Generalized weighted Ostrowski and Ostrowski-Gruss type inequalities on time scales via a parameter function

We prove generalized weighted Ostrowski and Ostrowski–Gr ¨uss type inequalities on time scales via a parameter function. In particular, our result extends a result of Dragomir and Barnett. Furthermore, we apply our results to the continuous, discrete, and quantum cases, to obtain some interesting new inequalitie

Synthesis, spectroscopic and antimicrobial properties of Co(II), Ni (II) and Cu(II) complexes of (E)-N’-(2-hydroxy -5-nitrobenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide)

The objective of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial activity of novel Schiff base metal complexes. The resistance of micro-organisms to classical antimicrobial compounds poses a challenge to effective management and treatment of some diseases. In line with this, copper (II), nickel (II) and cobalt (II) complexes of the Schiff base ligand (E)-N’-(2- hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene) isonicotinohydrazide) were synthesized and characterized based on elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, infrared and electronic absorption spectroscopy. The results suggest a 1:2 [M:L] stoichiometry for the copper and cobalt complexes and a 1:1 [M:L] ratio for the nickel complex. The electronic absorption spectral data support octahedral geometry for cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes and square planar for nickel (II). In-vitro antimicrobial properties of the compounds evaluated against five pathogenic bacteria using the agar-well diffusion method revealed that the activity was in the order Ni>Co>Cu. These compounds can be used as substrates for development of new antimicrobial agents.Keywords: isonicotinohydrazide, Schiff base metal complexes, in-vitro, antimicrobial activity, electronic spectra, 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyd

Effect of Total Solids Concentration of Municipal Solid Waste on the Biogas Produced in an Anaerobic Continuous Digester

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) contains a relatively large amount of organic matter, which decomposes by the actions of microorganisms under anaerobic conditions to produce biogas. The total solids (TS) concentration of the waste influences the pH, temperature and effectiveness of the microorganisms in the decomposition process. This work investigated various concentrations of the TS of MSW in an anaerobic continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and the corresponding amounts of biogas produced, in order to determine conditions for optimum gas production. Five laboratory-scale anaerobic batch digesters of 5 litres volume each were set up for the digestion of 2kg of shredded MSW diluted to a %TS concentration of 26.7%. The results from the batch experimentation were adapted to the design of a CSTR for the digestion of MSW. The CSTR was simulated over a range of %TS concentration of 4-10, at a maximum fractional conversion of 0.8 to cater for system inefficiencies. Mathematical models were developed for the process and solved using the Microsoft Visual Basic version 6.0 Programme. The results show the amount of biogas produced as a power function of the %TS concentration, indicating that as the process continues, a time comes when any marginal increase in the %TS concentration would no longer contribute to the increasing volume of biogas produced. The results further show that, given the limiting upper boundary of the %TS concentration, optimum biogas production in a CSTR digesting MSW cannot be ascertained with the concentration of the %TS alone

Funding Arrangements for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria: An Assessment

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises have been fully recognized by governments and development experts as the main engine of economic growth and a major factor in promoting development. They not only contribute significantly to improved living standards, employment generation and poverty reduction but also bring about substantial domestic or local capital formation and achievement of high levels of productivity and capability. A major gap in Nigeria’s industrial development process in the past years has been the absence of a strong and virile SME sub-sector. This study seeks to generally appraise and analyze the operating environment and circumstances of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria with a view to actually identifying why SMEs are not playing major roles in the Nigerian economy as in other economies. The random sampling method was employed and responses to the questionnaire were complemented with personal interviews of key operators. Analysis was undertaken using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings revealed that SMEs have performed below expectation in the development of Nigeria economy due to a combination of factors. Thus, the paper recommends that the realization of these require a paradigm shift from paying lip service to a practical radical forward approach to issues and focus on this all-important sector of the economy and realistically addressing the identified problems by the key operators

Recent advances in catalytic and non-catalytic epoxidation of terpenes: a pathway to bio-based polymers from waste biomass

\ua9 2023 The Royal Society of Chemistry.Epoxides derived from waste biomass are a promising avenue for the production of bio-based polymers, including polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, and polycarbonates. This review article explores recent efforts to develop both catalytic and non-catalytic processes for the epoxidation of terpene, employing a variety of oxidizing agents and techniques for process intensification. Experimental investigations into the epoxidation of limonene have shown that these methods can be extended to other terpenes. To optimize the epoxidation of bio-based terpene, there is a need to develop continuous processes that address limitations in mass and heat transfer. This review discusses flow chemistry and innovative reactor designs as part of a multi-scale approach aimed at industrial transformation. These methods facilitate continuous processing, improve mixing, and either eliminate or reduce the need for solvents by enhancing heat transfer capabilities. Overall, the objective of this review is to contribute to the development of commercially viable processes for producing bio-based epoxides from waste biomass

