Pore-scale analyses of heterogeneity and representative elementary volume for unconventional shale rocks using statistical tools

We express our appreciations to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Nigeria (PTDF), for funding this work.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Mini-craniotomy under local anaesthesia and sedation as a less invasive procedure for spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage in a developing country

Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MINS) is being viewed as the more practical alternative to the traditional craniotomy for the evacuation of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH). Most such sICH arises as complications of systemic hypertension. The techniques of MINS described are not currently affordable in most developing countries.Methods: An annotated technique of mini-craniotomy under local anaesthesia (LA) is here described as a stop-gap solution to this problem. An outcome study of this surgical technique in a prospective consecutive patient population is also presented.Results: Twenty-one patients, 13 males, mean age 41.1 years, underwent this surgical procedure. Clinical presentation of the sICH was generally severe: 48% in coma, 81% critically ill, and many of these cases were complicated with high fever, meningism, and chest morbidity. The Glasgow Coma Scale score was 3/15 to 8/15 and 9/15 to 12/15, respectively, in 9 of 21 cases (42.9%) each. The ICH showed evidence of significant mass effect on brain computed tomography (CT) scan in 95% and was associated with intraventricular haemorrhage in 43%. The bleed was deep-seated in the white matter and basal ganglia in 16 of 21 cases, and superficial-cortical in the rest. The midline shift was at least 5 mm in all of these. The surgical procedure was successfully completed in all cases. The in-hospital results were: mortality of 62% and postoperative survival of 38%, which is well within the range of global outcome statistics related to sICH.Conclusions: In well-selected patient groups mini-craniotomy under LA appears effectual in the surgical evacuation of sICH. It has a particular attraction as a low-cost treatment option for developing countries.Keywords: spontaneous ICH; surgical evacuation; minimally invasive surgery; surgical technique; mini-craniotomy; local anaesthesia; low-cost procedure; developing countr

Effect of Pre-Treatments on Mechanical Oil Expression from Dika Kernels

ABSTRACTThe effect of pre-treatments on mechanical oil expression from dika kernels was investigated in this study. The parameters considered were particle sizes (fine and coarse), moisture content (4, 6, and 8%), heating temperature (30, 40, and 50°C), heating time (15, 35 and 45min) and applied pressure (5, 10 and 15MPa). The results showed that the oil point pressure of dika kernels reduced with increase in heating temperature and time and moisture content. The highest oil point pressure for coarse particles was recorded at 2.11MPa; whereas oil point pressure for fine particles was below 1MPa. The lowest pressure at which oil began to flow was 0.41MPa (at 50°C and 8.3% MC) while the highest was 0.65MPa (at 30°C and 4.2% MC). The optimal oil point pressure ranged from 0.55 to 0.65MPa for fine particles and 1.51 to 2.11MPa for coarse particles. The least oil yield was at 4% moisture content at 5Mpa for coarse particles; whereas the highest yield was obtained at 4% moisture content at 15MPa for fine particles. For coarse particles, resistance to oil flow decreased significantly with increase in moisture content, heating temperature and heating time. The optimal oil expression occurred at pressure range of 0.55 to 0.65MPa for fine particles and 1.51 to 2.11MPa for coarse particles. Dika kernel has a high oil content, which makes it valuable for oil production. An understanding of the response of oil yield to various pre-treatments will provide valuable information for the optimization of dika oil expression

Men’s experiences of surviving testicular cancer: An integrated literature review

