Smoke–water stimulates secondary metabolites during in vitro seedling development in Tulbaghia species

AbstractTulbaghia species (Alliaceae) are well-known for their medicinal, horticultural and ornamental potential. The current study investigated the effect of varying smoke–water (SW) dilutions on in vitro germination, seedling growth and phytochemical content in Tulbaghia ludwigiana and Tulbaghia violacea. The mean germination time (MGT) was considerably reduced by approximately 2-fold in SW (1:500) treatment when compared to the control. High germination (≥80%) percentage was observed in all cases; however, there was no significant difference in germination (%) with and without SW. At post-germination stage, previous treatment with SW (1:500) produced more roots in T. ludwigiana seedlings. There was no significant improvement in growth parameters in SW-treated T. violacea seedlings. T. ludwigiana treated with SW (1:500) had significantly higher phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin contents when compared to the control. However, SW had no stimulatory effect in the level of phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin observed in T. violacea seedlings. These findings suggest the potential of SW treatment in enhancing the aforementioned phytochemical content in in vitro T. ludwigiana plants, which could be important during ex vitro growth and resultant biological efficacy of this widely used plant

Roles of various virulence and resistance genes associated with Salmonella and methods of their identification

Salmonellosis is an infectious disease affecting human and animals. The virulence of Salmonella is a function of chromosomal and plasmid factors, many genes code for these factors. Salmonella genes can be classified as core (housekeeping) genes and accessory genes. The core genes of a species are those genes found in (nearly) all known members of the species and they include mostly genes that are necessary for the cell to survive and grow, these include gene encoding enzymes which function in biosynthetic pathways. Genes in the accessory genome are those unique to particular strains and are mainly in the following groups: genomic islands including Salmonella Pathogenicity islands (SPls), prophages, insertion sequences.Keywords: Genes, Pathogenicity, Resistance, Salmonella, Virulenc

Effects of four pre-sowing treatment methods (double phase) on the germination of the seeds of Afzelia africana Sm. ex Pers

The study investigated the effects of four pre-treatment methods on the germination response of the seeds of Afzelia africana (Sm. ex Pers) in the savannah ecozones of Nigeria. The experiment was carried out in two phases. Phase I involved; 50% concentrated sulphuric acid for 10 minutes, hot water at 100ºC for 3 minutes, cold water at room temperature for 24 hours, Mechanical scarification (rubbing on abrasive concrete surface). Phase II of the experiment was carried out based on the result of phase I. Mechanical scarification, which performed best among the treatments used in the first phase, was closely examined. The various mechanical scarifications used were rubbing the seeds on abrasive concrete surface to the length of 1mm into the seed coat, 2mm, 3mm and 4mm. The experimental layout used was Completely Randomized Design. For phase I, mechanical scarification had 25% germination rate and had the highest germination compared to other treatments. Due to the performance of mechanical scarification in phase I, varying mechanical scarification treatments were further investigated in phase II of the experiment. The result of the analysis of variance indicated a significant difference between the varying mechanical scarification treatments (p≤0.05). Separation of the means showed that 1mm mechanical scarification treatment differed significantly from all other treatments. 1mm mechanical scarification treatment gave an average germination of 50% and early emergence of 9 days. Therefore, 1mm mechanical scarification treatment was regarded as the best mechanical scarification treatment for the germination of Afzelia africana seeds.Keywords: pre-treatment, dormancy, germination, Afzelia african

The BCC Unit Cell for Latticed SLM Parts; Mechanical Properties as a Function of Cell Size

The existing framework describing the mechanical properties of lattices places strong emphasis on one important property, the relative density of the repeating cells. In this work, we explore the effects of cell size, attempting to construct more complete models for the performance of lattices. This was achieved by examining the elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength of latticed parts with a range of unit cell sizes and fixed density. The parts were produced by selective laser melting (SLM). The examined cell type was body-centred-cubic (BCC), a cell of high relevance for SLM because of its self-supporting structure. We obtained power law relationships for the mechanical properties of our latticed specimens as a function of cell size, which are similar in form to the existing laws for the density dependence. These can be used to predict the properties of latticed column structures comprised of BCC cells, and may be easily amended for other situations. In addition, we propose a novel way to analyse the elastic modulus data, which may lead to more general models, applicable to parts of varying size. Lastly, our general methodology may be of use in future studies which explore the other parameters that determine lattice performance; the choice of cell type, the global shape of the lattice structure and the type of stress.Mechanical Engineerin

