Influence of unscheduled stop and dwell time of minibus public transport on transit time in Kano Metropolis

Minibus has been one of the modes of public transport in Nigerian cities. Despite its positive impact on urban mobility demand, it is however,  associated with some problems which make its service ineffective. This study explores the operating characteristics of minibus public transport in  Kano metropolis. It also examines the influence of unscheduled random stops and dwell times of minibus on passengers' transit time. Data were collected on the number of random stop, dwell time per stop, and travel time from route’s origin to destination using an in-vehicle observation  technique. Four major routes on which minibuses operate were used for the study. Finding from this study revealed that minibus public transport in Kano city is characterized by recurring unscheduled random stops and long dwell time. Across the routes studied, the total number of unscheduled  stops ranges from 18 to 23 per trip while the cumulative dwell time per trip constitutes 40 to 60% of the transit time leading to increase in overall passenger’s travel time, with attendant delay to the users. A weak correlation exists between the number of unscheduled stops and transit time,  indicating a less influence on the transit time. However, a strong correlation exists between dwell time during stops and travel time which is an indication of a substantial influence on transit time. Further analysis revealed that variations of recurring unscheduled stops and dwell times  account for about 74% of variability in minibus transit time. Finding from test of significance at α 0.05 revealed pvalues of 0.845 and 7.34E-43 for number of stop and dwell time, respectively. This suggests that the number of stop does not influence the transit time significantly; whereas, the  dwell time influences the transit time significantly. This implies that increase in passengers’ transit time is substantially due to the long dwell time during unscheduled random stop rather than the number of stop itself. Keywords: Minibus, public transport, unscheduled stop, dwell time, transit tim

Petrological and structural evolution of basement rocks around Guga, Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria

Lithological characterization and structural assessments of basement rocks around Guga, Katsina State was carried out to understand their geologic evolution and deformational history better. Field and petrographic studies were utilized in characterizing macrostructural, textural, and mineralogical components. Migmatite, banded and augen gneisses, schist, quartzite, and granite constitute the major lithologic units in the study area. Migmatite and the closely related banded gneiss are recognized as igneous-derived metamorphic rocks of Eburnean to early Pan African. In contrast, the augen gneisses are metamorphosed analogues of earlier banded gneiss that were intensely deformed within a ductile shear zone during the middle stages of the Pan African. Similarly, the schist and interbedded quartzite were emplaced during this period, subsequently forming part of the Malumfashi supracrustal cover, related to simple ensialic graben-like structural development. The granitic intrusions represent the youngest rock units in the mapped area, resulting from the magmatic activity of the Pan-African orogeny. Structural analysis suggests the mapped area was affected by two-phase deformation events (D1 and D2). The D1 deformation represents a regional, fabric-forming compressional event, while D2 is a localized deformational event associated with the development of a local shear zone linked to the Kalangai fault system (KFS)

Management of congenital esophageal stenosis associated with esophageal atresia and its impact on postoperative esophageal stricture

Aim The aim of this work was to study the incidence, management of congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) associated with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and its impact on esophageal stricture (ES) after primary repair.Patients and methods From January 2006 to December 2014, 41 sequential cases of EA with distal TEF were retrospectively studied. Cases with significant ES after primary repair were included in the study. Associated CES was diagnosed in the neonatal period by taking histopathologic samples from the tips of the esophageal pouches, failure to pass a size-6 nasogastric tube distally during primary repair, and by initial esophagogram.Results Significant ES developed in 19 patients (46.3%); of them, six had CES (32%). Three patients had tracheobronchial remnants at the anastomotic site. Two of them had refractory strictures requiring resections and one had mainly major esophageal dysmotility. Patients 4 and 5 had CES distal to the anastomotic site on initial esophagogram. Patient 4 responded well to dilatations, whereas the other one had refractory stricture. Patient 6 had distal CES due to fibromuscular stenosis diagnosed by failure to pass a size-6 nasogastric tube distally. The patient responded well to dilatation, myectomy, and Thal’s fundoplication.Conclusion One-third of the patients with significant stricture had CES; half of them were refractory to dilatation. Failure to have histology specimens and a high index of suspicion will make the incidence of this association a rarity. Diagnosis and management of CES with EA/TEF in the neonatal period is possible. Esophageal dilatation is the initial management for all cases with a low threshold for gastric fundoplication and gastrostomy. Resection is reserved for refractory stenosis.Keywords: congenital esophageal stenosis, esophageal atresia, esophageal stricture, tracheoesophageal fistul

Response of some flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes to different soil application levels of humic acid

