bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suitability of using post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate wastes in cement-based hollow sandcrete blocks
Authors: Davies I E E , Olofinnade O M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In recent times, efforts are channeled towards limiting the impact of waste plastic pollution on the environment. This study examines the beneficial utilization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes, which is a non-biodegradable waste materials as a partial substitute for sand in the production of non-load bearing hollow sandcrete blocks. The physical and mechanical properties such as density and compressive strength of the hollow sandcrete blocks using PET waste as a replacement for fine aggregate at 5%, 10%, 30% and 50% were determined. Tests results show that the density of the produced sandcrete blocks decreases as the waste PET content increases. Results showed that the density varied from 1391.33 kg/m3 for 50%PET content to 1954.54 kg/m3 for 5%PET content, while the density of the reference sandcrete was 2002.15 kg/m3 for 7 days. The values of densities ranged between 1453.88 kg/m3 for PET 50% and 1851.09 kg/m3 for PET 5% and the density of reference sandcrete was 1991.77 kg/m3 at 28 days. The sandcrete blocks also demonstrate a similar reduction trend in compressive strength as the PET content increases. The compressive strength ranged between 1.140 N/mm2 for 50%PET and 2.564 N/mm2 for 5%PET content and 1.510 N/mm2 for 50%PET to 2.991 N/mm2 for 5%PET respectively, as the curing age increases from 7 to 28 days. The hollow sandcrete block containing an optimum 5% replacement percentage of sand with PET waste showed comparable strength to the conventional sandcrete blocks. This will help to mitigate the menace of marine plastic pollution and promote responsible consumption.
Strength Evaluation of Aluminium Fibre Reinforced Particle Board made from Sawdust and Waste Glass
Authors: Atoyebi O D , Ajamu S O , Odeyemi S O , Ojo D J , Ramonu J A L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This research investigated the effects of aluminium shavings on particleboards produced from sawdust and waste glass using Urea formaldehyde as binder. Twelve (12) boards were produced and each had different variations of sawdust, waste glass and aluminium shavings with a constant volume of adhesive used. The boards were tested for physical properties such as density, Thickness swelling (TS) and Water absorption (WA) and mechanical properties such as modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). The effects of the aluminium shavings on the boards were observed in the MOR and MOE values such that these values for board A1 were 3.30 N/mm2 and 10.45 N/mm2 for 20% aluminium shavings content but reduced to 3.16 N/mm2 and 8.97 N/mm2 respectively for board A2 with 10% aluminium shavings content. This trait was observed in other boards with the same content except in boards B1 and B2 where the MOR and MOE values increased with the values for B1 being 2.06 N/mm2 and 6.98 N/mm2 and 2.91 N/mm2 and 10.17 N/mm2 respectively. The values for density of the boards increased as the sawdust decreased and also as the glass content increased. The boards with the highest values for thickness swelling and water absorption were the first three as they possess the highest quantity of sawdust. From the results, none of the boards produced met up to the requirements for use for structural purposes, board B3 possesses the highest MOR value while board D3 possesses the highest MOE value. Therefore, the boards can serve non-structural purposes such as partitions and indoor uses.
Electrochemical control of high carbon steel corrosion using rosemary oil in citric acid medium
Authors: Odunlami O A , Abatan O G , Busari A A , Alao G T , Loto R T , Olomukoro O T 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Inhibition efficiency of Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) for corrosion control of high carbon steel was done in citric acid medium by weight loss method. The Rosmarinus officinalis was administered in the proportion of 0%, 0.50%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.00% and 2.50% concentration. This study unveiled that the inhibition efficiency performed excellently with maximum percentage of 88.3% at room temperature in 0.5M citric acid solution. This has shown the effectiveness of Rosmarinus officinalis inhibitor in corrosion analysis of high carbon steel.
Prediction of a singly reinforced concrete beam steel using artificial neural network
Authors: Olawale S O A , Akintunde O P , Afolabi M O , Agbede O A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the prediction of a singly reinforced concrete beam using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The method was adopted for cost optimization of the structural element and compared with the requirements of Eurocode 2 design. The code provisions for the design of a singly reinforced beam can vary from place to place. The use of a system immune from the code variation is an excellent means of predicting the reinforcement’s need of a rectangular concrete beam. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) is employed to forecast the reinforcement of such a beam. Artificial neural network has the potential to simulate the data that are hard to produce in arithmetical analysis. The scheme was established using the MATLAB tool kit. The design variables were the depth of the beam, the width of the beam, and the moments. A forward pass supervised backward propagation training. The regression analysis of the results is one to one match. The predicted and target values are completely in accord.
