Suitability of local binder compositional variation on silica sand for foundry core-making

The use of local oils, namely groundnut oil, cotton seed oil and palm oil with Nigeria local clay and silica sand for the production of foundry cores has been investigated on varying composition. Addition of cassava starch, local clay, oil and moisture to sand are used to produce strong and efficient core. These oils were tested and it was found that the three could be used to produce foundry cores. The best composition was found to be core comprising 2.5% starch, 2.5% clay, 8% oil, 8% moisture and 68% sand and baked at 150oC for 1 h 30min. The tensile strength of the core were as high as 600 KN/m2

Assessment of geomorphic and morphometry characteristics of parts of Shasha and Opa river basins in Obafemi Awolowo University Campus, Southwestern Nigeria

Geomorphic and morphometry characteristics of parts of Shasha and Opa Basins in Obafemi Awolowo University campus, Ile-Ife, southwestern Nigeria were assessed through the analysis of basin linear, areal and shape parameters with a view to quantitatively describe the hydrological characteristics of the area. The campus is drained by Rivers Shasha and Opa and their tributaries. Stream order, stream number, stream length, mean stream length, stream length ratio, length of over land flow, confluence factor, form factor, elongation ratio, stream segment density, drainage density, drainage texture and slope within the campus were determined through the evaluation of topographic, drainage, and land use and land cover maps. The campus is drained mostly by River Opa (4th order channel) and its tributaries while the remaining part (i.e. northeastern and northwestern parts of the campus) is drained by River Shasha (3rd order channel) and its tributaries. The mean 1st, 2nd and 3rd stream orders of River Shasha were 0.42, 0.54 and 1.03 km, respectively; while the mean stream length for the 1st , 2nd , 3rd and 4th stream orders of River Opa were 0.40, 0.64, 1.84 and 4.07 km, respectively. The average length of overland flow within the Shasha sub-basin was 0.25 km, while the average - length of overland flow within the Opa sub-basin was 0.15 km. Stream segment density increased from 0.16 km to 3.18 km in River Shasha and 0.08 km to 4.33 km in River Opa. Increased stream segment density from lower to higher stream order could have been influenced by increased fracture control of streams from lower to higher stream order. The predominant trend of the streams were NE-SW and NW-SE, suggesting the influence of differing lithologies or tectonic activities, where streams must have developed by taking advantage of the local relief for the varying stream flow directions

Studies on the pH and protein content of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) fruits deteriorated by Aspergillus niger.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruits obtained from the local market in Sango Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, were inoculated with Aspergillus niger from cultures grown in the laboratory and incubated under appropriate conditions of temperature and moisture to initiate infection for seven days. Extensive lesions and subsequent collapse of the tomato fruits inoculated with A. niger occurred within a week of incubation. The uninoculated fruits retained the bright red colour and remained firm throughout the seven days. The pH and the probable implication of the results obtained from this research work can be very useful in utilizing tomato fruits in tomato processing companies in Nigeria

Design of Sawdust Briquette Machine

In this paper, the sawdust briquette machine is designed. Sawmill waste is a big problem especially in urban cities in Nigeria. These wastes are burnt openly which is causing environmental pollution. The wastes can be converted to wealth thereby providing jobs for many unemployed citizens. The principles of machine design were employed to design the essential parts such as hopper, belts, housing barrel, the die, and the shaft. The machine has a production capacity of 95 kg/hr. Keywords: Briquette, Machine design, Sawdust, Wastes to wealth, Wood waste

Literal Level of Student's Comprehension in Nigeria: A Means for Growing a New Generation African Scholars

The concern of this study was to examine students’ attainment in literal level of reading comprehension under reading for exact meaning, for information and for gist in a text. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide in the study. An expost-facto research design was also employed. The researcher used an adapted Literal Reading Comprehension Test (LRCAT) for data collection. Out of a population of 1,803 SS2 students in Uyo L.G.A, 109 students formed the sample by  a stratified and  a hart and draw simple random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation and paired dependent t-test.The mean score of students in reading for exact meaning was higher than reading for information and gist. The major findings were that with a df of 108 there is significant difference in students’ mean attainment scores in reading for exact meaning and reading for information. Also, there is significant difference in students’ mean attainment scores of reading for exact meaning and reading for gist. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that, learners should consciously be taught how to develop their literal reading comprehension in order to encourage the acquisition of other comprehension levels at the senior secondary level, if  comprehension must have been attained. Keywords: Literal Reading Comprehension, Reading for Gist, Reading for Informatio

Influence of Plating Parameter and Surface Morphology on Mild Steel

The plating parameter effect of zinc deposition on mild steel substrates was investigated. The results showed an improved surface finished and homogeneous layer. The distance between the anode and the cathode on voltage, plating time and coating thickness were considered. The mild steel was deposited into solution of zinc bath for varying voltage between 0.5 v and 1.0v. It was discovered that the sample plated at 0.8v for 15 minutes gives the best plating deposition and appearance. The surface morphology of the plated sample was analyzed by Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), AFM and X-ray diffraction

