bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota shift of spangled emperor under pollution stress
Authors: Baothman Othman , A-Zahrani Salem , Al-Talhi Hasan
Published: May 2021

Hepatic antioxidant enzymes as oxidative stress biomarkers were investigated and correlated with the identified dominant gut microbial phyla. The results showed that while the antioxidant enzymes, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) levels were reduced in the polluted PO site, significant elevation (*P ≥ 0.05) was observed at the clean reference CR site indicating negative correlation to pollution stress. On the other hand, among five significant bacterial genera, Lactobacillus and Vagococcus showed a positive relationship to the oxidative pollution stress between PO and CR sites. Diversity and bacterial richness had been observed in the PO site compared to the CR site. As a result, 429,346 sequences were obtained from the pooling of 20 samples identified into 10 phyla and 79 genera in which Firmicutes was dominant in both PO and CR sites. The number of common OTUs was 221 for both CR and PO samples. The results revealed that under the stressed environmental state, the homo-lactic Vagococcus genus is dominant over the hetero-lactic Lactobacillus, which uses less energy in the derived process.
A Magical Journey into Knowledge Creation in Emergency Difficult Airway Access - Planning your Journey with ‘Research Genie’
Authors: Ramesh A
Published: May 2021

This article is the second of a 4-article series intended to ignite the minds of readers and empower them to create new knowledge in the context of ‘emergency difficult airway access'. The aim of this series is to empower readers to create product/process/paradigm/position innovations in emergency difficult airway access for better care of humanity. The reader is familiarised with an educational smart phone-based application - Research Genie. The application has been designed and created by St. John's Medical College Research Society. The reader will be trained in a stepwise manner to use this application. Study design for each domain-specific objective is described. The most appropriate guideline to ensure quality of the study is stated. Explaining study designs using a domain-specific objective imparts ability to choose the most appropriate study design in a particular domain. Nine domains of healthcare have been explored namely description, laboratory range estimation, incidence/prevalence estimation, evaluating therapies, measuring costs in healthcare, critically evaluating new tests, measuring risk, correlating variables and describing experiences, perceptions and beliefs. Principles of sampling strategy have been explained in a simple and lucid manner.
Post-traumatic Tracheal Rupture
Authors: Motghare Abhilasha , Kharge Nutan , Soitkar Rohan , Kotak Nirav , Hemantkumar Indrani
Published: May 2021

Traumatic tracheobronchial laceration can be potentially life-threatening and pose significant challenges for anaesthetic management. We would like to share our experience of managing a patient who had traumatic tracheal rupture, multiple rib fractures, bilateral pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema. Our presentation will briefly cover the challenges faced with regard to airway management and ventilation options for surgical repair.
Reasons and Pattern of Teeth Extraction in a Maxillofacial Clinic in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Fomete Benjamin , Agbara Rowlan , Nzomiwu Love C. , Agho Theophilus E. , Baraya Zakka G.
Published: May 2021

Context:

Exodontia or teeth extraction make up the majority of workload in the minor surgery of most oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics in our environment. Extraction of teeth represents different percentages amongst children and adult populations and private and public clinics, respectively, also.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to determine the indications for and pattern of teeth extraction in patients presenting at the maxillofacial surgery clinic.

Settings and Design:

Records of patients who had teeth extractions at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic between 1st January 2006 and 31st December 2018 were retrieved and retrospectively studied from the Medical Records and the Minor Surgery register book.

Methods and Materials:

The biodata and indications for extraction were recorded.

Results:

A total of 1220 records from the year 2006 to 2018 were used to conduct the research. They comprised 636 (52.1%) males and 584 (47.9%) females. Their age range was 2 years to 92 years with a mean age of 31.8 ± 14.6. The most predominant age group that attended clinic for extraction was the 20–29 years of age accounting for 35.6% of the study participants with more males 228 (52.3) than the females 208 (47.7).

Conclusion:

Dental caries and its sequelae continue to be the leading cause of tooth extraction in our environment, followed by tooth impaction as well as pericoronitis around impacted teeth.
Dental Caries Prevalence, Restorative Needs and Oral Hygiene Status in Adult Population
Authors: Idowu Abiodun Enoch , Fakuade Babatunde O. , Taiwo Olaniyan O. , Majekodunmi John O. , Alufohai Olohigbe O. , Sandabe Fatima K.
Published: May 2021

Context:

Dental caries affects the quality of life and it is the most common oral health challenges worldwide. While dental caries prevalence is well documented to be declining in many developed countries, the prevalence among adult population in Nigeria is yet to be fully documented.

Aim:

This study aimed to determine dental caries prevalence, restorative needs, and oral hygiene status among nurses.

Materials and Methods:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study participants were recruited by simple random sampling technique. The nurses' caries status was determined using the WHO-recommended D-decayed, M-missing, F-filled, T-teeth (DMFT) index. Restorative index was used to determine the restorative needs while simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) by Green and Vermilion was adopted for the assessment of oral hygiene status.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests were used for data analysis. This was done using SPSS version 23.0.

