Review of lightning protection standard in building structures in Nigeria.

A lightning protection system performs a simple task. It provides a specified path on which lightning can travel. When a building structure is equiped with a lightning protection system, the distructive power of the lightning strike is directed safely into the ground, leaving structures and equipment unharmed. This paper provides a comprehensive guidance for selection and installation of protection devices for building structures

Semi analytic method for solving infectious disease model

In this paper, we present a deterministic model that captures the essential dynamics of infectious diseases. Differential Transform Method (DTM) is applied to attempt the series solution of the model. The efficiency of the DTM in solving the model is confirmed by classical fourth-order Runge-Kutta method implemented in Maple 18. The comparisons between the DTM and Runge-Kutta (RK4) solutions were made and there exists positive correlation between the results obtained by the two methods. The outcome of comparison between the DTM and RK4 validates the potential of the DTM in coping with the analysis of modern epidemics

ON THE GLOBAL STABILITY OF CHOLERA MODEL WITH PREVENTION AND CONTROL

In this study, a system of first order ordinary differential equations is used to analyse the dynamics of cholera disease via a mathematical model extended from Fung (2014) cholera model. The global stability analysis is conducted for the extended model by suitable Lyapunov function and LaSalle’s invariance principle. It is shown that the disease free equilibrium (DFE) for the extended model is globally asymptotically stable if Rq0 1 for the extended model or R0 > 1 for the original model and the disease persists at a positive level though with mild waves (i.e few cases of cholera) in the case of Rq0 > 1. Numerical simulations for strong, weak, and no prevention and control measures are carried out to verify the analytical results and Maple 18 is used to carry out the computations

Partial Purification and Characterization of Cellulase from the haemolymph of the African Giant Land Snail (Archachatina marginata)

The aim of this study is to partially purify and characterize the cellulase extracted from the snail haemolymph of the African giant land snail of the species, Archachatina marginata. The protein concentration of the haemolymph was found to be 168 mg mLG1 and the specific activity of the crude cellulase was found to be 0.007 U mgG1 protein using Carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) as the substrate. The partial purification on Sephadex G-200 produced two activity peaks. The molecular weights of the two cellulase fractions were estimated to be 112,202 and 67,000. The Michealis Menten constant (km) for cellulase was 4.3 and 2.8 mg mLG1 for the higher and lower molecular weight fractions, respectively. The multiplicity of cellulase complexes indicated that the haemolymph of A. marginata may convert derived cellulose in foodstuffs such as garlic, mushrooms and domestic wastes into sources of fuel. It is suggested that the enzyme can be used to produce value-added products, such as ethanol, citric acid, amino acids and vitamins including primary metabolites from cellulosic wastes

Design and Construction of an Automatic Transfer Switch for a Single Phase Power Generator

An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) for a single phase power generator has been designed to enable the automatic operation and transfer of power supply between a public utility supply and a power generator. The ATS, which is a switchgear control system, provides a functional system that provides an automatic switching of power supply between a primary source (public utility) and a secondary power source (generator). The methods employed in designing the ATS involve the use of electromechanical type relays, contactors, voltage monitoring relays and delay timer relays as main components of the system. Incorporated in the ATS is a digital multimeter (DMM) made up of a 12V d.c and a 5V d.c power supply unit, precision rectifier unit, current transformer and Microcontroller (PIC 16F877) to convert the measured analogue alternating current(a.c). voltage and current quantities to digital values for display on the liquid crystal display (LCD). The result of the automatic transfer switch demonstrates its ability to perform automatic power change over activities easily and with little or no human interactio

A simple cost-effective high performance liquid chromatographic assay of sulphadoxine in whole blood spotted on filter paper for field studies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Artesunate plus sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine is one of the four artemisinin-based combination therapies currently recommended by WHO as first-line treatment for falciparum malaria. Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine is also used for intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy. Drug use patterns and drug pharmacokinetics are important factors impacting the spread of drug resistant parasites hence it is imperative to monitor the effect of pharmacokinetic variability on therapeutic efficacy. Unfortunately, information on the pharmacokinetics of sulphadoxine in children and pregnant women with malaria is very limited. Methods for the assay of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine have been previously reported, but they are not cost-effective and practicable in analytical laboratories in low resource areas where malaria is endemic. Efforts in this study were thus devoted to development and evaluation of a simple, cost-effective and sensitive method for quantification of sulphadoxine in small capillary samples of whole blood dried on filter paper.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sulphadoxine was determined in whole blood by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection at 340 nm. Sulisoxazole (SLX) was used as internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Beckman Coulter ODS C₁₈and a mobile phase consisting of 0.05 M phosphate buffer-methanol-acetonitrile (70:17:13 V/V/V) containing 1% triethylamine solution.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Standard curves from sulphadoxine-spiked blood added to filter paper were linear over the concentration range studied. Linear regression analysis yielded correlation coefficient r²> 0.99 (n = 6). Extraction recoveries were about 82-85%. The limit of quantification was 120 ng/ml while the within and between assay coefficient of variations were < 10%. The inter-day precision was < 5.8% and inter-day accuracy ranged from 4.1 to 5.3%. There was no interference from endogenous compounds or any of the commonly used anti-malarial, analgesic and anti-infective drugs with the peaks of SDX or the internal standard.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The recovery and accuracy of determination of SDX from whole blood filter paper samples using the method described in this study is satisfactory, thus making the method a valuable tool in epidemiological studies and therapeutic drug monitoring in developing endemic countries. Furthermore, the applicability of the method in studying the pharmacokinetic disposition of SDX in a patient suggests that the method is suitable in malaria endemic areas.</p

