Effect of lead on zooplankton dynamics in Challawa River, Kano State, Nigeria

Lead concentration was determined with the aid of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while zooplankton were collected with the aid of plankton net and analysed microscopically to assess their diversity and density in the Challawa River at four selected sites on fortnight basis between July 2006 and December 2007. The mean lead concentration was between 125 mg/L and 2.84 mg/L, far above maximum acceptable and allowable concentrations in drinking water of 0.05 mg/L and 0.10 mg/L respectively (WHO, 1996). The mean zooplankton density ranged between 3.09 Org/L and 10.26 Org/L. Only five protozoan, two insect, four copepod (plus one naplius I), one cladoceran and five rotifer species were identified during the study. The river quality decreased down stream, with least plankton recovery of 4 species at the industrial effluent inflow site and highest off-stream (site A) with 14 species. The site that experiences a direct inflow of industrial effluent was the most polluted (Odum’s Index = 0.22). Significant differences occurred in the lead concentration between the sites (

Occupational cow horn eye injuries in Ibadan, Nigeria

This case series aims to describe the clinical features, management, and outcome of occupational eye injuries caused by cow horns and to recommend possible preventive measures. A review of patients with cow horn inflicted eye injuries seen at the University College Hospital, Ibadan between January 2006, and December 2011 was conducted. Three patients were identified, and their charts were reviewed for demographic information, mechanism of injury, initial and final visual acuity, surgeries performed, as well as anatomic and visual outcome. The three patients were males and were aged 45, 22, and 49 years, respectively. They were all involved in cattle‑related jobs, and they all had unilateral open‑globe injuries with corneoscleral lacerations. Presenting visual acuity was nil light perception in the injured eyes. The contralateral eyes were all normal. Two of the patients required evisceration of the eye, while the third patient underwent repair of lacerations. Visual improvement was not achieved in any of the patients. Cow horn eye injuries may be quite severe and could result in loss of the eye with monocular blindness. Careful attention must be paid to prevent such injuries. Cattle rearers and dealers should wear safety goggles, and proper restraint of the animals is advocated.Keywords: Cow horn, Eye injury, Monocular blindness, Occupational injur

Response of Onion (Allium cepa L.) to Irrigation Intervals and Plant Density in Zuru, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted during the dry seasons of 2006/07 and 2007/08 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the College of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The objective was to investigate the response of onion to irrigation interval and plant population density. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of four irrigation intervals (3, 6, 9 and 12 days) and five plant population densities (160,000, 200,000, 250,000, 350,000 and 500,000 plants/ha), corresponding to 25x25, 25x20, 20x20, 20x15 and 20x10 cm spacing respectively. The treatments were laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Irrigation interval was allocated to the main plots and population density to the sub plots. Results reveal that mean bulb diameter, mean cured bulb weight and onion yield in both trials and the combined analysis were significantly (p < 0.05) favoured by irrigation intervals at 3 and 6 days. Lower plant densities (160,000 and 200,000 plants/ha) increased both bulb diameter and cured bulb weight but decreased total yield. The result of the research concluded by recommending 6 days irrigation interval and plant population density of 500,000 plants/ha for maximum onion yield in the study area.Keywords: Onion, irrigation, population, Northern Guinea savanna, NigeriaNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19(2):241- 24

Impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies in rural communities of Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study focused on the impacts of climate change on the livelihoods of some selected rural communities of Kaduna state, and the adaptation strategies employed by the people to ameliorate the scourge of climate change. Data for this study were obtained from a direct field study based on the result of 426 questionnaires that were administered to household heads. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. A five point Likert scale was used to determine the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies employed by the rural communities. Focus Group Discussions were also held in each Local Government Area in order to obtain in-depth information on the changing climate. The study identified decline in crop yields with a mean score (x̄) of 4.01, increased sickness (x̄ = 3.85), decrease in soil fertility (x̄ = 3.83), decline in forest resources (x̄ = 3.66) as the most significant impacts of climate change in the area; whereas use of fertilizer/animals dung (x̄ = 3.89), water harvesting (x̄ = 3.68), planting of economic trees and drought resistant crops (x̄ = 3.25) among others were the most significant and sustainable adaptation strategies adopted by the rural people. The study recommended that awareness programs on climate change challenges should be intensified, and probabilistic analysis of observed rainfall data in order to provide information about the beginning, the end and length of the rainy season, and the amount of available water during the season. Lastly, sustainable adaptation strategies employed by the rural people should be strengthened.Keywords: Adaptation, climate change, impacts, livelihood, resources, rural communitie