Results:

A total of 251 subjects participated in this study. The age range was 19–64 years, and the mean age was 38 ± 9.88. Among the participants, 60.6% have experienced dental caries inform of filled, decayed and missing teeth. Dental caries prevalence was 43.8% and the mean DMFT was 2.06 ± 2.46. Met need index and restorative index were 0.46 and 14.6% respectively. Using OHI-S, 22.7% had good, 66.1% fair, and 11.2% had poor oral hygiene status.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of dental caries among nurses 'the adults' study population was high with low secondary prevention and low Restorative index. Majority had 'fair' Oral hygiene status.
Taxation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and its Impact on Dental Caries
Authors: Alhareky Muhanad
Published: May 2021

Dental caries is one of the largest health concerns worldwide, and a key causative factor is excess sugar intake. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are one of the largest sources of added sugars, which significantly contribute to adverse oral and general health. To reduce SSB consumption and its consequent impact on health, including dental caries, several interventional measures have been implemented; sugar taxation is one such measure. This review aimed at understanding the current knowledge available regarding the effect of sugar taxation on dental caries. Accordingly, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched with relevant keywords and findings from the identified studies are discussed in this review article.
Revolving fractals
Authors: Kawamura Kiko , Allen Andrew
Published: May 2021

Davis and Knuth in 1970 introduced the notion of revolving sequences, as representations of a Gaussian integer. Later, Mizutani and Ito pointed out a close relationship between a set of points determined by all revolving sequences and a self-similar set, which is called the Dragon. We will show how their result can be generalized, giving new parametrized expressions for certain self-similar sets.
Hasse–Witt matrices for polynomials, and applications
Authors: Blache Régis
Published: May 2021

In a classical paper, Manin gives a congruence [15, Theorem 1] for the characteristic polynomial of the action of Frobenius on the Jacobian of a curve

C

, defined over the finite field

\mathbf{F}_{q}

,

q=p^m

, in terms of its Hasse–Witt matrix. The aim of this article is to prove a congruence similar to Manin’s one, valid for any

L

-function

L(f,T)

associated to the exponential sums over affine space attached to an additive character of

\mathbf{F}_q

, and a polynomial

f

. In order to do this, we define a Hasse–Witt matrix

\mathrm{HW}(f)

, which depends on the characteristic

p

, the set

D

of exponents of

f

, and its coefficients. We also give some applications to the study of the Newton polygons of Artin–Schreier (hyperelliptic when

p=2

) curves, and zeta functions of varieties.
Zero divisors of support size 3 in group algebras and trinomials divided by irreducible polynomials over GF(2)
Authors: Abdollahi Alireza , Taheri Zahra
Published: May 2021

A famous conjecture about group algebras of torsion-free groups states that there is no zero divisor in such group algebras. A recent approach to settle the conjecture is to show the non-existence of zero divisors with respect to the length of possible ones, where by the length we mean the size of the support of an element of the group algebra. The case length 2 cannot be happen. The first unsettled case is the existence of zero divisors of length 3. Here we study possible length 3 zero divisors in the rational group algebras and in the group algebras over the field

\mathbb{F}_p

with

p

elements for some prime

p

. As a consequence we prove that the rational group algebras of torsion-free groups which are residually finite

p

-group for some prime

p\neq 3

have no zero divisor of length 3. We note that the determination of all zero divisors of length 3 in group algebras over

\mathbb{F}_2

of cyclic groups is equivalent to find all trinomials (polynomials with 3 non-zero terms) divided by irreducible polynomials over

\mathbb{F}_2

. The latter is a subject studied in coding theory and we add here some results, e.g. we show that

1+x+x^2

is a zero divisor in the group algebra over

\mathbb{F}_2

for some element

x

of the group if and only if

x

is of finite order divided by

3

and we find all

\beta

in the group algebra of the shortest length such that

(1+x+x^2)\beta=0

; and

1+x^2+x^3

or

1+x+x^3

is a zero divisor in the group algebra over

\mathbb{F}_2

for some element

x

of the group if and only if

x

is of finite order divided by 7.
Compact connected abelian groups of dimension 1
Authors: Lewis Wayne , Mader Adolf
Published: May 2021

The compact connected abelian groups of dimension 1 are represented and classified in an efficient and explicit way. Main tools are Pontryagin Duality and the Resolution Theorem for compact abelian groups.
Case Report: Molecular Detection of Dirofilaria repens in an Italian Patient after a Stay in Tanzania
Authors: Raele Donato Antonio , Pugliese Nicola , La Bella Gianfranco , Calvario Agata , Scarasciulli Maria , Vasco Ilaria , La Salandra Giovanna , Cafiero Maria Assunta
Published: May 2021

A 35-year-old man was admitted to a hospital in the south of Italy because of a periocular nodule and subpalpebral edema. The patient reported having been stayed in Tanzania five months before. Hematologic parameters were within the normality range, the Acanthocheilonema viteae ELISA did not detect significant levels of antifilarial IgG, and no further symptoms were described. The surgical inspection of the nodule led to the isolation of two filarioid parasites, identified as Dirofilaria repens by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and then by molecular assays. Knott’s test did not reveal microfilaremia, whereas loop-mediated isothermal amplification and PCR detected D. repens DNA. The patient was treated with doxycycline, and he was found no more positive at the follow-up.
Perforated Appendix in a Neonate: A Review of Literature and a Case Report from Northern Tanzania
Authors: Jay Lodhia , Rune Philemon , Daudi Wapalila , Adnan Sadiq , Patrick Amsi , David Msuya , Ayesiga Herman
Published: May 2021