Disposition kinetics of ceftriaxone and determination of its therapeutic dose in dogs

Purpose: To evaluate the disposition kinetics of ceftriaxone (CFZ) in dogs with a view to determining its therapeutic dose and dosing frequency.Methods: Twelve (12) Basenji dogs (n = 4), divided into 3 groups (A, B and C), were used for the study. Ceftriaxone was administered intramuscularly at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg once to groups A, B and C respectively. Plasma CFZ concentration was determined by agar well diffusion assay at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h post-treatment, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined.Results: Intramuscular injection of CFZ to dogs resulted in rapid absorption, distribution and elimination (p < 0.05). The elimination half-life was short and did not change significantly with increase in dose. Serum concentration of CFZ changed significantly (p < 0.05) with increase in dose of CFZ. The maximum serum concentration (Cmax, 15.00 ± 1.18, 141.37 ± 15.87 and 259 ± 5.21 μg/mL) for groups A, B and C respectively were significantly (p < 0.05) different. The steady state CFZ concentrations; 0.94, 8.81 and 16.19 μg/mL for groups A, B and C, respectively, were significantly (p < 0.05) different. However, there was no significant difference in the time to reach steady state concentrations (Tmax, 00±0.021, 4.00±0.10 and 4.30±0.12 for groups A, B and C respectively). The therapeutic dose of CFZ was therefore determined to be 25 – 50 mg/kg every 4 h.Conclusion: Ceftriaxone undergoes rapid elimination in dogs with a short elimination half-life, thus making it an inconvenient prescription for out-patients in veterinary clinics. Keywords: Ceftriaxone, Pharmacokinetic profile, Dogs, Therapeutic dose, Veterinary clini

Molecular Detection of Mycobacterium bovis in Cattle Milk in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to detect Mycobacterium bovis in cattle milk in Enugu. Fifty Milk samples were collected from cattle at Fulani settlements which comprised of 13 from Gariki, 16 from 9th Mile and 21 from Monarch in Enugu. DNA was extracted from milk samples using Relia prep DNA spin column method and screened for Tuberculosis using Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with specific Tuberculosis primer; Insertion sequence 6110 (IS6110) while Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (IS6110- RFLP) method was used to differentiate between Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis using Nar 1 digestion enzyme. Statistical tools used to analyze the data were: Chi-square, fishers’ exact test and non parametric t test. 9 (18%) samples out of the 50milk samples were positive for tuberculosis with the PCR method. 1 (2%) out of the 9 positive milk samples was found to be Mycobacterium tuberculosis while the remaining 8 (16%) were detected to be Mycobacterium bovis after using the digestion enzyme. 1 (6.3%) of the 16 milk samples collected from the Fulani settlement in 9th Mile was positive for M.bovis while a total of 2 (15.4%) out of the 13 milk samples from Gariki were positive for M.bovis and a total positive of 6 (28.6%) were detected out of the 21 milk samples analyzed from Monarch, 5 (23.8%) of which were found to be M.bovis while M. tuberculosis was detected in 1 (4.8%). The differences however, were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Keywords: Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, DN

Multiple locus VNTR analysis highlights that geographical clustering and distribution of Dichelobacter nodosus, the causal agent of footrot in sheep, correlates with inter-country movements

Dichelobacter nodosus is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium and the causal agent of footrot in sheep. Multiple locus variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) is a portable technique that involves the identification and enumeration of polymorphic tandem repeats across the genome. The aims of this study were to develop an MLVA scheme for D. nodosus suitable for use as a molecular typing tool, and to apply it to a global collection of isolates. Seventy-seven isolates selected from regions with a long history of footrot (GB, Australia) and regions where footrot has recently been reported (India, Scandinavia), were characterised. From an initial 61 potential VNTR regions, four loci were identified as usable and in combination had the attributes required of a typing method for use in bacterial epidemiology: high discriminatory power (D > 0.95), typeability and reproducibility. Results from the analysis indicate that D. nodosus appears to have evolved via recombinational exchanges and clonal diversification. This has resulted in some clonal complexes that contain isolates from multiple countries and continents; and others that contain isolates from a single geographic location (country or region). The distribution of alleles between countries matches historical accounts of sheep movements, suggesting that the MLVA technique is sufficiently specific and sensitive for an epidemiological investigation of the global distribution of D. nodosus