Effect of Variety, Seed Rate and Row Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Rice in Bauchi, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Fadama Farm Bauchi, during the rainy seasons of 2006 and 2007 to study the effects of variety, seeding rate and row spacing on growth and yield of rice. Two varieties of rice; Ex – China (Indigenous and upland/lowland) and NERICA-1 (improved and upland), three seeding rates (32, 54 and 75 kg/ha) and four row spacings (15, 20, 25 and broadcast) were used during the study. The treatments were combined and laid in a split – split plot design with three replications. Variety was placed in the main plot, seeding rate in the sub plot while row spacing was placed in sub –sub plot. Data were collected on parameters such as plant height, number of tillers per plant, spikes per hill, spikelets per spike and number of seeds per spike, seed weight per hill, 1000 grain weight and yield kg ha-1 and analyzed using analysis of variance procedure for split – split plot and significant differences among the treatment means were separated using the Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). Variety Ex-China produced significantly (P<0.05) higher numbers of tillers per plant and spikes per hill. However, NERICA-1 produced significantly (P<0.05) higher numbers of spikelets per spike, seeds per spike, weight of seed per spike, weight of seed per hill, 1000 grain weight and yield in kg ha-1 than Ex-China. Row spacings of 15, 20 and 25cm also had significant effects on the number of tillers per plant, number of spikes per hill, number of spikelets per spike, number of seeds per spike, weight of seed per spike, weight of seed per hill, 1000 grain weight and yield kg ha-1 over the control. From the factors studied, seeding rate did not show any significant difference during the two years of investigation. Interactions were also observed among the factors studied. Therefore, row spacings irrespective of the method used, or hole planting of rice could be more appropriate for optimum grain yield.Key words: Seed rate, Row spacing, Spike

Performance of Multiple Emission Peak Light Emitting Diode Light Curing Unit: Degree of Conversion and Microhardness of Resin-Based Pit and Fissure Sealant

Background: The light-cured resin-based pit and fissure sealants success and longevity are enhanced by sufficient curing. Multiple emission peak Light Emitting Diode Light Curing Units offer a wider range of wavelengths and different levels of irradiances to ensure sufficient curing.The irradiance is considered a main curing factor that can affect the material properties. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different settings of a multiwave LED LCU on the degree of conversion and microhardness of a pit and fissure sealant comparing the irradiance of 1000 mW/cm2 to 1400 mW/cm2 and 3200 mW/cm2 irradiances of the LCU using manufacturer’s guidelines for curing times at 2, 4 and, 6 mm distances. Methods: A multiwave LED light curing unit was evaluated on three different irradiance levels 1000 mW/cm2 (S), 1400 mW/cm2 (H), and 3200 mW/cm2 (X). A total of 90 samples made from the fissure sealant were fabricated and divided into eighteen groups (n=5/group). Samples were cured following manufacturer’s guidelines of curing times for each curing mode at 2, 4, or 6 mm distance between the light tip and top of samples. The DC was measured using (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The KHN test was performed on five different locations of each specimen using a hardness tester (Leco LM247AT, MI, USA, software; Confident V 2.5.2). Results: The top DC for H-8 was significantly higher than S-10 at 2 and 4mm, H-20 DC was significantly lower than S-30 at only 2mm. The bottom DC for H-8 was significantly higher than S-10 at 2mm only, H-20 DC was significantly lower than S-30 at 4 and 6mm only. H-8 KHN at top surface was significantly lower than S-10 at 2mm only, H-20 was significantly lower than S-30 at 2 and 6mm only. H-8 KHN at bottom surface was significantly lower than S-10 at 4 and 6mm but significantly higher at 2mm. H-20 was significantly lower than S-30 at 2mm but significantly higher at 4 and 6mm. The top DC for X-3 was significantly lower than S-10 at all curing distances with no significant difference at all curing distances between X-9 and S-30. The bottom DC for X-3 was significantly higher than S-10 at all curing distances with no significant difference between X-9 and S-30. X-3 KHN at top surface was significantly lower than S-10s at all curing distances. X-9 was significantly lower than S-30 at 6mm only. X-3 KHN at bottom surface was significantly lower than S-10 at 2 and 4mm only with no significant difference at all curing distances between X-9 and S-30. Conclusions: Using a multiwave LED LCU to polymerize Delton Opaque resin-based fissure sealants will result in an optimal DC and KHN values for any irradiance level if the curing distance is kept at 4 mm or less and with at least two cycles of the shortest curing time recommended by the manufacturer. Using a multiwave LED LCU with 1000, 1400 or 3200 mW/cm2 irradiance levels with shortest curing times recommended resulted in unsatisfactory DC and KHN levels. LED LCU with high and extra high irradiance levels (1400 and 3200 mW/cm2) can result in high DC and KHN levels when used adequately. Xtra Power mode (3200 mW/cm2) used on shortest curing time (3 seconds) resulted in significantly lower mechanical properties and for that reason it is not recommended to be used