Acute perforated appendicitis is rare in neonates and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This is mainly because the rarity of the pathology and the abnormal clinical features cause delays in diagnosis and definitive management. We report a case of a  premature neonate who presented with sudden onset of abdominal distension associated with an inability to pass stools. The initial abdominal X-ray showed free air under the right hemi-diaphragm. An emergency laparotomy was performed revealing a perforation at the appendicular tip. An appendectomy was done, and the neonate recovered well with a mild surgical site infection during the course of recovery. Neonatal perforated appendicitis is rare, and clinicians need to consider it as a differential diagnosis due to the atypicalpresentations. This preterm neonate presented with clinical features of intestinal obstruction and was found at laparotomy to have a perforated appendix at the tip due to neonatal appendicitis.

Keywords: Neonate, Neonatal appendicitis, Neonatal perforated appendicitis
Prepuce Transillumination: A Safety Tool in Forceps-guided Circumcision
Authors: Rihan Maged
Published: May 2021

Background: Injury or even amputation of the glans or the penile shaft occurs rarely but can be a tragic circumcision-related complication. The forceps-guided technique can cause this complication due to an inability to visualize the glans before incising. This study was designed to solve this problem by transilluminating the prepuce before the incision, thus exploring whether it contains any tissue between its layers and visualizing what is being done rather than performing the procedure blindly.

Methods: Forceps-guided circumcision was done on 432 males, from August 2018 to July 2019.The mean age of patients was 15.57  (1–348) days. The pulled prepuce was transilluminated, showing the prepuce and verifying that no glanular or penile tissue was  involved in the forceps lock before incising.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 12.45 (2–35) days. Twenty-one patients had postoperative bleeding, and six patients had a hematoma. Fourteen of the 21 patients were managed using a tight bandage; the remaining 7 patients needed surgical exploration. None of the patients had glanular or penile injury.

Conclusion: Transilluminating the prepuce as a modification of forceps-guided circumcision is a protective safety step before cutting the prepuce, to eliminate the incidence of glanular or penile injuries.

Keywords: Circumcision, Prepuce, Transillumination, Forceps, Complication
Evaluation des dégâts des insectes ravageurs du chou pomme (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) à Korhogo, nord de la Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: N’goran San-Whouly Mauricette Ouali , Kouassi Madeleine Adjoua , Coulibaly Adama
Published: May 2021

Le chou fait partie des principales cultures maraîchères pratiquées en Côte d’Ivoire. Sa production est cependant limitée par des problèmes parasitaires entomologiques mal maîtrisés. Cette étude a été réalisée sur trois périmètres maraîchers du département de Korhogo, de juillet 2016 à juin 2017. Elle vise à évaluer les niveaux d’attaques des insectes ravageurs et à déterminer leur impact sur la culture. De façon spécifique, il s’est agi d’identifier les espèces d’insectes collectés sur les plants, de décrire leurs dégâts et de déterminer l’intensité de leurs attaques à travers un indice (I) compris entre 0% et 100%. Les observations ont révélé la présence dequinze espèces d’insectes. Les larves et/ou les adultes de ces insectes attaquaient les plants de chou. Les dégâts affectent les feuilles, le bourgeon apical, la pomme et la tige. Les espèces Hellula undalis et Plutella xylostella ont été identifiées comme les ravageurs majeurs du chou car elles ont attaqué respectivement 57,04% des plants avec une forte intensité (I = 38,89 ± 21,45%) et 88,15% des plants avec une très forte intensité (I = 56,11 ± 18,87%). La connaissance de ces ravageurs majeurs et de leurs dégâts pourrait contribuer à une meilleure gestion de ces nuisibles.Mots clés : Chou, intensité des attaques, Hellula undalis, Plutella xylostella, Côte d'Ivoire

 

Cabbage is one of the main vegetable crops grown in Côte d'Ivoire. However, its production is limited by the poor insect management. This study was carried out through three vegetable areas in the division of Korhogo from July 2016 to June 2017. It aims to assess the damage caused by insect and determine their impact on the crop. Specifically, it involved identifying the insect species collected from the plants, describing their damage and determining the intensity of their attacks using an index between 0% and 100%. Observations revealed fifteen insect species. The larvae and/or adults of these insects attacked cabbage plants. The damage affects the leaves, the apical bud, the apple and the stem. The species Hellula undalis and Plutella xylostella were identified as the major pests of cabbage because they attacked respectively 57.04% of the plants with high intensity (I = 38.89 ± 21.45%) and 88.15% of the plants with a very high intensity (I = 56.11 ± 18.87%). Knowledge of these major pests and their domages could contribute to better management of these pests.

