The factors influencing municipal solid waste generation in bauchi town, Nigeria

This study investigated the factors influencing municipal solid waste generation (MSWG) in Bauchi town, the administrative headquarters of Bauchi state, Nigeria. The study used quantitative method, while experiments and questionnaire surveys, were used as the major instruments for data collection. Data on solid waste generation and the socioeconomic attributes of residents from 400 households were collected from residential zones within Bauchi town, the study area. Descriptive statistics, Correlations and Standard Multiple Regressions (SMR) were computed for data analysis using SPSS 2.2 software. Twelve (12) socioeconomic factors were computed in SMR to determine the significant factors of MSWG in the study. The results showed that five factors, namely: household size, income, education, house head age and occupation have exerted significant influence on MSWG in the study area. The results also showed that F (5:362) = 84.058 at p ≤ 0.01 and adjusted R² = 0.531; which indicated that the factors in the SMR model have sufficiently explained the variance in MSWG in Bauchi town. The study concluded that the five significant predictor factors have adequately explained the variance of MSWG in the study area. Therefore, the factors have implications for planning of effective waste management system in Bauchi town, Nigeria

Optimization and Application of Chromosome In Situ Suppression Hybridization

The overall aim of this project was to develop the technique of chromosomal in situ suppression (CISS) hybridization using whole chromosome specific libraries (chromosome painting) and to apply it to the investigation of diagnostic problems in clinical cytogenetics. Initially to gain experience with non-isotopic in situ hybridization, repetitive target probes DYS59 (GMY10) and DYS58 (GMGY7) were used. This provided experience in labelling of probe with biotin, hybridization and detection conditions (alkaline phosphatase detection) and analysis of results. The technique was reliable and sensitive and was applied to map the gene for angiotensinogen to 1q42. In the later part of this initial work, a fluorescence detection technique using fluoresceinated avidin and goat biotinylated anti-avidin was applied to confirm an isochromosomes Yp and Yq using DYS59 (GMGY10) and DYS58 (GMGY7) probes. The study then progressed into the development of the chromosome painting technique. Difficulties were encountered in preparing the working library probe from the chromosome 21 specific library and a major part of the work involved solving these problems. The libraries were found to be less concentrated than indicated by the supplier. Consequently, the amplification and purification following established protocols failed to produce a concentrated DNA library in the phage. However, a good yield of the DNA library was achieved by using trypticase in the culture media and high purity agarose as the top agar during the amplification. Labelling of the library by nick-translation and random priming did not achieve decoration of the whole chromosome 21 but direct labelling of Biotin-ll-dUTP by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was found to be efficient and overcame the problem of non-homogenous painting of the target chromosome. This direct labelling approach had difficulties in the cleaning and concentration of the PCR product. These were overcome by cleaning with Sephadex G-50 column chromatography and freeze drying of eluate. Once homogeneous painting had been achieved the probe was applied for chromosome painting. Many problems and parameters for the optimum working conditions were identified in this part of study. These are either independent or/and related to various conditions involved during all stages of the technique. The maximum final concentration of the DNA mixture per slide was 10ug/10ul and increasing the ratio of the probe and/or the unlabelled DNA did not improve either the quality of suppression or the hybridization signal. Addition of human cot 1-DNA in 1 to 4 ratio with total human DNA gave better suppression. Denaturation of labelled probe and competitor DNA mixture was optimum at 75C for 8 minutes and for optimum preannealling, the mixture was prehybridized for a minimum of 60 minutes at 37C. Slides were only treated with RNase when necessary and not with Proteinase K as the latter tended to wash the cells off the slide. Denaturation of the slides was carried out at 70-75C in 70% formamide/2XSSC for a maximum of 8 minutes. At temperature of 80C the chromosome morphology was found to be distorted. Hybridization when carried out at 37C for 15 to 20 hours showed good hybridization with chromosome morphology undisturbed. Hybridization at 42-45C showed crystallization and heavy background deposits. Posthybridization washing in three changes of 50% formamide/2XSSC at 45C was found to be optimal in producing a clean background. In between detection washing using 0.1M sodium phosphate buffer with 0.1% Nonidet P-40 carried out at room temperature is sufficient to remove excess stain as compared to other washing buffers such as 2XSSC or 4XSSC containing Triton-X or Tween 20. Detection was carried out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and any slide dried during this stage produced high autofluorescence of fluoresceinated avidin which was difficult to remove by washing. A single amplification cycle was sufficient to enhance the decoration of chromosome 21. Prebanding of slides prior to hybridization did not affect the target chromosomes, however, incomplete destaining did hinder probe penetration and interfere with counterstaining. It was found that refixing of slides (either new or old slides) in methanol:acetic acid (3:1) before denaturation tended to improve the hybridization result as well as reducing background signal. In general, the technical difficulties were related to either probe preparation, poor hybridization, non-homogeneous painting or high background but with modifications of the parameters as detailed above the method was shown to be reliable and reproducible. Chromosomes obtained from phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated blood cultures were used during the initial phase. Subsequently, painting was successfully performed on cytogenetically normal metaphase and prometaphase samples of cultured amniocytes, lymphoblastoid cell lines, chorionic villus samples (CVS) and bone marrow preparations. The results showed that all normal chromosome 21s in all types of preparation except direct chorionic villus sample (CVS) were intensely painted and distinctly recognisable. However, results with interphase nuclei were not encouraging. The signals produced were not consistent enough to produce as reliable results. Twelve cases with cytogenetic abnormalities involving the chromosome 21 were investigated using chromosome painting. These results proved that chromosome painting can be used for rapid identification of individual chromosomes and is complementary and confirmatory to conventional karyotyping and as such is predicted to have a future routine diagnostic role in clinical cytogenetics in additions to its research applications

