Adsorption efficiency of coconut shell-based activated carbons on colour of molasses, oils, dissolved oxygen and related parameters from industrial effluent

The adsorption efficiency of FeCl3, CaCl2 and K2CO3-activated carbon for the 500μm particle size produced from previously carbonized coconut shell on some adsorbates obtained from an industrial effluent and wastewaters as well as the colour of molasses has been studied. The adsorbates include oil and grease, dissolved oxygen (DO); biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved and suspended solids as well as total solids present in an industrial effluent sample. A colour comparator was used to determine the colour of the molassess, volumetric analysis was used to determine oxygen and related parameters while oil and grease were determined by gravimetry. The results showed that the activated carbons used in this study are capable of reducing the level of colour present in molasses and amount of oil/grease from a textile effluent. Ninety two and 97.4% of molasses and oil/grease respectively can be adsorbed onto 500μm particle size of ZnCl2 – activated carbon at room temperature. Out of the four activated carbons, (FeCl3-Ac, CaCl2-Ac, ZnCl2-Ac and K2CO3-Ac,) the FeCl3-Ac is most effective in adsorbing the dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved, suspended and total solid present in a sample of a textile effluent. The FeCl3-Ac is more effective in adsorbing the solid impurities than the oxygen demands but least effective in adsorbing dissolved oxygen. There is a high correlation coefficient between the oxygen parameters and solids present in the effluent. This shows that the greater the amount of solids in an effluent the more the amount of oxygen required for biochemical and chemical processes. ZnCl2-activated carbon most effectively adsorbed 92.2% colour of the molasses while the FeCl3-activated was most effective in adsorbing 94.3% of oil/grease, 46.2% of dissolved oxygen, 71.9% of BOD, 72.1% of COD and 96% each of dissolved solids (DS), suspended solids (SS) and total solids (TS). The coefficients of correlation found between each of DO, COD or BOD and DS, SS and TS adsorbed were 0.999, 0.907 and 0.763 respectively. Key words: Coconut shell, activated carbon, adsorption, oxygen demand, solids

Influence of parental socio-economic status and e-learning education in the COVID-19 pandemic era

This paper examined the Influence of parental socio-economic status and e-learning education in the COVID-19 pandemic era. In doing this, an attempt was made to explain the meaning of COVID-19 disease and its effect on the education system. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a lockdown of the sectors of the economy, including the education sector in 2020. The shutdown of the education system led to the popularization of online learning or the e-learning method of teaching and learning. The low socio-economic status of some parents hindered the access of some students to the e-learning method of education. Recommendations were made that parents should provide the ICT devices needed by their children and a conductive environment with internet based facilities should be provided at home. Computer appreciation should be properly supervised in the schools, while the government and school proprietors should also provide adequate modern ICT facilities in the schools

Drag Reduction with Polymer Mixtures in Pipes of Different Diameters

Transporting crude oil and other fluid in pipelines of different sizes over long distances in process industries require high amount of energy which results to high cost of installing pumping stations and maintenance. Addition in part per million (ppm) of high molecular weight polymeric solution reduce such cost. The effect of pipe diameter, oil input volume fraction and flow rate (superficial velocity) on drag reduction (DR) in horizontal oil-waterflows was investigated in unplasticised polyvinylchloride (uPVC) horizontal pipe with two different pipe diameters (0.012 and 0.02 m IDs). The two liquids used were diesel oil (ρ = 832 kg/m3, µ = 1.66 cP) and water (ρ = 1,000 kg/m3, µ = 0.89 cP) as test fluids at ambient conditions (25°C, 1 atm). Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM; magnafloc 1011), polyethylene oxide (PEO) and Aloe Vera Mucilage (AVM) separately, as well as mixture of HPAM-AVM and PEO-AVM at different oil input volume fraction (δo; 0,0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) and flow rate (Q; 0.65, 1.28, 1.90 and 2.46 m3/hr) were used. The master solution of 2,000 ppm, 2,000 ppm and 20,000 ppm for HPAM, PEO and AVM respectively and their respective mixtures were used to achieve the required concentrations. Mercury U-tube manometer was used to measure the pressure drop. DR of 62%, 65%, 54% for HPAM, PEO and AVM; 69 and 71% for HPAM-AVM and PEO-AVM respectively at mixing ratio of 3:1 and 1:19 in 0.012 m ID. Also, DR of 58%, 62%, 43% for HPAM, PEO and AVM; 67% and 68% for HPAM-AVM and PEO-AVM respectively in 0.02 m ID were obtained at the same condition. The pressure drops observed in the smaller pipe (0.012 m ID) was higher than that of the larger pipe diameter (0.02 m ID). From the experimental results, DR decreased with increase in the pipe diameter at the same conditions. This result implies that, DR in oil-water pipeline flow is a function of oil input volume fraction, superficial velocity and pipe diamete