Keywords: Cabbage, intensity of attacks, Hellula undalis, Plutella xylostella, Côte d'Ivoire.
Production du fourrage de Mucuna pruriens pour l’alimentation des animaux et sa marge brute en zone cotonnière du Mali
Authors: Traore Sidi Oumar , Ba Alassane , Coulibaly Doubangolo , Kone Abdoul Kader , Kone Bouréma , Dembele Nangboro Ferdinand
Published: May 2021

En zone cotonnière du Mali, la situation d’affouragement des animaux est largement déficitaire. Pour améliorer la disponibilité des ressources fourragères, la recherche en partenariat avec les producteurs a introduit en milieu paysan la culture de Mucuna pruriens. Cette étude vise à évaluer les performances de M. pruriens dans la production du fourrage pour les animaux. Les essais ont été  conduits par 25 producteurs répartis dans 5 sites durant les campagnes agricoles 2015-2016, 2016-2017 et 2017-2018. Les essais étaient divisés en deux parcelles tests : culture pure de M. pruriens et association M. pruriens/maïs. La production moyenne en biomasse de  M. pruriens pur sur les 3 campagnes agricoles a été de 4 363±1 491kg MS/ha. Cette production couvre les besoins en matière sèche de 7,76±2,65 UBT durant 90 jours. Pour l’association, la production de biomasse a été de 5 449±1 766 kg MS/ha, elle couvre les besoins en matière sèche de 9,69±3,14 UBT pendant 90 jours. La marge brute de la culture pure de M. pruriens est de 786 060±298 140 FCFA/ha. Pour l’association, elle est de 850 917±36 1887 FCFA/ha. La culture de M. pruriens favorise l’intégration agriculture-élevage tout en  améliorant l’alimentation des animaux et les revenus des producteurs.

Mots clés: Exploitation agricole, date de semis, Cultures fourragères, M. pruriens, zone cotonnière.

 

English Title: Production of Mucuna pruriens fodder for animal feed and its gross margin in the cotton-growing zone of Mali

In Mali's cotton-growing zone, there is a large deficit in animal feed. To improve the availability of fodder resources, research in partnership with producers has introduced the cultivation of Mucuna pruriens into the farming environment. This study aims ed at evaluat’hg the performance of M. pruriens in the production of fodder for animals. The trials were conducted by 25 producers in 5 sites during the 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and  2017-2018 crop years. The trials were divided into two test plots: pure culture of M. pruriens and M. pruriens/corn combination. The average biomass production of pure M. pruriens over the 3 cropping seasons was 4363±1,491kg MS/ha. This production covers the dry matter requirement of  7.76±2.65 Btu for 90 days. For the association, the biomass production was 5449±1,766 kg DM/ha, covering the dry matter requirement  of 9.69±3.14 Btu for 90 days. The gross margin of the pure culture of M. pruriens is 786 060±298 140 FCFA/ha. For the association, it is 850 917±36 1887 FCFA/ha. The cultivation of M. pruriens promotes the integration of agriculture and livestock while improving animal  nutrition and the income of producers.

Keywords: Farm, sowing date, fodder crops, M. pruriens, cotton are
Impact des paramètres de sondage sur la gestion durable des forêts : cas des Forêts communales de l’Est-Cameroun
Authors: Bayoi Armel Emmanuel , Moumbock Elvis Mouyakan A. , Ngaba Mbezele Junior Yannick
Published: May 2021

Parmi les plus vastes d’Afrique, les forêts du Cameroun sont des écosystèmes uniques qui jouent un rôle important pour son  économie, la population locale et l’environnement. Toutefois, qu’il a indéniablement besoin d’utiliser ses ressources naturelles  précisément la ressource ligneuse pour son développement. La déforestation fait peser une véritable menace sur cette biodiversité, ce qui impose de mettre des mesures appropriées afin de garantir sa gestion durable. La présente étude visait à évaluer les plans  d’aménagement des forêts communales de l’Est Cameroun. Un total de 08 forêts communales (FC) sur 14 ont fait l’objet de cette étude, car ayant des plans d’aménagement valides. Il ressort de l’analyse des données que de chaque FC échantillonnée respectent les dispositions réglementaires. Le taux de sondage (TS) varie en fonction du coefficient de variation (CV) et de l’erreur souhaitée (ES) avec un impact considérable dans le nombre de parcelles échantillonnées et la longueur totale des layons d’inventaire. L’évolution de la surface à échantillonner est fonction du CV. Mais, il n’existe pas une différence significative des surfaces à échantillonner lorsque le CV varie de 150 à 350 et l’erreur fixée à 20 et à 25. L’équidistance diminue en fonction du CV et quel que soit l’ES que le concessionnaire décide d’adopter. Afin de pallier à ce problème, la prise en compte des limites de l’aménagement et la réalisation des inventaires d’aménagement dans chaque type de forêt doivent être analysées et permettre ainsi de déterminer les DME appropriés pour chaque type de FC au Cameroun.Mots clés : Forêt communale, plan d’aménagement, paramètre d’aménagement, Est-Cameroun.
Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of a hemoglobin S and C screening test: Sickle Scan
Authors: Adjé L. , Yapo V. , Yayo-Ayé M. , Bognini S. , Meledje M. , Sawadogo D.
Published: May 2021

New tools for the rapid diagnosis of hemoglobinosis could encourage the extension of their screening in Africa. Our goal was to assess the analytical performances of a rapid hemoglobin S and C detection test, the Sickle Scan. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in March 2019 at the Yopougon Teaching Hospital. The subjects followed for hemoglobinosis as well as the subjects seeking out an electrophoresis of their hemoglobin were included. We carried out the hemogram, the electrophoresis of hemoglobin at alkaline pH (reference method) coupled with the metabisulfite sickling test (Emmel test) and the rapid detection test to be evaluated. This immunochromatographic test is capable of detecting hemoglobins A, S, and C, and to infer the hemoglobin phenotype from there. The study recruited 191 individuals. The test detected hemoglobins S and C with a sensitivity of 99.4% and 97.7% respectively; a specificity of 93.3% and 99.3%. The positive likelihood ratio for hemoglobins S and C was 15 and 144 respectively. The negative likelihood ratio was 0.01 for hemoglobin S, and 0.02 for hemoglobin C. The intrinsic characteristics obtained make this test an interesting screening tool for hemoglobinosis S and C.

