Algorithm for Fingerprint Verification System

Extraction of minutiae based features from good quality fingerprint images is more effective for fingerprint recognition in comparison with features from low quality fingerprint. In this paper, a new technique for fingerprint feature extraction based on ridge pattern is proposed. Robust features are extracted from fingerprint image notwithstanding the quality of the image. The variation within different person fingerprint is established using centre of gravity of the fingerprint image as the reference point for effective classification. Similarity measure in term of Euclidean distance is compute for test fingerprint image

Phytochemical properties of some solvent fractions of petroleum ether extract of the African mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) leaves and their antimicrobial activity

The leaves of the African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) on Kola acuminata in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria were studied. The chloroform (A), ethyl acetate (B) and ethyl acetate residue (C) fractions of crude petroleum ether extract of L. micranthus Linn were subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation. Results reveal the presence of protein in fraction C, whereas flavonoids, steroids and terpenes were present in all the fractions, but in a low quantity. Fractions A and B had high, while fraction C had moderate quantity of tannins. However, high quantity of resins was present in fraction C followed by fraction A. Fraction B showed the highest susceptibility (25) to Bacillus subtilis, and was active against the fungus, Candida albicans, suggesting its higher potency and fungistatic potential. Apart from Klebsiella spp., the other organisms were not susceptible to fraction A, apparently owing to high resins but no protein content. Fraction C was active against the highest number of organisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. subtilis and Klebsiella spp.). In all, this study suggests that A, B and C fractions of crude petroleum ether leaf extract of L. micranthus Linn is parasitic on K. acuminate, may serve as source for compounds with therapeutic potentials. However, the fractionating solvents used in this study may not be the preferred choice for fractionating the active principles of L. micranthus Linn. Interestingly, the possible fungistatic potential of L. micranthus Linn parasitic on K. acuminata as observed in fraction B may be exploited in the design and development of fungistatic drug.Keywords: Phytochemical, antimicrobial, fungistatic, Loranthus micranthus Linn, Kola acuminata, mistleto

Analysis of accidents caused by human factors in the oil and gas industry using the HFACS-OGI framework

Background: Human factors have been identified as the most common causes of catastrophic accidents in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, this study aims to analyze human causal factors of accidents in the oil and gas industry using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System for the Oil and Gas Industry (HFACS-OGI) framework. Methods: This study involved a quantitative data collection of 184 accident cases in the oil and gas industry that occurred from 2013 to 2017 from the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) database. The causal factors of these accidents were coded using the HFACS-OGI framework. Accident data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 test. Results: Study findings reveal that 23% of all accidents was recorded in 2013. 32% of accidents occurred in Asia, while 69% of accidents were recorded in onshore locations. Contractors were involved in 86% of accidents, while 28% of accidents occurred during drilling, workover and well services. Contractor’s work environment was the main human factor in 90% of accident cases. Conclusion: The HFACS-OGI framework proves to be a vital tool for robust accident analysis of human factors in the oil and gas industry

Palynotaxa and Parasitic Loads of Nigerian Currency: Potential Sources of Microbial Transmittance

Currency notes are handled by a large number of people under a variety of personal and environmental conditions. A total of ninety six samples of one hundred naira denomination of Nigerian notes were procured from seven Local Government Areas (LGA) of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the palynotaxa and parasitic load prevalent on currency notes. The leachates of currency notes were obtained and subjected to acetolysis and examined microscopically. Twenty six fungal spores type were recorded and were highly dominated by spores of Libertelli spp., Botrytis spp. and Spadicoides spp. Pollen achieved 54 % of the total bio-particles, whereas fungal spores and parasitic worms achieved 35.2 % and 10.60 %, respectively. The presence and relative abundance of these palynotaxa and parasites in currency notes affirms their propensity to spread vectors of diseases

Physiological behavior of newly isolated Bacterium CB1 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain CB2 on Chrysene, Pyrene, Naphthalene and Fluoranthene

The biodegradability of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were studied in liquid culture media using bacterial strains (Bacterium CB1 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain CB2) isolated from a former industrial site contaminated with organic and inorganic contaminants. The enrichment experiment was done with chrysene. The partial 16S rRNA gene analyses of Bacterium CB-1 possessed 100% similarity to an uncultured bacterium clone nbt020a while Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain CB2 had 99% similarity to Paenibacillus sp. Y412MC10. Bacterium CB1 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain CB2 degraded naphthalene between the range of 27% and 42%, chrysene 47% and 12%, fluoranthene 5% and 16%, pyrene 12% and 17% respectively. The strains utilized the test compounds as sole source of carbon and energy. As anticipated, the controls (abiotic and killed) losses were insignificant. The residual PAH obtained in some cases correlated to an increase in cell number indicating that our strains were responsible for the degradation

Study of The Lumbosacral Angles of Males In Port Harcourt, South- South, Nigeria

Background: This study was carried out to evaluate the lumbosacral angles of males in the south south geopolitical region of Nigeria in the age group.Methods: A total of 100 lumbosacral lateral radiographs of normal from subjects South South geopolitical region of Nigeria taken in the department of Radiology, UPTH were evaluated. The lumbosacral angles were measured using Ferguson's method.Results: The mean lumbosacral angle in the sample o o population is 36.1 +/- 9.41 .The lumbosacral angle was found to increase with age up to a maximum in the age group of 36-40years.It remains fairly constant there after until the seventh decade.Conclusion: The normal range of lumbosacral angles in Nigerians of South-South geopolitical zone is demonstrated and it does not increase significantly after the age 36-40years