Comprehensive analysis of security issues in cloud-based Internet of Things: A survey

The Internet of Things (IoT )has emerged as the largest computing platform, enabling IoT devices to sense real-world conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and cloud prediction. However, the security of IoT systems is crucial due to their direct impact on human life. With the expansion of processing and communication capabilities to numerous devices, IoT has become a vast network where connectivity is ubiquitous. This paper focuses on the security issues of cloud-based IoT, specifically access control, network security, data security, and privacy, which are the four main components of cloud-based IoT. By analyzing and comparing existing research papers on security in cloud IoT and IoT in general, we identify proposed solutions. Most researchers have concentrated on a single component, while only a few have addressed two components. Consequently, our research aims to bridge the gap in Cloud IoT security by focusing on more than two components. We propose the utilization of methods such as Machine Learning and blockchain to enhance security, drawing on the strengths highlighted in previous works. Our future focus will involve exploring potential attacks in cloud IoT and developing a comprehensive method that encompasses atleast three security components of cloud IoT security

Changes in the transcriptional profile in response to overexpression of the osteopontin-c splice isoform in ovarian (OvCar-3) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Especially in human tumor cells, the osteopontin (OPN) primary transcript is subject to alternative splicing, generating three isoforms termed OPNa, OPNb and OPNc. We previously demonstrated that the OPNc splice variant activates several aspects of the progression of ovarian and prostate cancers. The goal of the present study was to develop cell line models to determine the impact of OPNc overexpression on main cancer signaling pathways and thus obtain insights into the mechanisms of OPNc pro-tumorigenic roles. METHODS: Human ovarian and prostate cancer cell lines, OvCar-3 and PC-3 cells, respectively, were stably transfected to overexpress OPNc. Transcriptomic profiling was performed on these cells and compared to controls, to identify OPNc overexpression-dependent changes in gene expression levels and pathways by qRT-PCR analyses. RESULTS: Among 84 genes tested by using a multiplex real-time PCR Cancer Pathway Array approach, 34 and 16, respectively, were differentially expressed between OvCar-3 and PC-3 OPNc-overexpressing cells in relation to control clones. Differentially expressed genes are included in all main hallmarks of cancer, and several interacting proteins have been identified using an interactome network analysis. Based on marked up-regulation of Vegfa transcript in response to OPNc overexpression, we partially validated the array data by demonstrating that conditioned medium (CM) secreted from OvCar-3 and PC-3 OPNc-overexpressing cells significantly induced endothelial cell adhesion, proliferation and migration, compared to CM secreted from control cells. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the present study elucidated transcriptional changes of OvCar-3 and PC-3 cancer cell lines in response to OPNc overexpression, which provides an assessment for predicting the molecular mechanisms by which this splice variant promotes tumor progression features

Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Groundwater for Irrigation Purposes from Difa, Dadinkowa and Gwani Communitiesof Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

The demand for quality water free of pollutants that can be maximally utilized by soil for crop production is on the societal increase. The study is aimed at examining some physico-chemical indices of groundwater for irrigation purposes from Difa, Dadinkowa and Gwani of Yamaltu-Deba Gombe State, Nigeria using standard methods. Samples collected were analysed ad data for mean concentration range presented aspH (6.00 - 6.80), temperature (23.95 - 25.78 oC), total dissolved solids (106.98 - 149.51 mg/L), total suspended solids (0.60 -1.28 mg/L), total alkalinity (17.00 - 19.25 mg/L) and dissolved oxygen (1.18 - 2.98 mg/L). The water samples recorded significant different (p<0.05) in pH values and were all below the permissible limits. However, cations and anions; NaCl, CaCO3, PO43-, CO2, NO2- and NH4- showed no significant difference p<0.05 and were below the permissible limit, except CaCO3 which exceeds the maximum permissible limits. These results suggest that the studied water samples are suitable for consumption and irrigation purposes