Keywords: Diagnostic test, hemoglobinosis, Abidjan, sensitivity, specificity.
Optimisation in vitro de l’efficacité des biopesticides dans la lutte contre les principaux ravageurs du niébé par la méthode des surfaces de réponse
Authors: Semako A. Gougbe , Aboudou K. , Chatigre K.O. , Noukpozounkou M.S.P. , Soumanou M.M.
Published: May 2021

La culture du niébé requiert de nos jours, une attention particulière à cause de sa sensibilité aux insectes ravageurs. La présente étude vise à déterminer, au laboratoire, les doses optimales de la combinaison des biopesticides (Topbio et virus MaviMNPV) à utiliser dans la lutte contre les principaux ravageurs du niébé notamment, Maruca vitrata, Aphis craccivora, et Megalurothrips sjostedti. A cet effet, les insectes ont été inoculés avec différentes doses des combinaisons de Topbio et du virus MaviMNPV variant respectivement de660 ml à 1000 ml et de 70 ml à 106 ml en utilisant la méthode des surfaces de réponses. La mortalité et la survie des insectes ont été évaluées et les doses optimales de la combinaison des biopesticides ont été déterminées. Les résultats ont montré que les effets linéaires et/ou quadratiques de la combinaison des biopesticides influencent significativement les taux de mortalité, d’émergence des larves et de mortalité des chrysalides. Ces taux ont varié de 63,33 à 85%, de 12,5 à 37,5%, et de 44,44 à 87,5% respectivement pour les taux de mortalité, d’émergence des larves et de mortalité des chrysalides de Maruca vitrata. Les taux de mortalité des formes adultes de Aphis craccivora, et Megalurothrips sjostedti, ont varié respectivement de 88,33 à 95% et de 85 à 95%. L’efficacité optimale des biopesticides est obtenue pour 1000 ml de Topbio et 106 ml du virus MaviMNPV avec un taux de désirabilité de 85%.Mots clés : Topbio, virus MaviMNPV, ravageurs, taux de mortalité, taux d’émergence
Microstructure and debris fracture in amorphous Ni–P-CNT composite coatings after wear
Authors: Liu Bai , Yang Xiaohong
Published: May 2021

Amorphous nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P)-based Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) composite coatings were prepared by brush electroplating technology. Wear tests for the coatings were conducted. The deformation of the microstructures in the coatings after wear was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that amorphous Ni–P-based composite coatings produced partial crystallization and precipitation of the Ni3P phase after wear. The degree of crystallization increased with the increase in load. Abrasive debris were collected for scanning electron microscope observation, which would help understand the microscopic mechanism of wear crack nucleation and propagation. The wear fracture of the debris in the amorphous Ni–P-based composite coating was intergranular and quasi-cleavage. The microscopic characteristics of the abrasive debris showed cutting stripes, secondary cracks, intensive areas of CNTs, and grain groups. The nucleation position of the wear crack was at the microstructure defects and grain boundaries; the wear crack propagation path was intergranular.Keywords: CNTs, coating, nickel, wear, microstructures
Application of entropy measurement technique in grey based Taguchi method for optimization of MIG welding process parameters
Authors: Jatav Rani , Chaturvedi Vedansh
Published: May 2021

We seldom realized that without this form of metal work, many structures would cease to be in existence. A skilled journeymen welder joins metal in such a way that it is not able to be parted unless it is cut. Welding is an absolutely essential technique used in various industries like automotive industry, construction industry as well as in the aviation industry. Hence welding process parameters are required to be optimized for their responses or welding characteristics. This study incorporates entropy measurement technique based on grey Taguchi method to analyze multiple quality characteristic optimization of metal inert gas welding of low carbon steel plates. For this study, four control variables are selected current, voltage, gas flow rate and wire feed rate and analysing their effect on the four quality characteristics ultimate tensile strength, elongation %, bending strength and hardness of the weldments have been investigated in this paper. In order to optimize the multiple quality characteristic of the MIG welding, grey relational analysis coupled with entropy measurement method has been employed. Using entropy measurement method, value of weight corresponding to each quality characteristic has been assigned, so that the importance can be properly determined. Using the theory of grey relational analysis, these have been accumulated to calculate the overall grey relational grade. Signal to Noise ratio (S/N ratio) is applied to find the optimal parameter setting. To determine the contribution of MIG welding process parameters, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) on grey relational grade has been calculated. The confirmatory test also has been done for verifying the results. A foresaid methodology has been found fruitful in the cases where simultaneous optimization of huge number of responses is required.Keywords: Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding, Grey-Taguchi Method, Entropy Measurement Technique, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), S-N ratio.
Enhancement of small signal stability of a DFIG-based wind power system using fuzzy logic control
Authors: Renuka T. K. , Reji P. , Sreedharan Sasidharan
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes fuzzy logic controllers for enhancing the small signal stability of DFIG-based wind integrated power system. The test system used is single machine infinite bus system integrated with conventional proportional-integral controllers. The fuzzy logic controllers provide optimum proportional and integral gains under various operating conditions namely wind speed and grid strength. The effects of strong and weak grid strengths have been taken into account with short circuit level of 40 MVA and 16 MVA, respectively. The obtained result justifies that the damping ratio and there by the small signal stability of such a system have been enhanced considerably by the action of fuzzy logic controllers. The generalization can be enlarged to multi-machine systems in various dynamic conditions.Keywords : Doubly Fed Induction Generator, small signal stability, state space model, eigenvalue analysis, fuzzy logic based tuning circuits
Production and utilization of crop residues for ruminant feeding in Aliero Lga Of Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Muftau M.A. , Kwaido A.A. , Ayuba M.S. , Kadi N. , Tambuwal A. , Naallah Y.
Published: May 2021

