Optimized Remote Network Using Specified Factors As Key Performance Indices

This paper discuss the implementation of an optimized remote network, using latency, bandwidth and packet drop rate as key performance indicator (KPI) to measure network performance and quality of service (QoS). We compared the network performance characteristics derived on the Wide Area Network (WAN) when using Fiber, VSAT and Point-to-Point VPN across the internet respectively as the network infrastructure. Network performance variables are measured across various links (VAST, Fiber and VPN across the internet) and the corresponding statistical data is analyzed and used as base-line for the optimization of a corporate network performance. The qualities of service offered on the network before and after optimization are analyzed and use to determine the level of improvement on the network performance achieved

Managing and Improving Upon Bandwidth Challenges in Computer Network

Managing the bandwidth of a computer network is always faced with great challenges. This research was necessitated by the urgent need to manage the University network currently experiencing congestion in both the local LA� and on the internet backhaul with a view to improving network performance and reduce the huge recurrent on the WA� link. However, there exists various ways that have been deployed towards solving these problems. In this paper we examined existing bandwidth management, effect of limited bandwidth on the network performance and profound solutions of techniques that enhanced or improved the bandwidth efficiency. Also, included in this research work are the studies of the effect of limited bandwidth on work load, type of protocol used and the effect of network congestion on the quality of service of a Wide Area �etwork (WA�). By comparison, from the modeling of the effect of work load and limited bandwidth on the throughput of a wide area network based on experimental simulation and real time simulation scenarios, some observations were made and recommendation of solutions were given from the analyzed results

The potentials of henna (Lawsonia inamis L.) leaves extracts as counter stain in gram staining reaction

The potentials of aqueous and ethanol extract solutions of the henna plant (Lawsonia inamis L.) leaves adopted as alternative counter stain in Gram staining reactions were studied. Different extracts were formulated into various staining solutions of different concentrations. The solutionswere modified with hydrogen peroxide, ferric chloride, potassium alum and potassium permanganate. These staining solutions were used to stain bacterial isolates of Lactobacillus spp and Escherichia coli strains. The experimental henna plant extracts solutions were used with usualcounter stains (neutral red, safranin and dilute carbol fuchsin) as positive controls. The result obtained showed that aqueous extracts (cold and hot) oxidized with potassium permanganate with neutral pH gives a better staining reaction. While the ethanol extract after oxidized with potassiumpermanganate had no staining reaction. The result obtained therefore implied that the aqueous henna leaves extracts (cold or hot) when oxidized with potassium permanganate can be a substitute to the usual counter stains used in Gram staining reactions.Keywords: Aqueous Extract, Dyes, Henna, Counter-Stainin

Breast Cancer Classification Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

Breast cancer remains the primary causes of death for women and much effort has been depleted in the form of screening series for prevention. Given the exponential growth in the number of mammograms collected, computer-assisted diagnosis has become a necessity. Histopathological imaging is one of the methods for cancer diagnosis where Pathologists examine tissue cells under different microscopic standards but disagree on the final decision. In this context, the use of automatic image processing techniques resulting from deep learning denotes a promising avenue for assisting in the diagnosis of breast cancer. In this paper, an android software for breast cancer classification using deep learning approach based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was developed. The software aims to classify the breast tumors to benign or malignant. Experimental results on histopathological images using the BreakHis dataset shows that the DenseNet CNN model achieved high processing performances with 96% of accuracy in the breast cancer classification task when compared with state-of-the-art models

On Comparison of Exponential and Hyperbolic Exponential Growth Models in Height/Diameter Increment of PINES (Pinus caribaea)

A new tree growth model called the hyperbolic exponential nonlinear growth model is suggested. Its ability in model prediction was compared with the Malthus or exponential growth model an approach which mimicked the natural variability of heights/diameter increment with respect to age and therefore provides more realistic height/diameter predictions as demonstrated by the results of the Kolmogorov Smirnov test and Shapiro-Wilk test. The mean function of top height/Dbh over age using the two models under study predicted closely the observed values of top height/Dbh in the Hyperbolic exponential nonlinear growth models better than the ordinary exponential growth model without violating most of the assumptions about the error term

Hepatotoxic Assessment of Pecralima nitida Seeds Supplemented Diet in Wistar Rats.

This study assessed phytochemical constituents of Pecralima nitida seed extract and its effect on liver enzymes activities of male albino rats fed Pecralima nitida seed supplemented diet. A total of twenty male albino rats were used for this study and were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Group I was fed with normal rat feed and water, group II was fed with 50% pecralima nitida seed and 50% normal rat feed, group III was fed with  70%  pecralima nitida seed and 30% normal rat feed while group IV was fed with 90% sample and 10% normal rat feed for a period of twenty eight days. The preliminary phytochemical profile showed the presence of flavoniod, saponin, tainins, glycoside, alkaloid, phenol and steroid. These bioactive compounds may contribute to the reputed medicinal efficacy of pecralima nitida seed. Liver enzymes activities such as AST showed no significant difference between the control (24.39 ± 3.6IU/L) and group II (25.88 ± 3.7IU/L) but significantly increased in group III (37.38 ± 7.2IU/L) and group IV (42.19±2.1IU/L). The other enzymes ALT and ALP showed significant statistical increase in groups II-IV (P<0.05). The histological evaluation shows that group III and IV had evidence of degenerative tissues induced by 70% sample and 30% normal rat feed and 90% and 10% normal rat feed.  This however showed and suggested that irrespective of the reputed medicinal relevance of pecralima nitida seed, care should be taken in the quantity of these extract that is consumed as this may exhibit cumulative toxicity leading to functional  impairment in the integrity of the liver