Purpose. To synthesize literature in order to elucidate the experiences of men who have survived testicular cancer and determine their quality of life following treatment. Methods. An integrated review sought appropriate literature by utilising a keyword search across seven databases. Retrieved studies were appraised for quality, with two qualitative, twelve quantitative, and two mixed method studies deemed appropriate for this review. The data were extracted and aggregated into categories by way of a thematic analysis. The themes were: personal challenges and impact on health, psychological and emotive challenges, perception of reproduction and sexual changes, and outlook and support. Results. Men experienced physical, emotional, and sexual difficulties. Some men believed they were infertile, despite evidence that fertility is not compromised in the long term. Psychological conditions can be exacerbated by cultural pressures to conceive and cultural expressions about male identity. Men who had undergone orchidectomy reported minimal impact on their mental health than the men who had chemotherapy or radiotherapy as part of their treatment modality.  Sexual dysfunction caused by chemotherapy-associated side effects was detrimental to men’s quality of life. In addition, men who had a partner, who were employed, and who had children were able to adjust better after treatment than those who did not. Provision of clear and honest information post-treatment helped testicular cancer survivors return to their normal lives. Conclusions. The evidence from the review suggests that the burden of disease for testicular cancer survivors is overall low. Men who had surgical intervention and were treated for testicular cancer experienced minimal impact on their mental health status than the men who had chemotherapy or radiotherapy as part of their treatment modality. Implications for Cancer Survivors. There is a need to provide appropriate referrals to the relevant services, including psychosocial support, and the development of more adequate communication resources for men following treatment for testicular cancer

A Study on the Effects of Internal Heat Generation on the Thermal Performance of Solid and Porous Fins using Differential Transformation Method

In this study, the impacts of internal heat generation on heat transfer enhancement of porous fin is theoretical investigated using differential transform method. The parametric studies reveal that porosity enhances the finheat dissipating capacity but the internal heat generation decreases the heatenhancement capacity of extended surface. Also, it is established that whenthe internal heat parameter increases to some certain values, some negativeeffects are recorded where the fin stores heat rather than dissipating it. Thisscenario defeats the prime purpose of the cooling fin. Additionally, it is established in the present study that the limiting value of porosity parameterfor thermal stability for the passive device increases as internal heat parameter increases. This shows that although the internal heat parameter canhelp assist higher range and value of thermal stability of the fin, it producesnegative effect which greatly defeats the ultimate purpose of the fin. Theresults in the work will help in fin design for industrial applications whereinternal heat generation is involved

Membership of Rice Farmers Associations and Adoption of Improved Rice Production Technology in Kaduna and Kano States, North West Nigeria

The study examined adoption of recommended practices on improved rice production technology among members and non-members of Rice Farmers Associations in Kaduna and Kano States, North West Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used for the selection of 282 respondents comprising of 141 members and 141 non-members from both States and semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data analysis was done by using descriptive statistics and Z-test. Results of the study showed that apart from number of years of formal education and use of mobile phones, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in age, household size, household labour, size of rice field and years of experience in rice production among members and non-members. In terms of adoption of recommended practices on improved rice production technology, performance of members was significantly better (P<0.05) than that of non-members in Kaduna whereas no significant difference was observed among members and non-members in Kano. Encouraging farmers to join Rice Farmers Associations alone may not lead to better adoption of improved rice production technology. It is recommended that the capacity of Rice Farmers Associations should be strengthened for them to operate as business entities and gain access to formal markets. Keywords: Adoption, Improved Rice Production Technology, Rice Farmers Associations and Socioeconomic Characteristic

Effects of Membership of Rice Farmers Associations on Access to Institutional Support for Rice Production in Kaduna and Kano States, Northwest Nigeria

The study examined the effects of membership of Rice Farmers Associations (RFAs) on access to institutional support for rice production in Kaduna and Kano States, North West Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used for the selection of 282 respondents comprising of 141 members and 141 non-members from both States while semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data was analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Z-test. Results of the study showed that members had significantly higher amount of agricultural credit than non-members in Kaduna and Kano. There was no significant difference at P<0.05 in access to agricultural extension services among members and non-members in Kaduna.  In Kano, access to agricultural extension services was significantly better among members than non-members. Access to improved seeds and subsidised fertiliser through the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme of the Federal Government was not influenced by membership of RFAs in the study area. The study concluded that access to institutional support for rice production was similar among members and non-members of RFAs. It is recommended that the government should ensure that farmers are not only encouraged to join associations but are supported with necessary inputs and extension advisory services to boost food production. Existing local structures that farmers depend on for support in food production should be identified and strengthened for them to provide better services. Keywords: Rice Farmers Associations, access to credit, access to extension services, access to seeds and subsidised fertiliser, Nigeri