An investigation of the production and utilization of crop residues for ruminant feeding in five villages within Aliero Local Government Area of Kebbi State was carried out using a structured questioner which was administered to 75 respondents. The data collected was analyzed by using simple statistical tool such as frequency distribution and percentage. The study revealed that 47.95% of the respondents were farmers with more than half (52.41%) had 5-8 members in their family. Mixed farming is common to all the respondents with cereal and legumes crops combination alongside with cattle, sheep, and goats rearing. Some crop residues such as maize stover, rice straw, etc are available all year round since they are generated both at rainy and dry season in the study area. Maize/sorghum/millet stovers and groundnut/cowpea straws plays a major part in ruminant feeding in the study area. The level of cultivation, production and utilization of crop residues as observed in this study depends on the land size, season of production and flock size amongst others. Most of the respondents (39.74%) source their crop residues from self-production and the type of crop residues are those from groundnut/cowpea straws, maize/millet/sorghum stovers and rice straws. The present study revealed the potential of crop residues not only as ruminant feeding but also as a means of livelihood among the respondents.

Keywords: Production, Utilization, Crop residues, Livestock.
Analysis of cattle rustling among pastoralists in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Aderinoye-Abdulwahab S.A. , Fasanya A.A. , Kareem O.W. , Dolapo T.A.
Published: May 2021

Livestock is a major component of agricultural activities practiced in Niger State; it’s also a source of income and a form of food security for farmers. Increasing attacks by cattle rustlers have disrupted the stability of pastoralists within the communities in the State. This study therefore, examined cattle rustling among pastoralists in Niger State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; (i) describe socio-economic characteristics of the pastoralists in the study area; (ii) investigate the pastoralists’ perceived reasons for cattle rustling; (iii) determine the threats posed to pastoralists through cattle rustling and their solutions; (iv) identify the coping strategies adopted by the pastoralists after their cattle have been rustled; and (v) determine how agricultural extension service could curtail the act of cattle rustling. A Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Well-structured questionnaire and an interview schedule were administered to the pastoralists to elicit information. The data obtained was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that, 65.0% of the respondents were less than 51 years of age. The majority (62.0%) of the respondents had Quranic education and 39.0% had no formal education. Of 120 pastoralists, 65.0% had their cattle rustled by the rustlers, impunity for crime and police support ranked highest among the reasons for cattle rustling and 80% of the rustlers were Fulani. The findings also revealed that majority (75%) of the respondents were not aware of agricultural extension service, while 27% of the pastoralists had heard about extension services on Radio and 100% had never been visited by extension agents. This implies that cattle’s rustling was a major and rising threat against pastoralists’ livelihood and to the country’s security in general since the act of rustling could trigger the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition into the country. It is equally obvious that the pastoralists were far from the reach of extension agents which would have provided a strong link between the government and pastoralists in the establishment of grazing reserves along the stock routes.

Keywords: Livestock, Farmers/herdsmen clashes, Livelihood, Pastoralist, Poverty, Illegal arms
Response of Sweet Potato Storability with Different Pre-storage Treatments at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Afolabi M.S , Lamidi W.A , Akoroda M.O
Published: May 2021

The storage of sweet potato tuberous roots in tropical countries is a major challenge to farmers and retailers due to unfavourable climatic conditions. In this study, the storage performance of sweet potato roots in an ambient condition was investigated over a 12-week duration. The three different pre-storage treatments used were ash, alkaline solution (1.5 mol dm-3) and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) extract – to evaluate their effects on weight loss, shrinkage, weevil damage and sprouting. The control comprised tubers with no pre-treatment. It was observed that weight loss increased linearly from the inception of storage while shrinkage became apparent only after two (2) weeks. The percentage shrinkage of the tuber pre-treated with Siam weed increased at decreasing rate from 8 WAP. Treatment of tuber with Siam weed extract provided significantly higher protection against weevil damage (p > 0.05). After this, sprouting was initiated. By the 12th week, the Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) extract treatment yielded better results. The Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) treatment also recorded the lowest weight loss of 28% and lowest shrinkage of 2.8%. It also sustained less weevil damage at 33.5% compared with the other treatments. Sprouting was higher in the tuber without pre-storage treatment. The alkaline solution and ash treatments had varied degree of performance for all the indicators.