Factors affecting sustainable infrastructure delivery in South Africa - a case of Gauteng province
Authors: Jacobs J , Aigbavboa C , Thwala W , Dithebe K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the economic growth and development of any country; therefore, it is important to ensure adequate investments for the delivery of infrastructure services. This paper assessed factors affecting the development of sustainable infrastructure in South Africa. The identified factors can be utilised by government as reference to enhance the delivery of sustainable infrastructure. To achieve the objective of the study, Quantitative data was collected. The study used a sample size of 57 out of the 65 questionnaires (a response rate of 87.7%) which were answered by professionals in the built environment viz. Architects, Property Developers, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Construction and Project Managers. The data collected was then analysed and interpreted using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software to provide mean item scores, standard deviations and Cronbach’s alpha. Given the explored factors which affect the delivery of sustainable infrastructure, the results have established that due to developers habit of building to maximise profit only, not for end-users’ comfort and the initial high cost required to develop sustainable infrastructure were the major factors that affect the delivery of sustainable infrastructure. It is recommended that the government develop clear, stable and credible policies that will attract investors who will be committed to inject financial resources into infrastructure development and alter the existing building regulations to complement the sustainable development goals.
Examining the Potential Recovery of Compost from Mixed Fruit Wastes from a Campus Eatery Wastes
Authors: Olukanni D O , Ogedengbe V O , Ogundare O J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The burning and open dumping of wastes is a common practice in developing countries such as Nigeria. These practices are causes of environmental concern as they generate air pollutants, contaminate surface and underground water resources, and breed disease vectors, consequently affecting public health. Nevertheless, composting has been identified as a sustainable technique to efficiently manage and dispose these wastes while also recovering a marketable resource. This study was aimed at assessing the potential recovery of compost from mixed fruit wastes as a method of proper disposal. Fruit wastes generated within a university campus were mixed with dry leaves and manure and decomposed in a composting process for 6 weeks. The physico-chemical properties such as temperature, pH level, moisture content, and NPK value of the resulting compost were determined during and after the process. The experimental results indicated a temperature range of 25°C to 56°C and pH level ranging from 6.6 to 8.1 during the composting process. The moisture content of the compost pile was detected to gradually reduce from 56% to 40% during the experiment. The NPK ratio of the final compost product was evaluated to be 0.61:0.40:0.73. The compost produced in this study could be used for agricultural purposes to supply nutrients to growing plants and the soil.
Assessment of hydrogen sulfide emission levels on the floors of some selected bakeries in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Odunlami O A , Abatan O G , Busari A A , Alao G T , Elehinafe F B , Emekekwue C O 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The hydrogen sulfide (H S) emission and oxygen (O2) level was measured within four bakeries in Ota, Ogun State. This was done to know the effect of H2S on the people working in bakeries and those walking into bakeries for business purposes. The data obtained was analyzed and the H2S emission level was around the new recommendation for airborne of 1 ppm recommended for 8 hours by ACGIH (American Conference Governmental Industrial Hygenist [1]. The highest mean concentrations of H2S were; bakery 1 (0.4 ppm), bakery 2 (0.73 ppm), bakery 3 (1.0ppm), H2S emission was not detected by the gas analyzer in bakery 4. O2 level (20.8ppm) remained constant all through the study, which is the expected ambient O2 value, this is because of the cross ventilation within the bakeries. Though literatures have shown that ovens emit some harmful gases like CO, NOx, VOC and H2S, the concentrations of these gases can be reduced if there is cross ventilation within the bakery and exhaust stacks positioned high enough towards the roof, out of the building. The stack effect happens, when warm air moves or flow upwards in the building. The warm air rises because it is lighter than cold air, when it rises, it escapes out of the upper levels of the building through ventilation openings, windows or leakages. The rising warm air reduces the pressure at the base of the building, forcing cold air to infiltrate through either open doors, windows, or other openings and leakage in lower levels of the building. The H2S emission level was higher during the heating periods than the baking periods in all the bakeries considered due to the combustion process taking place during heating. The electrically fired ovens gave lower H2S concentrations than the wood fired ovens. To ensure safety for workers and consumers in Bakeries, regular inspection of bakeries should become a priority for the various agencies involved.
