ENHANCEMENT OF GAMBE CLAY USING UN-FERMENTABLE POLYMERS FOR DRILLING MUD FORMULATION

There is availability and large deposits of bentonite (700 million tons in North Eastern part) in Nigeria but the clays had not been abundantly harnessed and enhanced with polymer for drilling fluid formulation because they are mostly composed of calcium montmorillonite. This work was aimed at enhancing Gambe clay using un-fermentable polymers (three carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) with different average molecular weight). The clay was obtained from Gambe town in Adamawa State, Nigeria, beneficiated for quartz removal, as well as enhancement with Na2CO3 (6 wt.%). The mineral and oxides composition of the clay was determined using X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analyses respectively, and finally used to formulate the drilling fluid. The effect of the polymer on the rheological and physico-chemical properties of the formulated drilling fluid was investigated employing FANN 35SA viscometer.  It was found that the carboxy methyl cellulose enhanced the plastic viscosity from 1.5 cP to 34 cP and the apparent viscosity from 2.25 cP to 44 cP. The higher the average molecular weight of the sodium carboxy methyl cellulose the higher the apparent and plastic viscosities of the formulated fluid. Similarly, the resultant viscosities compared well with that of commercial standard of 15 cP and 14 cP of apparent and plastic viscosities respectively. The sets of data generated from this work is going to be very useful for water and oil/gas drilling operations. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i1.1

Geoelectrical Characterization of Aquifer Precincts in Parts of Lapai, North Central Nigeria

Some geoelectric characteristics of aquifer in parts of Lapai, Central Nigeria were evaluated using Wenner vertical electrical sounding (VES) method. Fifteen (15) VES points were occupied using G41 Geotron Resistivity meter with electrode spacing varying from 10m to 150m while a global positioning system (GPS) tracking device was used to locate the VES points. The 1xD Interprex interpretation software was used for the data interpretation which revealed four layers comprising the top lateritic soil, silty /clayey, weathered basement and fresh basement rocks. The resistivity of these layers varied from 4.54Ωm to 27987.60Ωm while the depth varied from 0.440m to 1079.5m. Longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance calculated from the layers’ thicknesses and resistivities varied from 0.00039Siemens to 2.05Siemens and 3.96×106 Ωm2 to 3.34×107Ωm2 respectively. The aquifer overburden protection capacity in VES 2, 5, 6,9,10 and 11 were relatively low which means the aquifer in these locations are susceptible to contaminants while in VES 15 the protective capacity is higher indicating that the aquifer is protected. Generally, all the locations could be exploited for groundwater at relatively reasonable depths. However, a greater part of the study area has low protective capacity (<1.0Siemens). The consequence of this revelation is that the area is generally unprotected as it allows for infiltration and subsequent contamination of the groundwater and hence good groundwater quality cannot be guaranteed in the area

Between Survival and Sustenance : Plants for Recycle Edible Garden

Previous studies demonstrate that plants played a significant role in the edible garden plantings.  Therefore, this study aims to analyse and evaluate the practicality and performance of plants selected in composing the recycle edible garden at Masjid As-Siddiq. This paper discusses the issues, challenges and imperatives of how a successful plants selection would lead towards survival and sustenance food for the community. The data derived from qualitative and quantitative method through photo and images recorded throughout the implementation period.  The results will interpret relevant information about the plants potential in surviving and becoming sustenance towards the sustainable community.

Relokasi Permukiman Pemulung Bantargebang dengan Arsitektur Tropis

The background of this design is the uninhabitable settlements occupied by scavengers in the Bantargebang area. Bantargebang is the Integrated Waste Disposal Site (TPST) or the largest final waste disposal in Indonesia. The existence of mountains of garbage that continues to grow into employment for migrants, who eventually build houses on illegal land with improvised scavenging materials such as zinc, cardboard, and so on that can be utilized until the house is formed. With the limited land available, the relocation is done by designing flats. Data collection was carried out by means of field studies, literature studies, and interviews. The location of scavenger settlements to be relocated is in the village of Sumurbatu, Bantargebang sub-district with a total of 751 households of scavenger work. Flats are built with the approach of tropical architecture, with the aim of saving and environmentally friendly so that scavengers who work in dirty places when returning home get a healthy atmosphere. And with results that are not how residents can save electricity usage. With this design, it is expected that the life of scavengers in Bantargebang precisely in Sumurbatu Village will be more structured