Re-calculating the cost of coccidiosis in chickens

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species parasites, has long been recognised as an economically significant disease of chickens. As the global chicken population continues to grow, and its contribution to food security intensifies, it is increasingly important to assess the impact of diseases that compromise chicken productivity and welfare. In 1999, Williams published one of the most comprehensive estimates for the cost of coccidiosis in chickens, featuring a compartmentalised model for the costs of prophylaxis, treatment and losses, indicating a total cost in excess of £38 million in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1995. In the 25 years since this analysis the global chicken population has doubled and systems of chicken meat and egg production have advanced through improved nutrition, husbandry and selective breeding of chickens, and wider use of anticoccidial vaccines. Using data from industry representatives including veterinarians, farmers, production and health experts, we have updated the Williams model and estimate that coccidiosis in chickens cost the UK £99.2 million in 2016 (range £73.0–£125.5 million). Applying the model to data from Brazil, Egypt, Guatemala, India, New Zealand, Nigeria and the United States resulted in estimates that, when extrapolated by geographical region, indicate a global cost of ~ £10.4 billion at 2016 prices (£7.7–£13.0 billion), equivalent to £0.16/chicken produced. Understanding the economic costs of livestock diseases can be advantageous, providing baselines to evaluate the impact of different husbandry systems and interventions. The updated cost of coccidiosis in chickens will inform debates on the value of chemoprophylaxis and development of novel anticoccidial vaccines

Partial Purification and Characterization of Cellulase from the Haemolymph of the African Giant Land Snail (Archachatina marginata)

The aim of this study is to partially purify and characterize the cellulase extracted from the snail haemolymph of the African giant land snail of the species, Archachatina marginata. The protein concentration of the haemolymph was found to be 168 mg mLG1 and the specific activity of the crude cellulase was found to be 0.007 U mgG1 protein using Carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) as the substrate. The partial purification on Sephadex G-200 produced two activity peaks. The molecular weights of the two cellulase fractions were estimated to be 112,202 and 67,000. The Michealis Menten constant (km) for cellulase was 4.3 and 2.8 mg mLG1 for the higher and lower molecular weight fractions, respectively. The multiplicity of cellulase complexes indicated that the haemolymph of A. marginata may convert derived cellulose in foodstuffs such as garlic, mushrooms and domestic wastes into sources of fuel. It is suggested that the enzyme can be used to produce value-added products, such as ethanol, citric acid, amino acids and vitamins including primary metabolites from cellulosic wastes

Nasal carriage of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus among medical students of a private institution in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Nasal carriage of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major factor for its transmission especially from the health workers and medical students to their patients. There are a number of published data on the prevalence of MRSA among health workers but data on nasal colonization of medical students by MRSA are sparse in Nigeria. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of nasal carriage of MRSA among medical students of the Ben Carson School of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, and identify risk factors associated with this nasal carriage. Methodology: A case control study involving 100 clinical (study group) and 100 pre- clinical (control group) medical students was undertaken between March 2018 and October 2019. Structured questionnaire was administered to obtain socio-demographic information and potential risk factors. Nasal swab was collected from each student and cultured for isolation of S. aureus by standard microbiology techniques. Phenotypic MRSA was detected by the cefoxitin 30μg disk diffusion method according to the guideline of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The mecA gene was detected by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results: The prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage among the study group was 14% (14/100) while the prevalence among the control group was 6% (6/100) (p=0.097). The prevalence of phenotypic MRSA among the study group was 4% (4/100) and 1% (1/100) among the control group (p=0.3687) while mecA gene was detected in 3 of the 4 (75%) phenotypic MRSA positive study participants and in the only (100%) phenotypic MRSA positive (1%) control group. Antibiotics usage without prescription, antibiotic treatment of common cold, and use of antibiotics in the previous one year, were significantly associated with MRSA carriage among the study group. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus and MRSA among clinical and pre-clinical medical students was not statistically significant, the risk factors identified with carriage of MRSA among the study group indicates the need for antimicrobial stewardship program to reduce carriage and transmission of MRSA by medical students. Keywords: methicillin resistant, Staphylococcus aureus, mecA gene, nasal carriage, medical student