Langmuir, Freundlich Adsorption Isotherms and Kinetics for the Removal of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Solution using Activated Carbon Derived from Pods of Acacia nilotica var astringens (Sunt tree) by Chemical Activation with ZnCl2

Adsorption of Methylene Blue dye from aqueous solution onto Activated carbon derived from   Acacia nilotica (Sunt tree) by chemical activation with ZnCl2, (SUNT-C2) has been studied using batch-adsorption techniques. This study was carried out to examine the adsorption capacity of the low-cost adsorbent (SUNT-C2) for the removal of Methylene Blue dye from aqueous solution. The influence of pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent particle size, adsorbent dose and contact time on the adsorption process were also studied. Results revealed that adsorption rate initially increased rapidly, and the optimal removal efficiency was reached within about 100 mins. Further increase in contact time did not show significant change in equilibrium concentration; that is, the adsorption phase reached equilibrium. The adsorption isotherms could be fitted well by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Also the adsorption process followed pseudo first order rate kinetics. Results indicate that, a new, environment friendly, freely abundant, locally available, lw-cost adsorbent, (SUNT-C2) was an attractive candidate for the removal of cationic dyes from dye wastewater. Keywords: Adsorption, Acacia nilotica, (SUNT-C2) activated carbon, Methylene Blue dye, pseudo first order rate kinetics, FTIR

Acetic Acid Adsorption onto Activated Carbon Derived from Pods of Acacia nilotica var astringens (Sunt tree) by Chemical Activation with ZnCl2

The purpose of this study is to prepare and investigate the adsorption behavior of acetic acid onto two samples of activated carbon prepared from Acacia nilotica var astringens, Sunt tree,( SUNT-C1 and SUNT-C2). Applicability Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevitch models of adsorptions isotherm have been tested, while acetic acid initial concentration varied between (0.010 – 0.300) mol/dm3. A comparative study of adsorption capacities of these samples was performed. The obtained data were compared and fitted well with the four models; there exist a correlation between physico- chemical properties of the activated carbons and the sorption processes. The maximum monolayer coverage (Qo) from Langmuir isotherm model was determined to be 1.016mg/g. Also from Freundlich Isotherm model, the sorption intensity (n) which indicates favourable sorption and the correlation value are 1.11 and 1.09 respectively. Keywords: Adsorption, Acacia nilotica var astringens, activated carbon, FTI

Perancangan Sistem Informasi Administrasi Jurusan Berbasis Web (Studi Kasus : Teknik Informatika, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)

Pengelolaan kegiatan administrasi di Jurusan Teknik Informatika, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo saat ini masih dilakukan dengan cara yang manual sehingga dapat menimbulkan beberapa permasalahan, diantaranya proses penginputan data mahasiswa satu demi satu menyebabkan kurang efisien dari segi waktu mengingat banyaknya permohonan surat oleh mahasiswa. Mahasiswa tidak dapat memantau kemajuan surat sehinggat tidak adanya kepastian dalam pengambilan surat. Tidak tersedianya arsip dari dokumen dosen yang menjadi keperluan jurusan karena masih disimpan pada masing-masing laptop dosen, lambatnya pembuatan laporan surat masuk dan surat keluar kepada pimpinan jurusan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membangun sistem administrasi jurusan berbasis web untuk memudahkan pihak jurusan dalam mengelola permohonan surat mahasiswa, pengarsipan dokumen dosen, pengelolaan surat masuk dan surat keluar. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengembangan sistem adalah metode Rapid Application Development (RAD). Teknik pengumpulan data dengan melakukan wawancara, studi Pustaka, dan obsevasi. Sistem ini dibangun menggunakan framework Codeigniter 3 dan database MYSQL. Pengujian system dilakukan dengan blackbox testing dan whitebox testing. Penelitian ini menghasilkan sistem informasi administrasi jurusan berbasis web untuk meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan terhadap permohonan surat mahasiswa. Mahasiswa dapat memantau kemajuan surat yang telah diajukan. Tersedianya arsip dokumen dosen sewaktu waktu diperlukan oleh jurusan, dan cepat dalam pembuatan laporan kepada pimpinan jurusan. Kata Kunci : Sistem Informasi; Administrasi; Rapid Application Development; Codeigniter