Keywords: Sweet potato storability, Ambient condition, Pre-storage treatment, Chromolaena odorata
Performance of Growing Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) Fruit Pulp Meal
Authors: Ingweye J.N
Published: May 2021

The study involved the recycling of gmelina fruit pulp to animal feed to reduce environmental pollution by evaluating the feed intake and body weight changes of rabbits fed diets incorporated with Ripe Gmelina Fruit Pulp (RGFP) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in replacement of maize as groups I, II, III, IV and V, respectively. Sixty (60) rabbits in five groups of 12 animals each were used for the eight-week study in completely randomized design experiment. Initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and forage intake ranged from 575–575.02g, 1605–1900g, 1029.98–1324.99g, 8130–7569.85g, 5711.33–1177.11g, 6392.74–2418.67g, respectively. All these parameters were significantly affected (p<0.05) by inclusion of RGFP except initial weight. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), water intake (ml), water–feed ratio and protein efficiency ratio ranged from 7.35–6.14, 278.34–203.36, 0.034–0.027 and 0.8–0.53, respectively. These parameters were also significantly affected (p<0.05) by inclusion of RGFP in diets except water–feed ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Weight gain, total feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and water intake of rabbits fed 0% RGFP were the highest (p<0.05) while the 100% RGFP group recorded the least (p<0.05). Weight gain and total feed intake of 0% RGFP group was similar to those of groups 25%, and 50%. The 100% RGFP fed rabbits had the highest (p<0.05) forage intake but least (p<0.05) FCR while 0% RGFP fed group had the least (p<0.05) forage intake and highest (p<0.05) FCR. Weight gain, total feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and water intake significantly (p<0.05) decreased as RGFP increased while FCR and forage intake increased significantly (p<0.05) as RGFP increased. This study suggests that RGFP could replace up to 50% of maize, beyond which the animals start losing weight.

Keywords: Hindgut fermenter, Gmelina fruit waste, rabbit nutrition, recycling
Energy-Based Criterion for Testing the Nonlinear Response Strength of Strong Nonlinear Oscillators
Authors: Big-Alabo Akuro
Published: May 2021

This article proposes a simple energy-based criterion developed to characterize four commonly identified responses, namely: linear, weakly nonlinear, moderately nonlinear and strongly nonlinear regimes. The response of the nonlinear simple pendulum was used for benchmarking the boundary conditions for each of the four response regimes and the test criterion was demonstrated using relevant examples. The test presented in this article is important for clarifying the obscurity surrounding the accuracy and range of validity of recent approximate analytical schemes used to investigate strong nonlinear oscillators. Furthermore, it is meant to create awareness of the need to develop more robust testing criteria.

Keywords: strong nonlinear oscillation; periodic oscillation; approximate analytical solution
Integrating Resistivity Techniques for Optimum Groundwater Exploration and Development within a Hotel Facility in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ojo A. , Babafemi E. , Faleye E. , Shado O.
Published: May 2021

This work is an attempt to combine dipole-dipole profiling and vertical electrical sounding techniques of electrical resistivity methods to investigate the groundwater potential within the premises of a 3-star hotel facility in Osogbo, Nigeria by delineating the geoelectric layers, delineating the low resistivity layers, determining the lithologies and hence, delineating the groundwater bearing zones. The five vertical electrical sounding data were collected along two pre-surveyed dipole-dipole traverses at right angle to each other beside the fences of the premises using the ABEM SAS 300c terrameter. The observed data were interpreted quantitatively using curve matching and computer-assisted iteration method using the WinResist and Dipro software. The results of the inversion show that the lithology comprises of the top soil and an intermittent sequence of sand and lateritic clay having varying resistivity and thickness. The aquiferous layer was observed to be located at a depth of 23 m to 25 m due to the low resistivity and high thickness of the aquiferous layer. The result of the 2-D imaging closely correlates with the result of the vertical electrical sounding. Thus, combining these techniques in groundwater investigation has achieved similar result as the Werner technique and has reduced ambiguity and error in positioning for drilling.

Keywords: Resistivity, Groundwater Exploration, Dipole-Dipole
Effect of Seasonal Changes of the Electric Field Pattern in Ibadan Nigeria on Some Meteorological Parameters
Authors: Adetoyinbo A.A. , Bello A.K. , Akinwale S.A.
Published: May 2021

The objective of this work is to investigate the variation of the electric field in the atmosphere to specific meteorological parameters such as (temperature, heat and relative humidity) in Ibadan using data collected from the Nigeria Meteorological (NiMet) Office in Lagos. The data obtained were used to analyze the patterns of electric field in every season in thislocation for a period of one year ranged from September to October.

