In vitro anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities of crude saponins extracted from Albuca bracteataJacq. Bulb.

Background: Albuca bracteata is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the management of diabetes mellitus in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of saponins extracted from the bulb of Albuca bracteata and compared with the crude methanolic extract.Methods: In vitro antioxidant activity was determined using free radical scavenging assays such as DPPH, ABTS and NO2. The antiinflammatory potential was carried out using inhibition of protein denaturation of egg albumin as a model of anti-inflammatory capacity.Results: Both the crude methanolic extract and saponins showed inhibition of DPPH, ABTS and NO2 scavenging activity. However, the free radical scavenging activity of isolated saponin compared favourably with Rutin and BHT. The crude methanolic extract showed higher inhibition percentage of protein denaturation compared with the saponins at the concentration investigated.Conclusion: This study indicates that saponin from Albuca bracteata bulb possess potent anti-inflammatory activity and is also a good source of natural antioxidant.Key words: anti-inflammatory, Albuca bracteata, free radicals, antioxidant

Optimal Guaranteed Services Timed Token (OGSTT) Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol for Networks That Support Hard Real-Time and Non Real-Time Traffic

In networks that support real-time traffic and non-real-time traffic over the same physical infrastructure, the challenge to the Media Access Control (MAC) protocol of such network is the ability to support  the different traffic without compromising quality of service (QoS) for any of them. Generally, timed-token MAC protocols group the diverse real-time traffic into one category and then dedicate certain portion of the available bandwidth to them. At the same time, some bandwidth are left unassigned but available to the non real-time traffic. The unassigned bandwidth, and in some cases, the unused bandwidth left by the real-time traffic are assigned to the non-real-time traffic on best effort basis. In this paper, Optimal Guaranteed Services Timed Token (OGSTT) MAC protocol is developed and analyzed. In order to provide better support for both real-time traffic and non-real-time on the same local area network, OGSTT employs the timed-token mechanisms in the Timely-Token protocol along with that of Budget Sharing Token (BuST) protocol. Some bounds on the behavior of OGSTT protocol are discussed along with the ability of OGSTT protocol to support real-time and non-real time traffic. In particular, the paper demonstrated that the performance achieved by OGSTT is better than the Timely-Token and BuST. Furthermore, OGSTT protocol can be incorporated into the Ethernet network to provide real-time performance guarantees to multimedia applications and hard and soft real-time traffic

The modelling and control of the drive system of an Ackermann Robot using GA optimization

This paper provides the mathematical modelling and control optimization, of the drive system of an Ackermann four wheeled autonomous robot, with Genetic algorithm used for tuning the proportional, integral and derivative (PID) Controller parameters. The aim and main objective of this work is focused on the control of the driving speed input from the rear wheels of the robot and control. The robot drive in proportion to obstacle input ahead of the four wheeled chassis using genetic algorithms. A controlled platform that can be deployed for driverless vehicle in the nearest future and military unmanned vehicle is our major concern. The controlled system response stabilized in 0.675 seconds, after exciting the system with a step response. Variation for the system also shows, that the cost function was minimized or adjusted to obtain optimal PID parameters as Proportional (P) = 12.671, Integral (I) = -0.399, Derivative (D) = 1477561, at a value of 9.6778*10-4.Keywords: Ackermann steering, modelling, optimization, Genetic Algorithm, control, PID, driverless vehicl

A Step Towards Autonomous, Biomimetic, Non-GPS Based Navigation Methodology

Global Positioning System (GPS) based navigations have their own inherent weakness; they can be overridden so easily and are not useful inside structures. One method of overcoming the above problem is the use of feature based navigation system. Nature has so much perfected this that copying nature is one of the best approaches available to scientist. In this study, desert ant (Cataglyphis fortis) was imitated. A simple infra-red based active beacons and robot mounted rotating receiver based on TSOP31138 infra-red sensor was implemented using New Three Objects Triangulation Algorithm (ToTAL) in its firmware for the robot pose. The designed robot with the triangulation algorithm was able to compute its pose such that on a grid of 6 m x 6 m, it can home to its base with a maximum error of 14.8 mm

Comparison of Sodium Thiopentone and Propofol for Electroconvusive Therapy(ECT)