Molecular aspects of thyroid calcification

In thyroid cancer, calcification is mainly present in classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), despite being described in benign lesions and in other subtypes of thyroid carcinomas. Thyroid calcifications are classified according to their diameter and location. At ultrasonography, microcalcifications appear as hyperechoic spots = 1 mm in diameter and can be named as stromal calcification, bone formation, or psammoma bodies (PBs), whereas calcifications > 1 mm are macrocalcifications. The mechanism of their formation is still poorly understood. Microcalcifications are generally accepted as a reliable indicator of malignancy as they mostly represent PBs. In order to progress in terms of the understanding of the mechanisms behind calcification occurring in thyroid tumors in general, and in PTC in particular, we decided to use histopathology as the basis of the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of calcification formation in thyroid cancer. We explored the involvement of molecules such as runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx-2), osteonectin/secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteopontin (OPN) in the formation of calcification. The present review offers a novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the development of calcification in thyroid cancer.This research was funded by FEDER—Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional funds through the COMPETE 2020—Operacional Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization (POCI), Portugal 2020, and by Portuguese funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/Ministério daCiência, Tecnologia e Inovação in the framework of the project “Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences” Funding: This research was funded by FEDER—Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional funds through the COMPETE 2020—Operacional Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization (POCI), Portugal 2020, and by Portuguese funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação in the framework of the project “Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences” (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007274). Additional funding by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization—COMPETE2020; Portuguese national funds via FCT, under project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016390: CANCEL STEM; and from the FCT, under the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031438: The other faces of telomerase: Looking beyond tumour immortalization (PDTC/MED_ONC/31438/2017). J.V. is funded with a research contract (CEECIND/00201/2017) by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (FCT). This research was funded by FEDER?Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional funds through the COMPETE 2020?Operacional Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization (POCI), Portugal 2020, and by Portuguese funds through FCT?Funda??o para a Ci?ncia e a Tecnologia/Minist?rio da Ci?ncia, Tecnologia e Inova??o in the framework of the project ?Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences? (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007274). Additional funding by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization?COMPETE2020; Portuguese national funds via FCT, under project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016390: CANCEL STEM; and from the FCT, under the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031438: The other faces of telomerase: Looking beyond tumour immortalization (PDTC/MED_ONC/31438/2017). J.V. is funded with a research contract (CEECIND/00201/2017) by Funda??o para a Ci?ncia e a Tecnologia, Minist?rio da Ci?ncia, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (FCT)

Secondary hyperparathyroidism among Nigerians with chronic kidney disease

Backround: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a manifestation of chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). SHPT is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Methods: A cross- sectional descriptive study involving 230 patients with CKD. Results: The mean age of the study population was 44.17±15.24 years. The median intact parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase levels were 96pg/ml (range 4-953pg/ml) and 88 iu/l (range 10-800 iu/l) respectively. The mean (with standard deviation) calcium, serum phosphate, calcium phosphate product and haemoglobin levels were 2.22±0.29mmol/l, 1.8±0.62mmol/l, 3.94±1.42mmol2/l2 and 9.90±1.87g/dl respectively. Majority of patients had advanced CKD with 70.3% of patients in stage G5. The prevalence rates of SHPT, hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase and elevated calcium phosphate product were 55.2%, 34.8%, 66.1%, 42.2% and 25.2% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that SHPT was associated with hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, proteinuria, anaemia, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and stage of kidney disease; being worse with advancing kidney disease. Independently associated with SHPT were hypocalcaemia (OR=4.84), hyperphosphataemia (OR=3.06), and elevated alkaline phosphatase (OR=2.04).Conclusion: The prevalence of SHPT in CKD is high, occurs early and is independently associated with hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase. The prevalence of SHPT also increases with worsening renal function.Keywords: Secondary hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, intact parathyroid hormone, hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase

Physicochemical Assessment of Ground Water Quality from Borehole and Hand Dug Wells around Obajana Community, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

The groundwater qualities of Obajana in Kogi State were determined. The study consisted of the determination of some heavy metals and physicochemical properties of drinking water samples. The samples were analyzed for the following parameters iron, copper, manganese, zinc, lead,using AAS Varian AA240FS. Nitrates, sulphate, phosphate, colour, dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), temperature, turbidity, total hardness and total alkalinity using standard method. The data showed the variation of the investigated parameters in samples as follows: temperature 26-30oC,  pH 5.53-7.89, electrical conductivity (EC) 6.210-339.670 μS/cm, total hardness 50.00- 424.20 mg/l, alkalinity 1.10-145.67mg/l, turbidity 0.00-34 FTU, colour 5-15TCU, phosphate 0.02-0.760 mg/l, nitrate 10.24-48.20mg/l, sulphate  24.70-222.13mg/l, dissolved oxygen 0.2-1.8 mg/l,  BOD 0.2-1.0mg/l, COD 1.1-3.2mg/l, Cu 0.00.1-0.10mg/l , Fe 0.01-0.060mg/l, Zn 0.029-5.046mg/l, Mn  0.0-0.44mg/l and Pb 0.0348-1.046mg/l. The concentrations of some of the investigated parameters in the drinking water samples from the research region were above the permissible limits of the World Health Organization standard for drinking water quality guidelines. lead was found to exceed 0.01mg/l which is the WHO maximum limit, also zinc and manganese were found to exceed the WHO maximum limit of 3.0mg/l and 0.1mg/l