Solving General Second Order Ordinary Differential Equations by a One-Step Hybrid Collocation Method

A one-step hybrid method is developed for the numerical approximation of second order initial value problems of ordinary differential equations by interpolation and collocation at nonstop and step points respectively. The method is zero stable and consistent with very small error term. Numerical experiment of the method on sample problem shows that the method is more efficient and accurate than the results obtained from our earlier methods

Characteristics of pathogenic bacteria isolates associated with the gut and gill of molluscan shellfish, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Introduction: Infectious diseases attributable to the consumption of raw and lightly cooked molluscan shellfish are caused by bacterial agents that are associated either with human waste disposed into the ocean or those of marine origin. This has led to the increase in prevalence of bacterial diseases and microbial resistance to antibiotics. Method: Samples of P. perna were dissected and homogenized for bacterial isolation. Six bacteria were isolated, identified and evaluated for their antimicrobial susceptibility profiling. Results: The microbial counts obtained revealed significant differences in the pathogenic bacteria populations found in the gut and gill of Perna perna. The morphological characteristics of the isolates were found to be of different shapes. All the isolates were catalase and oxidase positive except Vibrio spp. which was negative to the latter. Chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacillin were the most effective antibiotics against all the isolates, each exhibiting 100% efficacy. The highest resistance to ampicilin was observed in Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus xylosus. Conclusions: The results revealed that marine habitats are reservoirs of bacterial pathogens and there is increased resistance to antibiotic therapy, thereby constituting risks to public health. Therefore, appropriate surveillance measures to safeguard the health of shellfish consumers’ should be established