Two field trials were established during 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons at the Experimental Farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Egypt, to evaluate the response of some flax genotypes (Strain 651, Sakha 3, Sakha 5 and Giza 12) to different fertilization levels of humic acid (HA) (0, 1000, 1500 and 2000 g/fed[1]) as a soil application. Split-plot design was used for the experiment with four replicates. The main-plots were assigned to the four fertilization levels of HA and the sub-plots were allocated to the four flax genotypes. The results pointed out that using 2000 g/fed of HA treatment significantly attained the highest values of all studied characters followed by 1500, 1000 and 0 g/fed during both seasons. The results also, referred that S.651 was significantly superior to the rest of the other genotypes in technical length, fiber length, fiber percentage and fiber yield/fed within both seasons. Giza 12 recorded significantly the most beneficial results for stem diameter, straw yield/plant, straw yield/fed, fruiting zone length, seed index and seed yield/plant in both seasons. Also, Sakha 5 significantly surpassed the other genotypes in number of capsules /plant, seed yield/fed, oil percentage and oil yield/fed in the 1st and 2nd seasons. Thus, this research recommended the use of 2000 g/fed of HA with the promising strain (S.651) to obtain the highest fiber yield/fed, or with Sakha 5 to gain the highest seed and oil yield/fed in Northern Delta region of Egypt. Keywords: Flax genotypes, humic acid, straw yield, seed yield, oil yield, fiber yield [1]  fed = feddan = 4200 m

Inactivated pentavalent vaccine against mycoplasmosis and salmonellosis for chickens

Mycoplasma and Salmonella are serious pathogens threaten the poultry industry. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate an inactivated pentavalent vaccine targeting bacteria, including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST), Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE), Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky (SK), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), from locally isolated strains. The prepared vaccine was adjuvanted with Montanide ISA70 oil and then tested for safety, sterility, and potency. The vaccine efficacy was evaluated in 110 specific pathogen-free, 1-day-old chicks, which were divided into three groups as follows: 1) vaccinated group (50 birds), which was subdivided into five subgroups of ten birds each; 2) control positive (challenged) group (50 birds), which was subdivided into five subgroups of ten birds each; and 3) control negative (blank) group, which included ten birds. Chicks in group 1 were administered the first dose of vaccine at 7 d of age followed by a booster dose after 3 wk. At 3 wk after booster vaccination, the chicks who were administered the booster dose were challenged and kept under observation until the end of the experiment when the chicks were approximately 10 wk. Details of clinical symptoms, daily mortality, weights, and postmortem lesions; serum samples; cloacal swabs; and nasal swabs were collected during the experiment. The humoral immune response to the prepared pentavalent vaccine was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings revealed that the prepared vaccine showed high protective antibody titers against Salmonella and Mycoplasma with 100% efficacy and no mortalities (100% survival rate) were recorded in vaccinated and challenged birds. The vaccine reduced both clinical signs and bacterial shedding post challenge in vaccinated birds in comparison with control positive group. The prepared vaccine did not affect the body weight gain of the vaccinated birds in comparison with control negative birds. The current study concluded that locally manufactured inactivated pentavalent vaccine offers protection to birds and could be employed as an effective tool along with biosecurity measures to overcome mycoplasmosis and salmonellosis in layer and breeder chicken farms in Egypt

Levels of heavy metals in Gubi dam water Bauchi, Nigeria

The distribution of heavy metals in Gubi Dam, Bauchi, Nigeria was studied covering the highest turbulent and non-turbulent flow periods. The average concentrations of iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, cobalt, chromium and cadmium were generally highest in filtrate water, whereas the concentrations of copper and lead were always highest in the suspended materials which indicate the dominant role played by suspended materials in the transport of these metals. The total metal levels are within WHO safety limits as such do not reflect impaired suitability of the water. The relative levels of the metals at the entry points and spillway reflect the source, the path and stopover of the tributaries of the dam, thus the variation in the amount of metals at each point.KEYWORDS: Distribution, Heavy metals, filtrate water, suspended matter, Gubi dam, Nigeri

Successful intralesional bleomycin injections for the management of a huge life-threatening cervical lymphangioma in a 3-day-old neonate

Intralesional bleomycin injections (IBI) for the management of a huge life-threatening cervical cystic hygroma is superior to surgery. Surgery has a high rate of morbidity and even mortality. Recurrence and injury to major vessels, nerves, and lymphatics may be unavoidable. The authors report on a 3-day-old male infant who was diagnosed antenatally as a case of a huge cervical cystic hygroma. Postnatally, the patient required mechanical ventilation. The patient was treated successfully with IBI without complications. To our knowledge, this is the youngest case presenting acutely to be treated successfully with IBI without complications.Keywords: bleomycin, neonatal cystic hygroma, respiratory distres

Acute oral toxicity of two products from a microbial pest control agent (Beauveria bassiana) on physiological status aspects of male albino rats