Learning by Doing: Student Experiences in a Mixed Methods Research Course

Aim/Purpose The purpose of this paper is to detail the experiential learning processes of an 11-week doctoral-level intermediate mixed methods research (MMR) course in which student-researchers conceptualized and implemented an MMR study to apply theoretical and methodological learning in a practical manner. Our aim is to emphasize the value of an applied MMR course for improved student learning and curriculum planning for faculty by highlighting meaningful insights on study design, data integration, team collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities involved in project execution within a time-limited academic course. Background MMR courses are increasingly being integrated into graduate programs, yet few offer intermediate or advanced courses that go beyond introductory topics and engage students in applied learning. Furthermore, most articles on MMR courses are written from the instructor perspective and not from the student perspective. Methodology This article is organized by each week of the course curriculum, and the output of the research project, couched within reflections of the applied process, is presented. While this paper is grounded in an experiential reflection of learning, the research project itself is referred to frequently to help elucidate and capture this learning in a systematic way. The applied study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to examine career satisfaction and career preference changes over time in doctoral candidates and graduates. Contribution This paper contributes to higher education by providing a student-led exemplar of applied learning in MMR pedagogy for doctoral students irrespective of discipline and research topic. It provides a sample research project, executed start to finish with a guiding blueprint that can be adapted by faculty and students in various academic departments, within a quarter or semester long course. Findings Ultimately, this course led to increased confidence and preparation to conduct interdisciplinary mixed methods research. Unique to mixed methods research, the areas in which we witnessed the most growth included developing mixed methods research questions, choosing a design based on these questions, and engaging in data integration. Recommendations for Practitioners We provide the following recommendations to instructors interested in developing intermediate- or advanced-level MMR courses: a) obtain input from students on what they are most interested in learning during course conceptualization or early on in implementation; b) consider that a great deal of time outside of the classroom may need to be dedicated to the class project, which may impact the feasibility and successful execution of an experiential course; and c) sufficient class time is dedicated to data integration from quantitative and qualitative inputs. Recommendation for Researchers Researchers interested in further examining learning and proficiency garnered from MMR and other research courses may benefit from including students as co-researchers. In addition, engaging in systematic qualitative research on student and professor experiences in learning and teaching MMR courses could highlight further areas for course refinement and topics for future research. Impact on Society Given the increasing prevalence of MMR being included in research funding announcements as a preferred methodology, it is imperative to rigorously train researchers in mixed methods research at varying levels of advancement (i.e., introductory, intermediate, and advanced). Future Research Our small explanatory sequential mixed methods study began as a class project, yet highlighted areas that could be studied further for doctoral candidates and graduates in clinically oriented fields, such as learning what types or qualities of training and mentorship may yield more career preparedness and satisfaction

Focused antenatal care acceptance in northeastern region of Nigeria: clients' perspective.

Antenatal care is the medical care of the woman during pregnancy to ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and the baby. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended adoption of a new model of ANC known as Focused Ante-Natal Care (FANC), with four clinic visits during pregnancy for all the women in low risk category. Pregnant women who are at low risk of complication form about 75% of all pregnant women Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine acceptance of Focused Antenatal Care among antenatal clinic attendees in health institutions in northeastern Nigeria. Materials And Method: Focused group discussion was used as a qualitative method of data collection in 6 different health facilities. Results: Majority of the clients preferred the FANC to the old method of ANC. Some clients had already started cutting the number of ANC visits in their own way by late presentation during pregnancy. Such practices may contribute negatively to early detection and prevention of diseases during pregnancies. Conclusion: It is therefore highly recommended to fast track governments efforts towards commencement of FANC as recommended by the WHO in all the health facilities in the region in particular and the whole Nigerian nation in general

Pengaruh Asam Klorida (HCl) Terhadap Terak Alumunium Pada Pembuatan Batu Gerinda

Grinding is a tool used for the process of reducing and cutting an abrasive workpiece through friction between the abrasive material and the workpiece. In addition, the grinding process can also for the process of finishing workpieces (refine the workpiece surface) smoothed the pieces, welding results,can also as a metal sharpener such as knives and chisels. In this research, the manufacture of self-assembled grinding wheels with aluminum slag materials that have been washed as abrasion material that aims to find out how much the rate of wear and grind own specimen grinding wheels, previous research, and the existing grinding wheels in the market market with Lippro brand. The process of making grinding wheels begins with the preparation of materials to be used, namely liquid phenolic resins and powders, slag cast aluminum, mesh 12 and 40 that have been treated with water and HCl, and fiberglass mesh fiber. After that mix all the ingredients according to the composition that has been determined. Furthermore all materials are inserted in the mold and compressed with a press machine with a 15 ton force for 5 minutes. Then ignored at room temperature of at least 24 hours.Then sintered with temperature 1400C for 1 hour. Tests performed are wear test with ASTM D-3702 standard. From the results of research shows that the wear value of Lippro brand grinding wheel has a low wear rate compared to homemade grinding stone

A telephone survey of cancer awareness among frontline staff: informing training needs

Background: Studies have shown limited awareness about cancer risk factors among hospital-based staff. Less is known about general cancer awareness among community frontline National Health Service and social care staff. Methods: A cross-sectional computer-assisted telephone survey of 4664 frontline community-based health and social care staff in North West England. Results: A total of 671 out of 4664 (14.4%) potentially eligible subjects agreed to take part. Over 92% of staff recognised most warning signs, except an unexplained pain (88.8%, n=596), cough or hoarseness (86.9%, n=583) and a sore that does not heal (77.3%, n=519). The bowel cancer-screening programme was recognised by 61.8% (n=415) of staff. Most staff agreed that smoking and passive smoking ‘increased the chance of getting cancer.’ Fewer agreed about getting sunburnt more than once as a child (78.0%, n=523), being overweight (73.5%, n=493), drinking more than one unit of alcohol per day (50.2%, n=337) or doing less than 30 min of moderate physical exercise five times a week (41.1%, n=276). Conclusion: Cancer awareness is generally good among frontline staff, but important gaps exist, which might be improved by targeted education and training and through developing clearer messages about cancer risk factors