Ergonomic Characteristics and Mean Anthropometry Data of Gari-Frying Population in South-Western Nigeria

Disregarding ergonomics in designing a workstation has been identified as a major cause of inefficiency, low productivity and injury to personnel, especially among indigenous food processing operators. Operations such as gari-frying require an ergonomic workstation but due to unavailability or insufficient data, this has not been possible. This study focused on the collection of anthropometric data of the gari-frying population in the six southwestern states of Nigeria to provide data needed for designing gari-frying facilities that fit the target population. Twenty-five body dimensions were measured among 120 gari-frying processors from six states. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package. Results show that there is a statistically significant difference in variability of data across and within the states in all the body dimensions measured at P≤0.05, therefore. This work, thus recommended that the workstation should be designed with percentile values to cover a larger number of the target population. Keywords: Ergonomic, Workstation, Gari-frying, Design to fit, Anthropometry. DOI: 10.7176/ISDE/12-5-02 Publication date:August 31st 202

Toluene Poisoning (Accidental Ingestion of Evostik)

Introduction: Childhood poisoning is one of the causes of high morbidity and mortality especially among under-five children in low income  countries. The home and its surroundings may harbour poisonous substances which might be ingested by adventurous children. Evo-stik glue is a modified silane (MS) polymer based high performance adhesive. It contains toluene, a colourless, sweet-smelling liquid with detrimental effects on virtually every organ in the body especially brain and kidneys. Toluene is a component of household items such as gasoline, shoe and nail polish.Aim / Objectives: From a few reported cases of toluene poisoning worldwide there was need to create awareness on the possibility of toluene poisoning as well as its deleterious effects. This is a case report on exposure to the effects of toluene by accidental ingestion that set the platform toemphasize the importance of prompt and appropriate management of toluene poisoning.Methodology: This case report is about a 2year old girl who accidentally ingested 15-20ml evostik glue stored in an attractive container in the  home. QH was presented at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Paediatric Emergency Unit with a one day history of persistent  spontaneous, non-projectile and non-bilous vomiting. On admission, she was conscious, moderately dehydrated with dry buccal mucosa. (38.2ºC)febrile, but not pale, icteric, or cyanosed. She developed seizures, recurrent hypoglycaemia, generalized peripheral edema and Anurias. On the second day of admission a renal challenge was performed to which the kidneys were unresponsive. Intravenous fluid was then restricted in line with conservative management of acute kidney injury when renal challenge fails. Deranged electrolytes and hypoglycaemia were corrected. She was also placed on an antihypertensive (Amlodipine). In addition, she received intravenous Omeprazole and Ranitidine on account of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Haemodialysis and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy could however not be done on the second day of admission due to logistic reasons.On the third day she slipped into unconsciousness and her Glasgow coma scale had dropped to 8/15. A double volume exchange blood transfusion was commenced. The patient’s clinical state suddenly deteriorated during the procedure and she succumbed despite all efforts at resuscitation.Results: She developed persistent vomiting, altered sensorium and acute kidney injury within 48 hours of presentation. The case was 100% fatal. Toluene significantly inhibits the N-Methyl-D aspartic acid (NMDA) subtype of glutamate-activated ion channel. It remarkably reduces metabolicfunction in the brain increases dopamine release and the activity of dopaminergic neurons.Conclusion: Toluene poisoning is associated with high mortality. Early presentation and prompt intervention may lead to a good outcome.  Prevention of accidental ingestion of toxic substances at home is key in averting mortality associated with childhood poisoning. Keywords: Toluene Poisoning, Evostik, Nigeria

Effective design and simulation of surface-based lattice structures featuring volume fraction and cell type grading

In this paper we present a numerical investigation into surface-based lattice structures with the aim of facilitating their design for additive manufacturing. We give the surface equations for these structures and show how they can be used to tailor their volume fractions. Finite element analysis is used to investigate the effect of cell type, orientation and volume fraction on the elastic moduli of the lattice structures, giving rise to a valuable set of numerical parameters which can be used to design a lattice to provide a specified stiffness. We find the I-WP lattice in the [001] orientation provides the highest stiffness along a single loading direction, but the diamond lattice may be more suitable for cases where lower mechanical anisotropy is important. Our stiffness models enable the construction of a powerful numerical tool for predicting the performance of graded structures. We highlight a particular problem which can arise when two lattice types are hybridised; an aberration leading to structural weakening and high stress concentrations. We put forward a novel solution to this problem and demonstrate its usage. The methods and results detailed in this paper enable the efficient design of lattice structures functionally graded by volume fraction and cell type

