Numerical approximation of second-order boundary value problems via hybrid boundary value method

Hybrid Boundary Value Method (HyBVM) is a new scheme, which is based on Linear Multistep Method (LMM). The HyBVM is the hybrid version of the Boundary Value Methods (BVMs) which are methods derived to overcome the limitations of the LMMs. This new scheme shares the same characteristic with the Runge Kutta method as data are utilized at off-step points. In this work, we apply this method to two second order Boundary Value Problems (BVPs) with mixed boundary conditions and the results are efficient when compared to other BVMs in literature

Electrochemical control of high carbon steel corrosion using rosemary oil in citric acid medium

The Inhibition efficiency of Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) for corrosion control of high carbon steel was done in citric acid medium by weight loss method. The Rosmarinus officinalis was administered in the proportion of 0%, 0.50%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.00% and 2.50% concentration. This study unveiled that the inhibition efficiency performed excellently with maximum percentage of 88.3% at room temperature in 0.5M citric acid solution. This has shown the effectiveness of Rosmarinus officinalis inhibitor in corrosion analysis of high carbon steel

Assessment of the Engineering Properties of Modified Asphalt Using Aluminium Dross as a Filler.

Aluminum dross waste creates environmental burden for manufacturers and hence the need for its re-use. This experimental research assessed the engineering properties of modified asphalt using aluminium dross as a filer material. The aluminium dross used was obtained from a steel manufacturing industry. Elemental composition of the oxides was done using XRF equipment. Sieve analysis of the aluminium dross and the coarse aggregate was also assessed. Additionally, ductility, penetration, ball and ring and Marshall stability test were used in achieving the aim of this research. The outcome of the research revealed that 10-20% addition of the aluminium dross improved the stability of the modified asphalt. Physical observation revealed that the utilization of the waste stiffened the modified asphalt. The result showed that the addition of aluminium dross reduced the VMA. This will also increase the asphalt mix flushing. Additionally, at higher percentage addition of the waste the stiffness of the asphalt mix increases especially at a higher temperature. The use of this material will help in the reduction of solid waste and reduce the cost of management while reducing the cost of pavement construction in track with the trash to treasure drive

Time to full enteral feeding for very low-birth-weight infants varies markedly among hospitals worldwide but may not be associated with incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis:The NEOMUNE-NeoNutriNet Cohort Study

Background: Transition to enteral feeding is difficult for very low-birth-weight (VLBW; ≤1500 g) infants, and optimal nutrition is important for clinical outcomes. Method: Data on feeding practices and short-term clinical outcomes (growth, necrotizing enterocolitis [NEC], mortality) in VLBW infants were collected from 13 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 5 continents (n = 2947). Specifically, 5 NICUs in Guangdong province in China (GD), mainly using formula feeding and slow feeding advancement (n = 1366), were compared with the remaining NICUs (non-GD, n = 1581, Oceania, Europe, United States, Taiwan, Africa) using mainly human milk with faster advancement rates. Results: Across NICUs, large differences were observed for time to reach full enteral feeding (TFF; 8–33 days), weight gain (5.0–14.6 g/kg/day), ∆z-scores (−0.54 to −1.64), incidence of NEC (1%–13%), and mortality (1%–18%). Adjusted for gestational age, GD units had longer TFF (26 vs 11 days), lower weight gain (8.7 vs 10.9 g/kg/day), and more days on antibiotics (17 vs 11 days; all P <.001) than non-GD units, but NEC incidence and mortality were similar. Conclusion: Feeding practices for VLBW infants vary markedly around the world. Use of formula and long TFF in South China was associated with more use of antibiotics and slower weight gain, but apparently not with more NEC or higher mortality. Both infant- and hospital-related factors influence feeding practices for preterm infants. Multicenter, randomized controlled trials are required to identify the optimal feeding strategy during the first weeks of life

Megamalls and lifestyles of urban dwellers in selected cities in southwest, Nigeria

The globalization trend in the 21st century has come with tremendous impacts across the nations of the world. Notable among the impacts is the emergence of megamalls and people’s changing lifestyles, resulting in socio-economic and infrastructural development. This study examines megamalls as an offshoot of the globalization process and the changing urban landscape in many cities with their growing population in Nigeria. It focuses on examining the relationship between megamalls and urban dwellers’ lifestyles in Nigeria with implications on population and human infrastructure for sustainable development. The study was conducted in three main cities of Ibadan, Lagos, and Ota in Southwest Nigeria. The study employs a descriptive research design using quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) research instruments to elicit information on respondents’ views on shopping malls and how it has contributed to human infrastructure and urban centers’ development. The modernization theory was employed to provide a theoretical guide for the study. Findings show that megamalls, with their aesthetic and magnificent structures, have contributed immensely to the development of urban centers and their dwellers by beautifying the urban environment, sales of quality and affordable goods, and a place for social gatherings relaxation. Therefore, it was recommended that more megamalls be built to meet up with urban dwellers’ growing demands and attract more social development

Early Use of Antibiotics Is Associated with a Lower Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm, Very Low Birth Weight Infants: The NEOMUNE-NeoNutriNet Cohort Study

Objective: To determine whether commencement of antibiotics within 3 postnatal days in preterm, very low birth weight (VLBW; ≤1500 g) infants is associated with the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Study design: Preplanned statistical analyses were done to study the association between early antibiotic treatment and later NEC development, using the NEOMUNE-NeoNutriNet cohort of VLBW infants from 13 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 5 continents (n = 2831). NEC incidence was compared between infants who received early antibiotics and those who did not, with statistical adjustments for NICU, gestational age, birth weight, sex, delivery mode, antenatal steroid use, Apgar score, and type and initiation of enteral nutrition. Results: The incidence of NEC was 9.0% in the group of infants who did not receive early antibiotics (n = 269), compared with 3.9% in those who did receive early antibiotics (n = 2562). The incidence remained lower in the early antibiotic group after stepwise statistical adjustments for NICU (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.94, P < .05) and other potential confounders (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.47; P < .0001). Conclusions: In this large international cohort of preterm VLBW infants, a small proportion of infants did not receive antibiotics just after birth, and these infants had a higher incidence of NEC. It is important to better understand the role of such variables as time, type, and duration of antibiotic treatment on NEC incidence, immune development, gut colonization, and antibiotic resistance in the NICU