Background: Synthetic pesticides have accumulated in environment causing harm to humans and ecosystems. As a result, the use of biopesticides in agriculture and public health has expanded as a substitute for traditional pesticides. Purpose: To investigate the acute oral toxicity of Beauveria bassiana, on physiological status aspects of male rats. Material and Methods: Metabolic crude (MC), and wettable powder formulation (2.5% WP) from the local isolate of B. bassiana (AUMC 9896) were tested on adult Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats by single oral dose. Results: There was no evidence of death or toxic symptoms in any of the treated groups. In contrast, each product caused a significant increase in the body weight gain and relative liver weights of B. bassiana-exposed male and reduced the brain somatic index with WP only as compared to the control. The studied bioinsecticide also caused a substantial rise in total erythrocyte and absolute differential leucocyte counts, while red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet count (Plt) were decreased significantly. Furthermore, male rats exposed to both types of B. bassiana, aspartate aminotransferases (AST), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), AST/ALT, triglyceride, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) were elevated compared to the untreated group, whereas alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, globulin (Glb), Alb/Glb, urea content, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) count fluctuated between increased and decreased. Also, B. bassiana-treated rats had lower serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL) values.Conclusion: These results suggest that both treatments have slight effects on complete blood count (CBC) of treated male rats and marked effect on liver function, lipid profile, body weight gain and somatic index of the liver and brain

Upright or dorsal? childbirth positions among antenatal clinic attendees in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Upright childbirth positions are associated with better delivery outcomes. These positions such as kneeling and squatting were the norm for childbirth in indigenous Nigerian custom. However, westernization has largely replaced them with supine positions.Objective: This study was conducted to compare the knowledge, attitude and experience regarding childbirth positions between antenatal clinic attendees in southwest and northwest Nigeria.Materials and Methods: A mixed methods design was employed. Quantitative data were obtained using a structured questionnaire in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile‑Ife (n = 201) and Federal Medical Centre, Katsina (n = 104). Knowledge was graded as poor, fair or good whereas attitude toward each position was graded as favoured, indifferent or against. The resulting proportions were compared using Chi‑square. Qualitative data were obtained through key‑informant interviews.Results: Knowledge of childbirth positions was generally poor. Overall, only to women (0.6%) had good knowledge, whereas 60 (19.7%) had fair knowledge and the rest (79.7%) had poor knowledge. More women in Katsina than Ile‑Ife knew the squatting position (32.7% vs. 16.4%; P < 0.001) and favoured it (25.0% vs. 7.5%; P < 0.001), whereas more Ile‑Ife women knew the lithotomy position (42.3% vs. 26.9%; P = 0.01). Attitudes towards the remaining positions were comparable between them. Key‑informant interviews of the midwives revealed that they were trained to conduct delivery exclusively in the supine positions. They were, however, interested in learning the use of upright positions.Conclusion: Knowledge about childbirth positions was very poor. Women in northwestern Nigeria were more aware and favorably disposed to childbirth in their customary squatting position. Training of Nigerian midwives on upright childbirth positions is recommended.Keywords: Childbirth position; knowledge; labour duration; practice; preference; Yoruba wome

Histopathologic profile of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

Purpose Few reports are available in the literature on the histology of the congenital atretic esophagus in humans. Histologic abnormalities  including congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) may contribute toward the abnormal esophageal motility after successful repair of esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). The main aim of this study is to document the histopathologic profile in cases of EA.Methods One hundred and nineteen surgical specimens were collected from 69 consecutive EA patients who underwent surgical repair at the Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, and Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, Saudi Arabia, from May 1999 through May 2009. This included 62 cases with EA and distal TEF, five cases of pure EA, and two cases of N-type TEF. Samples from tips of the upper pouch (UP), lower pouch (LP), and mid portion of the TEF were preserved in 10% formalin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Results The combined three elements of tracheobronchial tissue were observed in only three LP specimens. Gastrictype mucosa was seen in one UP and one LP specimen. Except for one N-type fistula, all sections showed fullthickness muscle coats. Distortion of muscles by fibrosis was most commonly seen in the UP. The muscle layer in the LP was more commonly distorted by glands with or without cartilage. Fourteen samples (10.8%) showed a histological picture consistent with CES.Conclusion Glands in the submucosa may be abnormal innumber and type, and may extend to different esophageal  coats. Muscle distortion by fibrosis, glands, or cartilage and associated CES may contribute toward esophageal dysmotility and stricture after surgery. Cutting the TEF B3–5mm distal to its origin from the trachea is adequate histologically for primary anastomosis of the atretic esophagus. The histological changes associated with the TEF need to be revised.Keywords: congenital esophageal stenosis, esophageal atresia,  esophageal dysmotility, histopatholog