Strengthening Africa’s capacity for vaccine research: needs and challenges

Vaccine development and production harbinger the control and eradication of infectious diseases. Vaccination played a huge role in the curtailment of disease outbreaks like smallpox and polio, especially in Africa. Despite the high demand for several vaccines in Africa due to the highly infectious disease burden, the continent still lacks adequate capacity for vaccine research and development. This paper aims to discuss the need and challenges of Africa to strengthen its capacity for vaccine research and development and also highlight practical recommendations. Some of the needs for Africa to prioritize vaccine research and development include; improving quality of life and well-being, cost-effectiveness, independent preparedness and response to local outbreaks, and increased access to funding. Challenges associated with vaccine research and development include the cost of the investment, risk of failure; poor ethical framework and legislation; lack of adequate funding; lack of political will & support; and poor surveillance system. Strategies to create sufficient research funds, an efficient surveillance system, and a legislative framework are clearly described. In conclusion, strengthening vaccine research capacity in Africa requires the political goodwill of African governments and strategic partnerships with international organizations and institutes. The challenges facing this development and possible solutions have been highlighted in this article

Baseline fertility status of a gravelly Alfisol in a derived savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria

Farmers have not tested their soils for nutrient status and therefore are unaware of the fertility status of their soils. Therefore, a baseline fertility survey of 50 hectares of land of a gravelly Alfisol in the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria was carried out with a view to identifying soil health constraints and site-specific sustainable land management practices for optimizing crop production. Standard field protocols and laboratory analytical procedures were employed for all sample parameters measured. Results show that the soil textural classes vary from sand to loamy sand, exchangeable acidity, Ca, Mg, K, and Na and the effective cation exchange capacity has the surface and subsurface soil values of 0.0–0.92 and 0.00–0.89 cmol kg−1 , 1.6–7.7 and 2.0–5.8 cmol kg−1 , 1.2–11.5 and 0.7–8.0 cmol kg−1 , 0.09–0.33 and 0.09–0.43 cmol kg−1 , 0.0–0.16 and 0.04–0.16 cmol kg−1 , 7.2–12.10 and 0.9–12.5 cmol kg−1 , respectively. P values lie in the ranges of 2.5–68.9 mg kg−1 and 2.0–37.7 mg kg−1 in the surface and subsurface soils, respectively, organic C values were 0.86–2.81% and 0.68–3.49%, respectively, in the surface and subsurface soils while the values of N were 0.12–0.61% in the surface and 0.11–0.56% subsurface soils. Land evaluation shows that the soils of the project site are very fragile and poor in native fertility. Compound fertilizers low in nitrogen contents but high in phosphorus and potassium are recommended for gravelly Alfisol in a derived savannah ecological zone of the Kwara State, Nigeria to avoid a nutrient imbalance that may create artificial deficiencies of otherwise adequate nutrient elements

Mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V selectively laser melted parts with body-centred-cubic lattices of varying cell size

Significant weight savings in parts can be made through the use of additive manufacture (AM), a process which enables the construction of more complex geometries, such as functionally graded lattices, than can be achieved conventionally. The existing framework describing the mechanical properties of lattices places strong emphasis on one property, the relative density of the repeating cells, but there are other properties to consider if lattices are to be used effectively. In this work, we explore the effects of cell size and number of cells, attempting to construct more complete models for the mechanical performance of lattices. This was achieved by examining the modulus and ultimate tensile strength of latticed tensile specimens with a range of unit cell sizes and fixed relative density. Understanding how these mechanical properties depend upon the lattice design variables is crucial for the development of design tools, such as finite element methods, that deliver the best performance from AM latticed parts. We observed significant reductions in modulus and strength with increasing cell size, and these reductions cannot be explained by increasing strut porosity as has previously been suggested. We obtained power law relationships for the mechanical properties of the latticed specimens as a function of cell size, which are similar in form to the existing laws for the relative density dependence. These can be used to predict the properties of latticed column structures comprised of body-centred-cubic (BCC) cells, and may also be adapted for other part geometries. In addition, we propose a novel way to analyse the tensile modulus data, which considers a relative lattice cell size rather than an absolute size. This may lead to more general models for the mechanical properties of lattice structures, applicable to parts of varying size