Rheological characteristics of metal oxide nanocomposite and its application in enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Sowunmi A , Efeovbokhan V E , Orodu O D , Azeta O 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A nanocomposite is a mixture of a nanoparticle and a complementary substance. In crude oil recovery, it is most commonly the combination of a nanoparticle and a polymer. In enhanced oil recovery, metal oxide nanoparticles may be combined with polymers and injected into a reservoir after water flooding to achieve greater recovery of crude oil; however, current research in this area is limited. In this work, rheological properties and oil recovery potential of two nanocomposites: alumina/xanthan gum and alumina/guar gum; were investigated. The viscosity of different concentrations of the nanocomposites was measured using the Model 800 OFITE Viscometer, and core flooding experiment was done using a Reservoir Permeability Tester. For both nanocomposites, it was observed that their viscosities increased with increasing concentration of alumina nanoparticles and the effect was higher as polymer concentration was increased. For the core flooding experiments, the xanthan gum and alumina composite achieved total recovery of 72.8 % while the guar gum alumina nanocomposite achieved total recovery of 69.3 %. The use of alumina combinations of nanocomposite is, therefore, promising and should be explored further.
A review of the mineralogical and geotechnical properties of some residual soils in relation to the problems of road failures: A case study of Nigeria
Authors: Sani R O , Olofinnade O M , Akinwumi I I , Afolayan O D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Poor geotechnical and mineralogical properties of soils used for road construction are a significant factor responsible for pavement failures. This is because most soils encountered at failed portions of some pavements do not meet the specifications according to relevant standards. It is with this in mind that this study carried out a systemic review on some residual soils in Nigeria, with a focus on their locations, geotechnical, and mineralogical properties in comparison to standards specified in the Nigerian specification for road and bridges. This study also reviewed how these properties have contributed to various road failures in different regions of the country. It was observed that the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of most residual soils in some regions of Nigeria did not meet up with the standards stipulated by the Nigerian Specification for road materials. Reviews carried out on the place of geotechnical and mineralogical characteristics on various road failures in Nigeria showed that a high volume of research works was carried out in the south-western and southeastern parts of the country compared to the Northern region.
A review on the mechanical strength of aluminium - clay composites
Authors: Udoye N E , Fayomi O S I , Inegbenebor A O 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The innovation in the usage of cheaper materials with better quality has been in the mind of many scientists. Recently, more requests have been on the utilization of agro-industrial product to produce materials to curb ecological hazards. Clay could be an alternative to SiC and Al2O3 due to their cheaper rate and availability. Reinforcements can be integrated into the melt using cheap and globally recognized stir casting method. Low - cost eco-friendly waste products that are easily accessible like clay, nanoclay, kaolinite, mica, and carbon are utilized as reinforcement in aluminium alloy. This review paper studied the various compositions of aluminium alloy composites for manufacturing purposes and its usage in automobile, aircraft, marine and the transportation industry. The study revealed that the addition of clay as reinforcement increases the properties of the composites.
Progresses on mild steel protection toward surface service performance in structural industrial: An Overview
Authors: Fayomi O S I , Olusanyan D , Ademuyiwa F T , Olarewaju G 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMild steel has been widely used in domestic and industrial applications due to its excellent properties. Their property in engineering application makes it one of the leading engineering materials with multifaceted usage. Despite this growing interest in manufacturing because of cost and durability, challenges arising from wear, corrosion and structural damages has been a concern and the need to search for continuous way-out become necessary. This overview provides concise progresses on mild steel toward active protection for service performance.
Development and construction of automatic three-phase power changeover control circuit with alarm
Authors: Abdulkareem A , Somefun T E , Oguntosin V , Ogunade F 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
One primary reason for Nigeria economic underdevelopment is the inconsistency of power supply, and as a result of this fact, immediate attention is required. The criticality of an uninterrupted power supply cannot be overemphasised. Therefore, is this work, a new approach is applied to switch power from a three-phase source to another without human interference. This work presents an automatic three (3) phase power changeover circuit with an alarm that turns power supply from Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to a power generator at an instant of interruption or outage from PHCN. The signal is introduced to notify the user of the restoration of the PHCN supply and automatically carries out this process. This process is achieved by using logic control circuits, three-phase sequence monitors, phase(s) failure monitor, overload relay, and contacting relays for practical switching which takes approximate 30 seconds.
Characterisation of freeform, structured surfaces in T-spline spaces and its applications
Authors: Wang Jian , Zou Renqi , Colosimo Bianca Maria , Lu Wenlong , Xu Long , Jiang Xiangqian Jane 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In advanced manufacturing, surface topographical designs with deterministic freeform and embedded structures have proven to contain effective, additive functionalities. These surfaces need to be geometrically characterised regarding the designed form and structures. However, this is problematic since existing characterisation techniques such as polynomial form removal, Gaussian/spline/wavelet filtration, field-based statistical parameterisation, spectral and fractal analysis do not provide satisfying results. In this paper, we, therefore, propose to characterise the complex surfaces in T-spline spaces, i.e. basis spline spaces along with T-junctions, using an efficient T-spline fitting algorithm. Several case studies show that the proposed method is compatible and has notable potentials for the challenging characterisation tasks, including non-Euclidean freeform removal, edge-reserving filtration with multiscale analysis, scattered data interpolation and smoothing, and smart large-data downsampling or compression.