Exclusive breastfeeding and its relevance to infant teething

Objective: To determine the relevance of exclusive breast-feeding practice, in the development of healthy oral tissue among teething infants. Method: A cross sectional study design of children aged 6-36 months was carried out in 14 wards of Jos North Local Government Area. A multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 1081 mothers who qualified and were interviewed using structured interviewer questionnaire on their knowledge and perception on common complaints during teething in children. The index children were examined for number and type of teeth erupted using mouth mirror under natural light. Result: One thousand and eighty-one mothers and their babies were interviewed and examined; out these 16.5%, 38.7% and 44.8% babies were of age groups 6-12, 13-24 and 25-36 months respectively; 50.2% were female and 49.8% were male. Of the babies examined 62.4% were exclusively breast-fed. There was a significant association between maternal educational status and knowledge of teething complaints. Three hundred and twenty-six (30.1%) babies had cough during their teething period, 349 (32.3%) experienced drooling of saliva, and 352 (32.6%) were observed to bite objects during teething. The high percentage of babies that were exclusively breast-fed but did not experience these symptoms were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.00). Seven hundred and forty-two (68.6%) babies had diarrhoea during teething; out of these 459(42.5%) were exclusively breast-fed and it was however not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.55). Conclusion: This study draws attention to the relatively poor anecdotal evidence related to symptoms associated with the teething process. The result has also demonstrated that exclusive breast-feeding is not only able to reduce the symptoms ascribed to teething, but also promote the development of a healthy oral tissue

Assessment of Microbiological Qualities and Iodine Contents of Some Brands of Domestic Salt Available in South-eastern Nigeria

Domestic salt is a food condiment, thus, a veritable tool for food contamination. Salt iodisation provides iodine an essential micronutrient and a key component of the thyroid hormones that regulate vital metabolic activities in the body. Insufficiency of iodine results in iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) which affect the functions of vital organs and systems of the body, leading to damaging effects particularly in pregnancy and early childhood, causing miscarriages, stillbirth, mental retardation, and increased infant mortality. Thirty samples of domestic salt made up of ten each of three popular brands in Nigerian markets were obtained from retail stores and evaluated for microbial qualities and iodine contents. Standard microbiological methods and iodometric titration method were employed for sample analysis. Bacillus and fungal species were isolated after sample pre-enrichment and within counts ( 30 ppm iodine at distributor and retail levels and > 50 ppm iodine at port of entry and salt factory level. This could indicate none compliance to standard specifications. There is need for effective legislation and strict monitoring of food fortification at all levels to ensure compliance to standards and adherence to good manufacturing practices/hazard analysis and quality control precepts which are imperative to effective food fortification programmes

Sonographic evaluation of the spleen among sickle cell disease patients in a teaching hospital in Nigeria

Background: Regional variations in size and parenchyma echo-texture of the spleen among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have been documented in various publications. The objectives of this study were to assess the size and parenchyma echo-texture of the spleen of SCD patients and ascertain the relationship of age, height and weight with the spleen sizes.Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving 103 each of SCD and age matched control subjects. Aloka ST- 550 -3500 ultrasound machine with 3.5 and 5 MHz convex transducers was used to scan the subjects over a 15 months period (September, 2012 to November, 2013). The age, height and weight of each subject were recorded.Results: The spleen sizes of SCD patients were generally larger than those of the controls (p < 0.05). Abnormal spleen parenchyma of varied appearances was found among the SCD subjects. There were negative correlations between mean spleen sizes and height, weight and age in SCD patients but positive correlations were found between them in the controls.Conclusion: Routine sonographic assessment of spleen size and echo-texture is useful in the management of SCD patients.Key words: sickle cell disease, sonography, spleen morphology, patient management, Nigerian population

Anthropometric, socio-demographic and biochemical risk factors of hypertension in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and allcause death globally and in Africa. The prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria is 28.9%. In Nigeria, analytical studies to determine risk factors and potential biomarkers of hypertension are lacking. This study was conducted to determine lifestyle, anthropometric, sociodemographic, and biochemical risk factors associated with hypertension in Lagos, Nigeria.Method: This case–control study was conducted among 410 participants, aged 18–65 years. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from cases and controls. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. Blood samples were also collected for biochemical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors associated with hypertension. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Result: In total, 205 hypertensive cases and 205 normotensive controls were recruited. The mean ± SD age of the participants was 39.25 ± 11.49 years. Overall, 180 (44%) of participants were female. Logistic regression analysis indicated that obesity (OR = 3.324, 95% CI = 1.693–6.527, P= 0.000), family history (OR = 2.861, 95% CI = 1.731–4.729, P= 0.000), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 2.940, 95% CI = 1.577–5.480, P= 0.001), insufficient fruits and vegetables intake (OR = 0.152, 95% CI = 0.085–0.273, P= 0.000), frequent intake of dietary salt (OR = 0.400, 95% CI = 0.198–0.810, P= 0.011), and smoking status (OR = 3.709, 95% CI = 1.061–12.964, P= 0.040) were significantly associated with hypertension.Conclusion: Population-based approaches to reduce exposure to hypertension risk factors are required for effective prevention and control of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in Lagos, Nigeria