Animal Cruelty: A Review

Animal Cruelty cases make headlines around the world every day, whether it’s the person who kills the neighbour’s cat, the hoarder of sick and dying animals or the family whose freezing, starving dog is tied up outside in the middle of the winter. Animal Cruelty has several types which may be one of Simple Neglect, Gross Neglect, Intentional Abuse, Animal Hoarding, Organized Abuse, Ritualistic Abuse or Animal Sexual Assault. These cases of Cruelty cannot be overlooked as it has proven to have severe implications ranging from the fact that it is linked to other crimes, to the factual truth that these practises inflict great pain on these animals that have nobody to speak for them. Combating this menace of Animal Cruelty is a Journey that must be undertaken and everybody including the Government, NGOs and even Culture has a major role to play in this.  This review looks at Animal Cruelty in the world while paying a little more attention to Nigeria

Perceptions of a self-management intervention for adolescents with sickle cell disease

Objective: Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for complications from their disease during their adolescent and young adult (AYA) years. The risk of morbidity in AYAs with SCD can be decreased with improved self-management. Existing self-management interventions typically focus on one aspect of self-management (e.g., adherence) and do not address factors that activate patients (knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, and social support) to self-manage. Sickle Cell Thrive (SCThrive) is a mixed in-person/online, technology-enhanced (use of a mobile app), group self-management intervention that targets patient activation. To determine the most clinically significant intervention components, a qualitative study was conducted. Method: Participants were 19 AYAs (Mage = 17.05) with SCD who participated in individual semistructured phone interviews after completing SCThrive. Interview content was coded using a grounded-theory approach to generate themes related to SCThrive’s feasibility, acceptability, and motivation for and impact on self-management. Results: SCThrive was reported to be highly feasible due to the mixed in-person/online format and acceptable because they learned skills to manage SCD in a group of AYAs with SCD. Action planning and pain/mood tracking appeared to be key factors in motivating AYAs for self-management. Participants reported continuing to use self-management skills post-SCThrive (self-efficacy) including applying them to other domains of their lives (e.g., educational/vocational). Conclusions: Study results provide data that can be leveraged to enhance the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of SCThrive and other self-management interventions. Findings can also inform clinical and mobile health interventions to increase self-management in this population

The Relationship between Selected Anthropometric Indices and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Apparently Healthy Young Adults in a Nigerian Community

Background and Aim: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a useful tool for establishment of baseline fitness status and monitoring of physical activity level. Therefore, it may by extension serve as health risk index. However, studies that have determined the correlation between anthropometric indices and CRF in apparently healthy young adults is difficult to find in other to preempt preventive actions before pathology develops. Materials and Methods: Using a descriptive correlational research design, 325 participants (160 males, 165 females) with mean age of 21.87±2.41 years were sampled. Tape measure, stop watch, metronome, sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, height meter, bathroom weighing scale, modified Borg’s exertion scale and step benches were used to obtain the blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, rate of perceived exertion, height, weight, waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated using the mean heart rate responses of the participants. The data was summarized using frequency count, percentages, range, mean, standard deviation, Independent t-test and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation at alpha level of 0.05. Results: CRF significantly correlated with post-test systolic blood pressure (p= 0.004), post-test diastolic blood pressure (p= 0.010) and resting heart rate (p= <0.0001) but not with BMI (p= 0.133), waist circumference (p= 0.098), pre-test systolic blood pressure (p= 0.155), pre-test diastolic blood pressure (p= 0.121), resting respiratory rate (p= 0.631), and respiratory rate recovery (p= 0.478). Conclusion: CRF can be used as an index to quantify in apparently healthy participants, level of cardiovascular and respiratory related disease risks. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of physical activity in order to improve one’s cardiorespiratory fitness and minimize the risk of cardiorespiratory associated diseases

Evaluation of the Hydrocarbon Maturity Level of Oil Well in Sedimentary Basin of the Northern Niger Delta, Nigeria

The hydrocarbon maturation level of Oben-1 well in the northern Niger Delta sedimentary basin was evaluated using the Lopatin "Time-Temperature Index (TTI). The result shows that sediments in the basin are both oil and gas producing with the oil window lying between the depths of 2.5 to 3.5km. Time of hydrocarbon generation varies from 36 Ma upwards. The hydrocarbon maturation level was estimated for seven horizons (A, B, C, D, E, F and G), and the results show that horizons A, B, C and D which are less than 36Ma are non oil and gas producing (i.e. TTI &lt; 15) while horizons E, F and G which are more than 36Ma old are both oil and gas producing. This result is in agreement with the values of Vitrinite reflectance obtained for the well. This study shows that exploratory wells in the area should be extended beyond the depth of 3.5kilometres and that the hydrocarbon prospects of the northern Niger Delta is high. @ JASE