Effect of storage on the brewing properties of tropical hop substitutes

Tropical hop substitute from utazi (UTZ) Gongronema latifolium, bitter cola (BTC), Garcinia kola, bitter leaf (BTL), Vernonia amygdalina and a blend (1:1.41:2.89) of the three (HSB) respectively, were produced. Stability studies were carried out to predict their suitability for brewing after one to six months storage at 5 ± 1oC and 27 ± 1oC, respectively. The level of reduction in their a-acid, iso-a-acid, soft resin, analytical bitterness and degree of utilization levels were determined. Result showed that there was a general reduction of between 10 to 30% in these parameters. However, the (HSB) recorded lower losses than BTC, BLF, and UTZ. Also the samples were more stable at 5 ± 1oC than at 27 ± 1oC. Samples treated with Ca(OH)2 had lower rate of decrease instability with percentage loses of between 5 to 15% recorded in all the samples. Pertinently, these levels of reduction were comparable to the level of losses reported in conventional temperate hops (Humulus lupulus) stored under similar conditions. Conclusively, tropical hop substitutes stored at 5 ± 1oC to 27 ± 1oC can still be used for brewing even after three to six months storage

Analysis of an Intelligent Temperature Transmitter for Process Control

In recent times, transmitters that incorporate microprocessor to perform various intelligent functions have been developed by various manufacturers. This paper presents an overview of the evolution in transmitter technology while highlighting key factors which have influenced the evolution. It also identifies low power microprocessor and analog to digital converters working with the basic sensor circuit as the key propellants in the advancement of transmitter technology. Despite several sensors available in the process control industry, the authors focus on temperature sensors and analyze a typical Rosemount Intelligent Temperature Transmitter (RITT) with a view to identifying and comparing how experimental results vary from established parameters in the datasheet. Simulation results show that the resistance of the RITT’s Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) varies directly with applied temperature. Percentage error shows acceptable points at -0.04%, 0.04% and -0.1%. For higher percentage error readings, it is necessary to connect a resistor of value between 250Ω and 1100Ω between the current loop and the transmitter. The future of transmitter technology is however the wireless sensor node (WSN) incorporating the Sensirion SHT11 temperature sensor.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i3.2

Microwave oven-induced decalcification at varying temperatures: A comparative study of two decalcifying fluids

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of decalcifying fluid types on bone tissue architecture and its staining properties following decalcification at varying temperatures. A decalcification methodology using Golding and Stewards (GS) fluid, and Jenkings fluid (JK), and a modern household microwave oven to accelerate the decalcification rate of bone tissue samples, was adopted for microscopic investigations at room temperature, 300C, 400C, and 500C respectively. Bone biopsy was obtained from a rabbit’s limb and fixed immediately for 24hrs in 10% formalin. The result showed that micrographs from bone tissue sections decalcified with 5% GS presented excellent histological architecture when compared with those decalcified with 5% JK at 300C while 5% JK presented good  histological architecture when compared with those decalcified with 5% GS at 400C.Severe cytoarchitectural distortion was observed for bone tissues decalcified with 5% GS at 500C, while bone tissues decalcified with 5% JK at 500C,  presented cyto-architectural distortions that were however, not as severe as those of 5% GS at 500C. Our findings suggest therefore, that decalcification with 5% GS at 300C, comparatively gives optimal histological results and preserves the tissues’ best staining properties.Key words: microwave oven, temperatures, bone decalcification, Histology

Obesity and pre-hypertension in family medicine: Implications for quality improvement

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background.</p> <p>Prevention of pre-hypertension is an important goal for primary care patients. Obesity is a risk factor for hypertension, but has not been addressed for pre-hypertension in primary care populations. The objective of this study was to assess the degree to which obesity independently is associated with risk for pre-hypertension in family medicine patients.</p> <p>Methods.</p> <p>This study was a retrospective analysis of information abstracted from medical records of 707 adult patients. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and pre-hypertension, after adjustment for comorbidity and demographic characteristics. Pre-hypertension was defined as systolic pressure between 120 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg.</p> <p>Results.</p> <p>In our sample, 42.9% of patients were pre-hypertensive. Logistic regression analysis revealed that, in comparison to patients with normal body mass, patients with BMI > 35 had higher adjusted odds of being pre-hypertensive (OR = 4.5, CI 2.55–8.11, p < .01). BMI between 30 and 35 also was significant (OR = 2.7, CI 1.61–4.63, p < 0.01) as was overweight (OR = 1.8, CI 1.14–2.92, p = 0.01).</p> <p>Conclusion.</p> <p>In our sample of family medicine patients, elevated BMI is a risk factor for pre-hypertension, especially BMI > 35. This relationship appears to be independent of age, gender, marital status and comorbidity. Weight loss intervention for obese patients, including patient education or referral to weight loss programs, might be effective for prevention of pre-hypertension and thus should be considered as a potential quality indicator.</p

Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and mortality of HIV, 1980–2017, and forecasts to 2030, for 195 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017