Secreted therapeutics: monitoring durability of microRNA-based gene therapies in the central nervous system
Authors: Sogorb-Gonzalez Marina , Vendrell-Tornero Carlos , Snapper Jolanda , Stam Anouk , Keskin Sonay , Miniarikova Jana , Spronck Elisabeth A , de Haan Martin , Nieuwland Rienk , Konstantinova Pavlina , van Deventer1 Sander J , Evers Melvin M , Vallès Astrid 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe preclinical development of microRNA-based gene therapies for inherited neurodegenerative diseases is accompanied by translational challenges. Due to the inaccessibility of the brain to periodically evaluate therapy effects, accessible and reliable biomarkers indicative of dosing, durability and therapeutic efficacy in the central nervous system are very much needed. This is particularly important for viral vector-based gene therapies, in which a one-time administration results in long-term expression of active therapeutic molecules in the brain. Recently, extracellular vesicles have been identified as carriers of RNA species, including microRNAs, and proteins in all biological fluids, whilst becoming potential sources of biomarkers for diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the secretion and potential use of circulating miRNAs associated with extracellular vesicles as suitable sources to monitor the expression and durability of gene therapies in the brain. Neuronal cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells were treated with adeno-associated viral vector serotype 5 carrying an engineered microRNA targeting huntingtin or ataxin3 gene sequences, the diseases-causing genes of Huntington disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, respectively. After treatment, the secretion of mature engineered microRNA molecules was confirmed, with extracellular microRNA levels correlating with viral dose and cellular microRNA expression in neurons. We further investigated the detection of engineered microRNAs over time in the CSF of non-human primates after a single intrastriatal injection of adeno-associated viral vector serotype 5 carrying a huntingtin-targeting engineered microRNA. Quantifiable engineered microRNA levels enriched in extracellular vesicles were detected in the CSF up to two years after brain infusion. Altogether, these results confirm the long-term expression of adeno-associated viral vector serotype 5-delivered microRNAs and support the use of extracellular vesicle-associated microRNAs as novel translational pharmacokinetic markers in ongoing clinical trials of gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Minimizing treatment complexity of combat-related soft tissue injuries using a dedicated tension relief system and negative pressure therapy augmented by high-dose in situ antibiotic therapy and oxygen delivery: a retrospective study
Authors: Topaz Moris , Ashkenazi Itamar , Barzel Oren , Biswas Seema , Atar Dan , Shadmi Nurit , Siev-Ner Itzhak 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Following combat-related, extensive soft tissue injury from gunshot wounds or blasts, prolonged duration from injury to full wound closure is associated with infection, increased morbidity and mortality, failure to mobilize, poor functional outcome and increased cost. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel treatment enabling early primary closure of combat wounds.

Methods
This was a retrospective study of 10 soldiers and civilians with extensive combat-related soft tissue limb injuries (5 gunshot wounds, 5 blasts) treated using the TopClosure® Tension Relief System (TRS) with simultaneous administration of regulated oxygen-enriched and irrigation negative pressure-assisted wound therapy (ROINPT) via the Vcare α® device.

Results
Nine patients were treated during the acute phase of injury and one was treated following removal of a flap due to deep infection 20 years after injury and flap reconstruction. Two patients had upper limb injury and the rest lower limb injury. With the aid of the TRS and/or ROINPT, immediate primary closure during reconstruction was achieved in 6 patients and delayed primary closure in three. Only one patient required a skin graft to close a small area of the wound after most of the wound had been closed by delayed primary closure. Wound closure was achieved within 0–37 days (median: 12.5 days, interquartile range: 2.75–19.75) from injury.

Conclusions
The TRS is a novel device for effective, early skin stretching and secure wound closure through the application of stress relaxation and mechanical creep, achieving primary closure of large defects using a simplified surgical technique and reducing the need for closure using skin grafts and flaps and the use of tissue expanders. Delivering supplemental oxygen to the wound by ROINPT reverses the reduced oxygen levels inherent in conventional negative pressure-assisted wound therapy, mitigating anaerobic contamination and reducing infection. Irrigation may accelerate the evacuation of infectious material from the wound and provide a novel method for antibiotic administration. The combination of TRS and ROINPT devices allow for early primary closure with improved functionality of combat-related limb injuries.