Diagnosis and clinical management of teeth with vertical root fractures: a literature review

The diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) is at times complicated for lack of specific signs, symptoms and/or radiographic features. It constitutes an important threat to the tooth’s prognosis during and after root canal therapy and may result in root or tooth extraction. Early detection and management of VRF remain a vexing issue that has caused needless stress for both the dentist and the patient. This paper presents an overview of the prevalence and multifactorial aetiology of VRF, the clinical and radiographic features of this disorder, the importance of correct diagnosis and treatment options available for both anterior and posterior teeth. An exhaustive review of literature was done using Medline to bring out various etiologic factors, clinical presentations, radiographic features and treatment alternatives available for VRF. There are, however, many specific clinical and radiological signs which when present, can alert clinicians to the existence of a fracture. Even though VRF are commoner in endodontically treated teeth, its occurrence in non-restored teeth has been described. Clinical signs and symptoms vary according to the position of the fracture, tooth type, duration after fracture, periodontal condition of the tooth and architecture of the bone adjacent to the fracture. The radiographic appearance of teeth with VRF is variable depending on the angulation of X-ray beam in relation to the plane of the fracture, the time after fracture and the degree of separation of the root fragments. It is important to recognize the sometimes subtle findings in VRF so that patient can be properly informed about the prognosis and the potential for successful treatment in affected tooth\teeth

Malocclusion and occlusal traits among orthodontic patients seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and trend of malocclusion and occlusal traits among orthodontic patients in Benin City. Method: One hundred and thirty one patients, consisting of 71 females (54.2%) and 60 males (45.8%) aged 5 - 44 years (mean 17.9 ± 7.5 years) who presented for orthodontic treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Dental Centre were assessed for sagittal molar occlusion, overjet, overbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding, spacing, median diastema, midline shift, malformed and supernumerary teeth, displaced, unerupted and impacted teeth. Statistical gender differences in the occlusal traits were evaluated with the chi-square test. Result: The results revealed high prevalence of Angle\u27s class I malocclusion (71.8%), while 9.9% of the subjects had Angle\u27s Class II division 1, 7.6% had Angle\u27s Class II division 2 and 10.7% had Angle\u27s class III malocclusion. An increased overjet greater than 3.5mm was observed in 43% while increased overbite was observed in 25.2%. Anterior open bite was seen in 8.4% while 21.4% and 12.2% had anterior and posterior crossbites respectively. Midline shift was present in 29.8%, crowding of both upper and lower anterior segments was observed in 47.3%, spacing in the upper and lower anterior segments was present in 22.1%, and midline diastema was observed in 21.4%. No statistically significant gender differences were observed for any of the occlusal variables evaluated (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed high prevalence of class I malocclusion, increased overjet and crowding among the orthodontic patients seen in Benin City, Nigeria

Extraction and clarification of apple juice with polygalacturonase obtained from apple (Malus domestica) fruits deteriorated by Aspergillus niger

Pectinase is used commercially in the clarification and extraction of fruit juice from different fruits. Green apples and Red apples obtained from the fruits section of a supermarket, Idiroko road, Ota were surface sterilized and inoculated with Aspergillus niger. The stock culture was subcultured on Sabouraud Dextrose agar plates and 72-hr-old culture of Aspergillus niger served as the inoculum. The fruits were incubated for twenty-five days at room temperature (25 °C). Control fruits were similarly treated except that sterile inoculum was used for the inoculation. Extracts from the inoculated fruits exhibited appreciable polygalacturonase activity while those from the uninoculated fruits possessed only traces of the enzyme activity. The polygalacturonase obtained after enzyme extraction was applied to freshly ripe apple fruits under controlled experimental conditions to investigate the role of polygalacturonase in the production of apple juice. The juice in the cylinder to which polygalacturonase was added was visually clearer and more than that with distilled water. The optimum temperature of incubation for the clarification of apple fruits with polygalacturonase obtained from apple fruits deteriorated by Aspergillus niger was 25 °C. © 2011 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved

Nutritional Value of some Edible Mushrooms from Egbe Farmland, West Yagba Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

Studies were carried out on four different Species of wild mushrooms: Lentinus subnudus, Chlorophyllum molybditis, Marasmus species and Pleurotus tuberregium. The fungal species were analyzed for their nutritional compositions, biological and Structural characteristics. The fungal species were rich in proteins (amino acids) and carbohydrates. The fibres contained in the different species were also good sources of roughages. Moreover, their low acidity confirms their edibility. This study strongly recommends the commercialization of mushroom production as a means of additional source of protein requirements and income to the people in the developing economy of Nigeri