Background: Seizure activity produced by Electroconvulsive Therapy(ECT) is considered as the therapeutic aspect of this form of treatment, but is accompanied by untoward physiologic consequences, mainly cardiovascular neurological in  nature. The hemodynamic effects can have a significant impact in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease. A number of medications have been used during ECT including pretreatment sedation, anaesthetic agents, muscle relaxants, anticholinergics, and drugs to attenuate parasympathetic and sympathetic responses.  AIMS  AND OBJECTIVES:  This study was carried out to compare propofol and sodium thiopentonne effectswhen used for modified electroconvulsive therapy . METHODOLOGY:  After ethical approval forty patients being planned for modified electroconvulsive therapy were recruited.They were randomly allocated into sodium  thiopentone and propofol groups .The two groups  had propofol 2mg/kg or  sodium thiopentone 5mg/kg respectively and then suxamethonium 1mg/kg. After fasciculation a brief pulse impulse was deliveredby psychiatrist while patient is being ventilated manually with 100% Oxygen.The duration ofseizure,, the time to loss of conscioussness, incidence of complications were recorded.  RESULTS:  This single blinded study was carried out on 40 adult patients equally divided into two groups of 20 each to compare the haemodynamic effects and seizure activity of thiopentone sodium (GroupS) and propofol(Group P) when used as inducing agents in patients undergoing modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT). Results showed propofol maintained significantly better haemodynamics compared to thiopentone and seizure time was significantly lower with propofol compared to thiopentone . Recovery from anaesthesia post MECT was significantly quicker with propofol compared with thiopentone. Hence,we conclude that  propofol has advantage over thiopentone when used as an induction agent for modified electroconvulsive theraphy. Keywords: Protocol, Sodium thiopentone, Electroconvulsive therapy. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-16-02 Publication date:August 31st 202

Abundance and Distribution of Large Mammals in the Upper Ogun Game Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria

Three different methods for estimating wild animal populations were used to assess the density of different species in a game reserve in the Sahel region of Nigeria. Hunting for bushmeat by local communities living around the reserve was identified as one of the threats to wildlife populations. Bushmeat was an essential resource for communities around the reserve

Abundance and Distribution of Large Mammals in the Upper Ogun Game Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria

In this study, three indirect methods [counts of animal droppings, footprints, and tracks) were used as indices to estimate the abundance and distribution of large mammals in the Upper Ogun Game Reserve, which is located in a typical Southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. Thirteen animal species were recorded; kob, bushbuck, hartebeest, roan antelope and duicker were the most abundant. The distribution of large mammals appears to be controlled by several factors: accessibility to the River Ogun [the main source of water in the reserve), availability of food and cover, and the extent of illegal hunting. An analysis of questionnaires distributed to various people living in villages around the reserve revealed that these people depend heavily on bushmeat for their animal protein requirements. They also use other wildlife products to meet their economic, social, and cultural needs. It is recommended that adequate protection should be accorded to the game reserve for at least 5 years. After that time, the area could be opened up to tourism, and controlled hunting could be permitted in the buffer zone around the reserve

Mechanical Description of a Hyper-Redundant Robot Joint Mechanism Used for a Design of a Biomimetic Robotic Fish

A biologically inspired robot in the form of fish (mackerel) model using rubber (as the biomimetic material) for its hyper-redundant joint is presented in this paper. Computerized simulation of the most critical part of the model (the peduncle) shows that the rubber joints will be able to take up the stress that will be created. Furthermore, the frequency-induced softening of the rubber used was found to be critical if the joints are going to oscillate at frequency above 25 Hz. The robotic fish was able to attain a speed of 0.985 m/s while the tail beats at a maximum of 1.7 Hz when tested inside water. Furthermore, a minimum turning radius of 0.8 m (approximately 2 times the fish body length) was achieved

Design and Construction of an Arduino - Based Solar Power Parameter-Measuring System with Data Logger

Accurate monitoring and measurement of solar photovoltaic panel parameters are important for solar power plant analysis to evaluate the performance and predict the future energy generation. There are always challenges of getting such data readily available due to huge amount of money to be spent on state of the art equipment or the purchase of reliable satellite weather data. This study aimed at the development of a cost-effective parameter-measuring system for a solar photovoltaic panel using Arduino microprocessor board. The systems measure five parameters, including voltage, current, light intensity, temperature, and pressure. The hardware circuit was designed to link different sensors with the Arduino board and the measured data were in turn were documented into a computer for further analysis. The accuracy of the constructed device was ascertained by comparing the measured parameters with that of conventional standard measuring instruments which shows good agreement. The measured parameters show that the output energy generation from solar photovoltaic panel largely depends on the solar irradiance and temperatur

The Effect of the Acetone Extract of Arctotis arctotoides (Asteraceae) on the Growth and Ultrastructure of Some Opportunistic Fungi Associated with HIV/AIDS

In this study, the effect of the acetone extract of Arctotis arctotoides (L.f.) O. Hoffm. (Asteraceae) on the growth and ultrastructure of some opportunistic fungi associated with HIV/AIDS was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM). Remarkable morphological alterations in the fungal mycelia which were attributed to the loss of cell wall strength ranged from loss of turgidity and uniformity, collapse of entire hyphae to evident destruction of the hyphae. The elements responsible for giving the fungi their characteristic virulence were detected and quantified by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis techniques. X-ray microanalysis showed the specific spectra of sodium, potassium and sulfur as the principal intersection of the four pathogenic fungi studied. Since these ions have the potential of fostering fungal invasion by altering the permeability of hosts’ membranes, their presence was considered inherent to the pathogenicity of the opportunistic fungi. Hence, these findings indicate the potential of the crude extract of A. arctotoides in preventing fungal invasion and subsequent infection of host’s membranes