Background Understanding the patterns of HIV/AIDS epidemics is crucial to tracking and monitoring the progress of prevention and control efforts in countries. We provide a comprehensive assessment of the levels and trends of HIV/AIDS incidence, prevalence, mortality, and coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 1980–2017 and forecast these estimates to 2030 for 195 countries and territories. Methods We determined a modelling strategy for each country on the basis of the availability and quality of data. For countries and territories with data from population-based seroprevalence surveys or antenatal care clinics, we estimated prevalence and incidence using an open-source version of the Estimation and Projection Package—a natural history model originally developed by the UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates, Modelling, and Projections. For countries with cause-specific vital registration data, we corrected data for garbage coding (ie, deaths coded to an intermediate, immediate, or poorly defined cause) and HIV misclassification. We developed a process of cohort incidence bias adjustment to use information on survival and deaths recorded in vital registration to back-calculate HIV incidence. For countries without any representative data on HIV, we produced incidence estimates by pulling information from observed bias in the geographical region. We used a re-coded version of the Spectrum model (a cohort component model that uses rates of disease progression and HIV mortality on and off ART) to produce age-sex-specific incidence, prevalence, and mortality, and treatment coverage results for all countries, and forecast these measures to 2030 using Spectrum with inputs that were extended on the basis of past trends in treatment scale-up and new infections. Findings Global HIV mortality peaked in 2006 with 1·95 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 1·87–2·04) and has since decreased to 0·95 million deaths (0·91–1·01) in 2017. New cases of HIV globally peaked in 1999 (3·16 million, 2·79–3·67) and since then have gradually decreased to 1·94 million (1·63–2·29) in 2017. These trends, along with ART scale-up, have globally resulted in increased prevalence, with 36·8 million (34·8–39·2) people living with HIV in 2017. Prevalence of HIV was highest in southern sub-Saharan Africa in 2017, and countries in the region had ART coverage ranging from 65·7% in Lesotho to 85·7% in eSwatini. Our forecasts showed that 54 countries will meet the UNAIDS target of 81% ART coverage by 2020 and 12 countries are on track to meet 90% ART coverage by 2030. Forecasted results estimate that few countries will meet the UNAIDS 2020 and 2030 mortality and incidence targets. Interpretation Despite progress in reducing HIV-related mortality over the past decade, slow decreases in incidence, combined with the current context of stagnated funding for related interventions, mean that many countries are not on track to reach the 2020 and 2030 global targets for reduction in incidence and mortality. With a growing population of people living with HIV, it will continue to be a major threat to public health for years to come. The pace of progress needs to be hastened by continuing to expand access to ART and increasing investments in proven HIV prevention initiatives that can be scaled up to have population-level impact

Availability and utilization of internet among doctors in South-Eastern Nigeria

No Abstract.The Information Technologist Vol. 3 (2) 2006: pp. 1-

The mobile phone as a communication facility in Nigeria: A librarian's viewpoint

Mobile phones have widely been accepted in Nigeria as a veritable communication facility. The stupendous level of sales recorded by telecommunication companies all over the country are pointers to the fact that Nigerians are mobile phone friendly. The facility as observed by this author has been subjected to a lot of uses, including some unfriendly tendencies by most people. This paper attempted to highlight the history of mobile phones, the various uses of the facility and the unresolved controversy over the effect of radiation technology on human health. Studies that contradicted one another on this knotty issue were reviewed. Recommendations were proffered for users to apply restraint on the use of mobile phones. This is because as at the time of writing this paper, no definite answer has been found as to the dangers inherent on prolonged human exposure to mobile phone radio frequency emissions

Career Choice Of Students Of Library And Information Science In Tertiary Institution In Imo State, Nigeria

Library and Information Science is not a top rank choice of course by candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Imo State. Most of those who eventually get enrolled for the programme are not interested in practicing librarianship upon graduation. They prefer careers in other establishments even if they are to perform non – professional duties. Using athree part questionnaire, this study sought reponses on career choice from trainee librarians. Sixty (60) copies of the instrument were distributed, completed and returned, representing 100% response rate. Survey results indicated that respondents are ignorant of a librarian’s job schedule, prefer jobs in other areas and are not willing to make careers out of librarianship. Recommendations are made for re-tooling and retention of both trainee and practicing librarians in the profession

Relevance and users’ satisfaction with the information resources in University libraries in the South-South zone of Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the influence of relevance on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in South -South zone of Nigeria. Survey re search method was adopted for the study. The population of this study consists of 83 library staff and 7426 lecturers in the 11 university libraries in the zone during the 2012/2013 academic session. A sample of 36 library staff and 4627 lecturers from 6 o f the universities in the zone was used. The instrument was a researcher made questionnaire titled Relevance and Users’ Satisfaction with Information Resources (RUSIRQ) which was used to collect data. Means and standard deviations were used in answering th e research question while the hypothesis was tested using t -Test in IBM SPSS for Window version 20 at p = 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was significant influence of relevance on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in the South -South zone of Nigeria. The inference is that relevance has a strong influence on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in the South -South zone of Nigeria. It is therefore recommended th at librarians should take cognizance of relevanceof the information resources in the event of acquisition.Key Words: Relevance; Users,’ Satisfaction; Information, Resources