Evaluation and identification of microbial contaminants in polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in Amathole District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of this organism has become a global public health problem. In the continuing search for effective treatment, polyherbal medicines offer a great hope in the development of alternative drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis. The use of herbal formulations for therapeutic purposes has significantly increased in the developed and developing countries because of their curative property, less toxicity and minimal side effects. However, there is little information on their safety and effectiveness in the literature. To address this, polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were evaluated. Ethno-medicinal survey was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires coupled with informal conversations with the herbal sellers in five communities in the study area. Bacterial and fungal DNA was extracted from the polyherbal medicines purchased. A fragment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer region of the fungal rRNA operon were amplified with universal primers 27F and 518R, and ITS1 and ITS4 respectively. Following standard procedures, the amplicons were finally run on Illumina’s MiSeq platform. Furthermore, the remedies were screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using Middlebrook 7H9 media and MGIT BACTEC 960 system. Agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the remedies against eight bacteria and three fungi isolates. The herbal preparations were assayed for their toxicity using hatchability success and larval mortality of Artemia salina Leach. Finally, their nutritive properties were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer for mineral analysis while the vitamins were determined using standardized methods A total of nine polyherbal preparations were collected. The herbs used for the preparation of these remedies belong to 20 families. Apiaceae [5(25 percent)] was the most prominent plant family used, followed by Liliaceae [4(20 percent)], Strychnaceae [4(20 percent)], Rutaceae [4(20 percent)] and Hypoxidaceae [3(15 percent)]. The two most frequently used plants were Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae) and Strychnos decussata (Pappe) Gilg. (Strychnaceae). Rhizomes was the most common parts used, followed by the roots and barks. The herbal medicines were prepared mainly by infusion and decoction. The presences of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria were identified in the polyherbal medicines. Generally, the most common bacteria identified from the samples were Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Rahnella sp., Paenibacillus sp., Clostridium sp. and Pantoea sp. The predominant mycoflora obtained belongs to different genera or species of fungi; these include Alternaria, Candida, Ramularia, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Malassezia. The susceptibility testing revealed that all the remedies contain anti-tubercular activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv at concentrations below 50 ug/ml. Seven of the polyherbal preparations showed activity at concentrations below 25 ug/ml. The MIC values exhibited inhibitory activity at 1.562 μg/ml. However, isoniazid showed more inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis at 0.05 μg/ml when compared to the polyherbal remedies. The inhibitory activity of the polyherbal medicines based on the overall MIC revealed that Hogsback first site (HBfs) and Fort Beaufort (FB) remedies were the most active remedies against the bacterial isolates at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Among the nine herbal formulations, only King Williams Town site A (KWTa) remedy showed activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus with the MIC valve of 2.5 mg/mL. While King Williams Town site C (KWTc) and Hogsback third site (HBts) had the highest activity at 1.25 mg/mL against Candida albicans, the remaining remedies were active at 2.5 mg/mL. The percentage hatchability of 44.42 percent, 42.96 percent and 39.70 percent were observed in A. salina cysts incubated with herbal preparations from KWTa, HBfs and HBts respectively. The hatching success of the cysts in these remedies was significantly higher than the positive control (nystatin) and the negative control (sea water) at p < 0.05. The mortality of A. salina nauplii incubated in Alice (AL), King Williams Town site B (KWTb) and KWTc remedies were significantly higher than when larvae were incubated in both controls. Based on Meyer’s index, the LD50 of each polyherbal medicine was between 2.9 and 4.0 mg/ml, the LD50 values greater than 1 mg/ml, an indication that they are not toxic. The polyherbal preparations were found to be rich in vitamins and mineral nutrients. Calcium was the highest macronutrient detected while the lowest nutrient was phosphorus. Iron was the highest micronutrient in the majority of the polyherbal preparations while the lowest value was recorded for copper. Vitamin C was absent in the herbal preparations while vitamin A and E were detected. This study provides significant ethno-medicinal information on polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of TB in the study area. The presence of the identified bacteria and fungi in the herbal formulations is a cause for concern. However, the ability of the remedies to possess activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic microorganisms associated with tuberculosis infection makes them potential sources of new antimycobacterial agents. Also, they are rich sources of mineral nutrients, and are as well non-toxic, thus, they are safe for consumption. In view of their anti-tubercular properties, this study has provided a better understanding of the reasons why TB-patients make use of these polyherbal formulations. Also, the study supports the folkloric use of polyherbal medicines in the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Evaluation of important mineral nutrients and vitamins in polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Polyherbal medicines are widely used for the treatment of various diseases in the developing countries. In order to validate their ability in boosting the immune system of tuberculosis patients, the mineral nutrients and vitamins present were determined. Their nutritive properties were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, while the vitamins were determined using standardized methods. The polyherbal preparations were found to be rich in mineral nutrients and vitamins. Calcium was the highest mineral nutrient detected, while the lowest nutrient was phosphorus. Quantitatively, calcium and magnesium contents in the remedies ranged from 973.30 to 6503.30 mg/100g and 80.00 to 406.00 mg/100g respectively. The amount of phosphorus and potassium was between 20.00 and 263.30 mg/100g; 160.00 and 2050.00 mg/100g respectively. Micro nutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, aluminium and copper were also detected. Iron was the highest nutrient in the majority of the polyherbal preparations while the lowest value was recorded for copper. However, vitamin C was absent in the herbal preparations while vitamin A and E were detected. These findings indicate that these polyherbal formulations contain the essential mineral nutrients and vitamins that could probably be boosting the immune system of tuberculosis patients.

Impact Analysis of Ban of Commercial Motorcycle on Commuters in the University of Ibadan Campus

In Nigeria, commercial motorcycle operations (CMO) can be traced back to the period 1970-1980. Their emergence is primarily a result of public transport failure and economic downturn in that period. Up until recently, CMO have been a major means of intra-city public transport. Now, its operations have been prohibited or limited in many urban centers and campuses due to its connection to crime and high risk of accidents. Many studies have attempted to research the impacts of its ban on urban commuters' traffic behavior, with total neglect for campuses. Hence, this study attempts to assess the impacts of ban of CMO on commuters in the University of Ibadan Campus, within a year, its activities was proscribed. The study adopted survey research design. Primary and secondary data were sourced. Both random and purposive sampling techniques was used in selecting 300 students from a total students population of 35000 and 50 staff from a total staff population 3,684. A set of pre-tested questionnaire was administered on 350 commuters comprising mainly of students and staff selected randomly from the total student and staff population. Information gathered includes socio-economic characteristics of university commuters (students and staff), social economic impacts of ban of commercial motorcycles and its impacts on students’ activities on campus. Data obtained were analyzed using both descriptive (tables, frequency counts and percentage.) and inferential (T-test and Chi Square) statistics. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested. Paired sample t-test statistics was used to analyze the difference between cost of trips before ban of commercial motorcycles operations in the university and after the ban. The results of the analysis revealed that cost of trips increased significantly by N15.28 (p=0.045). Chi square test was used to test significance difference in university commuters’ modal mode of transport before and after the ban. The chi square results gives a chi square value 74.235 which is significant (p=.000).  Thus, the study confirmed that the ban of commercial motorcycles operations in the university have significant negative impacts on university commuters, especially students. The study therefore, suggest an inclusive transportation policy for university community, one that focus development on infrastructure, improvement in transport infrastructure and effective management of university commuters’ demand. Keywords: Impact Analysis; Ban of Commercial Motorcycle operations; University of Ibadan; campus planning; commuter. DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-6-07 Publication date:June 30th 202