Puerperal Superior Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis is a rare and often misdiagnosed disorder. Its occurrence with pulmonary embolism (PE) is much rarer, more so when it occurs in the setting of puerperium. Although cerebral sagittal sinus thrombosis can occur at any time during life, women are particularly vulnerable before delivery and during the puerperal period due to the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy. We report a case which describes the challenging clinical course of a young woman who developed superior sagittal sinus thrombosis and PE during puerperium.Keywords: Embolism, puerperium, pulmonary, sagittal sinus, thrombosi

Improving information security in e-banking by using biometric fingerprint : a case of major bank in Malaysia

In this paper biometric fingerprint technology will define and discuss as new best approach identification and authentication customers for online internet banking, and how biometric fingerprint will improve the internet banking protect its assets. Background will be produced to present how authentication and identification have developed and improved through the applications successful that have implemented biometric technology to protect its asset; then a case of major bank in Malaysia will be taken as a case study. By answering the question, why does biometric fingerprint need to come forefront as a great method of authentication in online banking environment? The findings have found that there are reasons and factors for higher security as a near perfect and biometric fingerprint authentication will be indicated to be the solution to answer this call

Factors infleuncing neonatal septicaemia in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Neonatal septicaemia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in the tropics. The risk factors vary, and the clinical features of neonatal septicaemia may be vague and nonspecific, therefore a high index of suspicion is vital to early diagnosis and treatment. The aetiological agents and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern have continued to change (in the same centre over time), hence the need to have undertaken this study.AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the study was to determine the risk factors influencing the aetiology of neonatal septicaemia at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was prospective and all the newborn that had clinical diagnosis of septicaemia were consecutively enrolled and admitted to the Special Care Baby Unit of the Department of Paediatrics of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). The patients were appropriately investigated including blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid cultures and urine culture among others.RESULTS: One hundred and ten neonates were studied, of these 46(42.0%) had positive blood culture, while 64 (58.0%) were blood culture negative. Eighteen (39.1%) of the septicaemic neonates were inborn, while 28 (60.9%) were out born. The incidence of neonatal septicaemia among babies delivered at UMTH was 5.9/1000 live births and the male to female ratio among septicaemic neonates was 1.9:1. The common risk factors for NNS were prolonged rupture of membrane (PROM), prematurity and low socioeconomic status of parents among others. Fever was the commonest clinical feature at presentation (87%), others include: poor feeding (64 %), excessive crying (33%), tachypnoea, hepatomegaly were some of the common examination findings. Staphylococcus aureus 16(69.6%) and Streptococcus pyogenes 5(21.8%) were the predominant Gram positive organisms isolated while Escherichia coli 9(39.1%) and Klebsiella Pneumoniae 7(30.4%) were the predominant Gram negative organisms isolated.CONCLUSION: Mortality was high in infection associated with Gram negative organisms and in the presence of conditions/complications like urinary tract infections, tetanus and meningit