for loss to follow-up were: 23 (23.2%) opted to go to other health care facilities; 23 (23.2%) lack of transport fare; and 20 (20.2%) long distance to the hospital. Males were 1.6 (95%CI1.02-2.90) more likely to complete TB diagnostic algorithm.