Identification of bacterial contaminants in polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in Amatole District of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, using rapid 16S rRNA technique

Background: Polyherbal medicines are used for the treatment of many diseases in many African and Asian communities. With the increasing use of these remedies, several investigations have shown that they are associated with a broad variety of residues and contaminants. This study investigates the presence of bacteria in the polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Methods: Bacterial DNA was extracted from the polyherbal medicines, and a fragment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR with universal primers 27F and 518R. The amplicons were visualised on agarose gel electrophoresis, followed by end repair and adaptor ligation. They were further purified and quantified using Library Preparation kit NEBNext\uae UltraT DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina, and the amplicons were run on illumina\u2019s MiSeq platform. Results: Different bacterial species were identified in all each of the polyherbal medicines. Generally, the most prominent and common bacteria recovered from all the samples were Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Rahnella sp., Paenibacillus sp., Clostridium sp. and Pantoea sp. Others are Pseudomonas sp., Raoultella ornithinolytica , Salmonella enterica and Eubacterium moniliforme . Conclusions: This study, thus, revealed the presence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in the polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in the study area. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the health care of the patients of tuberculosis in the study area, having in mind that they are immunocompromised individuals

Anti-mycobacterium tuberculosis activity of polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Background: The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has become a global public health problem. Polyherbal medicines offer great hope for developing alternative drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis. Objective: To evaluate the anti-tubercular activity of polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis. Methods: The remedies were screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using Middlebrook 7H9 media and MGIT BACTEC 960 system. They were liquid preparations from King Williams Town site A (KWTa), King Williams Town site B (KWTb), King Williams Town site C (KWTc), Hogsback first site (HBfs), Hogsback second site (HBss), Hogsback third site (HBts), East London (EL), Alice (AL) and Fort Beaufort (FB). Results: The susceptibility testing revealed that all the remedies contain anti-tubercular activity with KWTa, KWTb, KWTc, HBfs, HBts, AL and FB exhibiting more activity at a concentration below 25 \ub5l/ml. Furthermore, MIC values exhibited inhibitory activity with the most active remedies from KWTa, HBfs and HBts at 1.562 \ub5g/ml. However, isoniazid showed more inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis at 0.05 \ub5g/ml when compare to the polyherbal remedies. Conclusion: This study has indicated that these remedies could be potential sources of new anti-mycobacterial agents against M. tuberculosis. However, the activity of these preparations and their active principles still require in vivo study in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents

Friendly Fire and the Sustained Attention to Response Task

Objective: We investigated whether losses of inhibitory control could be responsible for some friendly-fire incidents. Background: Several factors are commonly cited to explain friendly-fire incidents, but failure of inhibitory control has not yet been explored. The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) could be a valid model for inhibition failures in some combat scenarios. Method: Participants completed small-arms simulations using near infrared emitter guns, confronting research assistants acting as friends or foes. In Experiment 1, seven participants completed three conditions with three different proportions of foes (high, medium, low). In Experiment 2, 13 participants completed high-foe (high-go) and low-foe (low-go) versions of a small-arms simulation as well as comparative computer tasks. Results: Participants made more friendly-fire errors (errors of commission) when foe proportion was high. A speed–accuracy trade-off was apparent, with participants who were faster to fire on foes also more likely to accidentally shoot friends. When foe proportion was higher, response times to foe stimuli were faster, and subjective workload ratings were higher. Conclusion: Failures of inhibitory control may be responsible for some friendly-fire incidents and the SART could be a suitable empirical model for some battlefield environments. The effect appears to be disproportionately greater at higher foe proportions. The exact nature of performance reductions associated with high-foe proportions requires further investigation. Application: The SART may be a useful model of friendly-fire scenarios. It could be used to indicate a soldier’s likelihood to commit a friendly-fire mistake and to identify high-risk environments