Keywords: Electric Field, Relative Humidity, Temperature, Pressure, Wind, Polluted Aerosols
Foraminiferal Biozonation of Late Eocene - Early Oligocene sediments of BC-1 well, Onshore, Western Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Amiewalan F.O. , Edegbai J.A.
Published: May 2021

Foraminiferal analysis was carried out on forty (40) ditch cutting samples from BC-1 well in the Onshore, Western Niger Delta at depth intervals of 5590 ft. - 8300 ft. Lithologic description of the samples together with the gamma ray log analytical data indicated the presence of four lithostratigraphic units composed of shale, sandstone, sandy shale and shaly sand corresponding to the continental Benin and paralic Agbada Formations. A total of twelve (12) species defined into eleven (11) genera, six (6) subfamilies and eleven (11) families were recovered. Benthonic and planktonic foraminiferal species constitute approximately 82 % and 18 % respectively. The calcareous benthics make up 44.4 % while the arenaceous benthics representing 37.7% of the total foraminiferal assemblages.  Foraminiferal index marker species - Globorotalia opima nana, Nonion oyae, Cassigerinella chipollensis and Spiroplectammina wrightiirevealed that the age of the studied well is from Late Eocene - Early Oligocene epoch. This indicated that both the planktonic and benthonic foraminiferal recovered from the well contained the transition between the Priabonian and the Rupelian age. Three (3) informal foraminiferal zone were established - Nonion oyae zone, Cassigerinella chipollensis zone and undiagnostic zone. The zones compares with foraminiferal markers species whose stratigraphic ranges are well established in the Niger Delta and globally.

Keyword: Lithostratigraphic units, Agbada Formation, Eocene, Oligocene and Biozone.
Evaluation of Petrophysical Parameters of Reservoir Sand Wells in Uzot-Field, Onshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Omoja UC , Obiekezie T.N.
Published: May 2021

Evaluation of the petrophysical parameters in Uzot-field was carried out using Well log data. The target for this study was the D3100 reservoir sand of wells Uz 004, Uz 005, U008 and Uz 011 with depth range of 5540ft to 5800ft across the four wells. Resistivity logs were used to identify hydrocarbon or water-bearing zones and hence indicate permeable zones while the various sand bodies were then identified using the gamma ray logs. The results showed the delineated reservoir units having porosity ranging from 21.40% to 33.80% indicating a suitable reservoir quality; permeability values from 1314md to 18089md attributed to the well sorted nature of the sands and hydrocarbon saturation range from 12.00% to 85.79% implying high hydrocarbon production. These results suggest a reservoir system whose performance is considered satisfactory for hydrocarbon production.

Keywords: Petrophysical parameters, porosity, permeability, hydrocarbon saturation, Niger Delta Basin
Investigation of the Geochemical Composition and Paleo-Depositional Environment of Ubo and Ikpeshi Marble Deposit, Southwestern Nigeria: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ailegbo J. , Ehinlaiye A.O. , Bassey P. , Odia-Oseghale J.O.
Published: May 2021

The marble deposits at Ubo and Ikpeshi areas of Edo state, Southwestern Nigeria, were studied in order to determine the major elements and the paleo-depositional environment of the original sediments using standard methods.  Results obtained using test of difference between Ubo and Ikpeshi marbles showed that CaO (51.977±0.922 & 54.726±0.23), MgO (3.034±0.829 & 0.499±0.115), Na2O (1.7±0.73 & 0.024±0.008), MgCO3 (6.337±1.734 & 1.034±0.238), Cu (24.589±0.692 & 27.447±0.711), Ni (23.907±0.854 & 30.979±0.494), all for Ubo and Ikpeshi respectively; with Ni showing highest significance with P<0.01. The Ubo marble deposit occurs as a lensoid body within the younger metasedimentary sequence. The major element composition reveal a mean chemical composition of CaO (51.97 and 54.73 %), MgO (3.0 and 0.49 %), SiO2 (0.74 and 0.70%), K2O (0.08 and 0.04%), Na2O (1.70 and 0.02%), Al2O3 (0.75 and 0.25%), Fe2O3 (0.34 and 0.25%), and Loss on Ignition - L.O.I (43.34 and 49.31%) in Ubo and Ikpeshi marbles respectively, which is indicative that the marble samples were all calcitic. The low values of the total alkali content in the marble samples from the two locations indicate that the environment of deposition of the original carbonate materials that metamorphosed into marbles from both locations must have  been a shallow, highly saline environment with probably little influx of salty brine water in the basin. Silica was used as an abscissa in these plots because it shows substantial variations among the marbles with most of the linear relationship between silica and the  various oxides showing negative correlation, this probably reflects the admixture of the carbonates with chert. The trend of the plots of  Na2O + K2O vs. SiO2 for the marbles from both locations show a variation in the salinity.

Keywords: Ubo, Ikpeshi, Marble, Marine Environment, Metasedimentary
Impact of Pharmaceutical Waste Generation and Handling on Environmental Health in Developing Countries: COVID – 19 Pandemic in Perspective!
Authors: Ejeromedoghene O. , Nwosisi M.C. , Tesi G.O. , Noragbon E.J. , Akinyeye R.O.
Published: May 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel Covid-19 pandemic currently ravaging the world as a global mishap due to its wide-spreading across different nations. As the number of confirmed cases continues to increase daily, there will be a great need for the delivery of pharmaceutical palliatives to developing nations for them to manage the situation. Most pharmaceutical supplies used in many developing countries such as test kits and protective suits are a complex mixture of toxic and non-degradable compounds that are improperly disposed into open dump sites. The increase in Covid-19 cases and strategic attention to grapple will lead to multiple waste generation problems, thereby posing another health risk if not properly handled and disposed. In this review, we have highlighted the composition, categories, and hazards associated with pharmaceutical wastes and also appraised the current disposal practices and recommended some appropriate disposal methods of these associated wastes

Keywords: Pharmaceutical wastes, Hazardous materials, Covid-19, Health risk, Waste handling