ANNONA MURICATA LINN. ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT AMELIORATES REPRODUCTIVE COMPLICATIONS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine and metabolic disorder of humans and animals characterized by hyperglycemia and low blood insulin levels or insensitivity of target organs to insulin and it’s a major health problem affecting patient’s quality of life due to its many complications. Infertility is one of the major secondary complications in diabetes. Although numerous drugs have been used for intervention studies on diabetes-induced infertility worldwide, there are currently no treatments for diabetes associated infertility in humans. This study was performed to investigate the effects of Annona muricata ethanolic leaf extract (AMELE) on fertility of male diabetic rats and levels of blood glucose. Twenty male Wistar rats (150-200g) were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n=5) treated thus: CTRL (control), DNT, DT1 and DT2 (diabetic, single intraperitoneal injection, streptozotocin, 60 mg/kg). Group DT1 and DT2 received AMELE orally at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively daily for fourteen days. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. The animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks via thiopental injection and testicular weights were recorded. Fasting blood glucose was determined using a digital glucometer. Sperm count, motility, viability and morphology were assessed microscopically. Testes were histologically evaluated. The results showed that oral administration of AMELE at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg to diabetic male rats for fourteen days significantly decreased blood glucose level and also ameliorated diabetes-induced decreases in sperm functions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.   &nbsp

Physicians’ Knowledge of the Glasgow Coma Scale in a Nigerian University Hospital: Is the Simple GCS Still Too Complex?

Objective: The Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS, is a universal clinical means of quantifying the level of impaired consciousness. Although physicians usually receive undergraduate and postgraduate training in the use of this scale in our university hospital we are aware of studies suggesting that the working knowledge of the GCS among practising physicians might not be adequate. Methods: We carried out a questionnaire-based survey across all specialties and levels of training of physicians in active patient care in a Nigerian university hospital. Results: Of the 100 physicians sampled, 98 correctly spelled out what the three-letter abbreviation, GCS, stands for. Ninety-three percent also conceded it to be an important clinical rating scale. However, only 55–89% of the participants correctly identified the three respective clinical variables, (eye opening, verbal response, and motor response), of the GCS. More particularly, the participants’ ability to itemize and correctly score all the respective components of each of the three clinical variables ranged from 0 to 35% across specialties and levels of training. Performance was best for the four-item eye opening variable and, worst for the six-item motor response variable. Conclusion: In our university hospital, practising physicians’ working knowledge of the GCS is inadequate and is dependent on the degree of the complexity of each of the three clinical variables of the scale

Antispermatogenic Activity Of Morinda Morindoides Root Bark Extract In Male Wistar Rats

To investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of the root bark of Morinda morindoides (Rubiaceae) on the reproductive activity of male Wistar rats, three groups (A, B and C) of six rats each were treated with 400,800 and 1600 mg/kg/day of Morinda morindoides root bark extract respectively for 28 days while 5mls/kg of distilled water was given to the control group D. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and sperm characteristics, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. Morinda morindoides root bark extract caused a significant reduction (p<0.05) in sperm motility, a significant dose dependent reduction in the sperm count and a significant (p<0.05) dose dependent increase in morphological abnormalities of the spermatozoa of the treated rats. Histopathological evaluation of the testis and epididymis revealed varying degrees of degeneration and necrosis of the germinal epithelia cell of the seminiferous tubules and spermiostasis. Morinda morindoides root bark extract has significant anti-spermatogenic effects on adult male Wistar rats which could impair reproductive activities in these male Wistar rats. &nbsp