Illumination Estimation Based Color to Grayscale Conversion Algorithms

In this paper, a new adaptive approach, namelythe illumination estimation approach is introduced into the colorto grayscale conversion technique. In this approach, someassumptions will be made to calculate the weight contribution ofred, green, and blue components during the conversion process.Two color to grayscale conversion algorithms are developedunder this approach, namely the Gray World Assumption Colorto Grayscale Conversion (GWACG) and Shade of GrayAssumption Color to Grayscale (SGACG) conversion algorithms.Based on the extensive experimental results, the proposedalgorithms outperform the conventional conversion techniquesby producing resultant grayscale images with higher brightness,contrast, and amount of details preserved. For this reason, theseproposed algorithms are suitable for pre- and post- processing ofdigital images

Keterkaitan Karakteristik Kawasan Transit Berdasarkan Prinsip Transit Oriented Development (TOD) terhadap Tingkat Penggunaan Kereta Komuter Koridor Surabaya-Sidoarjo

Koridor Surabaya-Sidoarjo telah dilayani dengan kereta komuter dalam mendukung tulang punggung transportasi perkotaan Surabaya. Namun penggunaan moda ini belum optimal. Hal ini dilihat dari besarnya pergerakan penduduk yang masih didominasi oleh penggunaan kendaraan pribadi menyebabkan kemacetan. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut diperlukan strategi inovatif yang mengedepankan integrasi antara penggunaan lahan dengan transportasi, salah satunya melalui konsep Transit Oriented Development (TOD) di kawasan stasiun kereta di sepanjang koridor Surabaya-Sidoarjo. Sebagai upaya pengimplementasiannya, perlu dilakukan studi mengenai keterkaitan karakteristik kawasan transit berbasis TOD terhadap jumlah penggunaan kereta komuter koridor Surabaya-Sidoarjo. Melalui analisis korelasi diperoleh hasil penelitian bahwa kepadatan penggunaan lahan (KLB), index keberagaman guna lahan (mixed use entrophy index) perdagangan dan jasa dan fasilitas umum, rata-rata lebar jalur pejalan kaki, dan luas jalur pejalan kaki signifikan memiliki hubungan korelasi yang kuat dengan tingkat penggunaan kereta komuter. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa adanya potensi pengembangan kawasan transit berbasis TOD pada koridor Surabaya-Sidoarjo dalam mendorong penggunaan kereta komuter

Perbedaan Hasil Belajar Kognitif Siswa Menggunakan Model Problem Based Learning dan Model Discovery Learning pada Materi Larutan Asam dan Basa di Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Limboto

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil belajar kognitif siswa menggunakan model problem based learning dan model discovery learning pada materi larutan asam dan basa di madrasah aliyah negeri limboto. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif. Metode penelitian ini berupa eksperimen semu (quasi eksperiment) dengan desain nonequivalent control group design. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XI Madrasah Aliyah Limboto. Penentuan sampel dengan teknik sampling jenuh. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan tes, yaitu pretest dan posttest. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji t. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan diperoleh nilai thitung(0,15) lebih besar dari ttabel(2,04), maka hipotesis Ho diterima dan Ha ditolak. Hal tersebut menunjukkan tidak terdapat perbedaan hasil belajar kognitif siswa menggunakan model problem based learning dan model discovery learning pada materi larutan asam dan basa di Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Limboto

Karakteristik Penyakit Tumor Buah Pada Tanaman Meranti Merah (Shorea Leprosula) Di Kebun Pangkas PT. Sari Bumi Kusuma Kecamatan Serawai Kabupaten Sintang

The research aimed to know gall myte diseased characteristic on plant Shorea leprosula at pruning yard. of PT. Sari Bumi Kusuma at Serawai district, sintang regency. Research desaign used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and sample plant is placed at random in observing slot and data analysis used Khi square ( Chi Square ) with 3 treatments and 6 replications. First plant normal or untrimmed (A0), second treatment is trimmed (A1) and third treatment is trimmed plan and given by vaseline at sectioned plant which is trimmed (A2). Total plant that is utilized were 18 plants. Result of the research showed that 33% plants S. leprosula was attack by gall myte, disease for all treatment. Result tests of Chi Square pointing out that the treatment given is not significant. Disease gall myte can be seen on branch tip part plant, leaf armpit and autotrof. Initially just as bruise with circumference gall myte + 1cm and long + 0,5cm and green chromatic. Time range of appearance gall myte until ranging break tumor were 93 – 115 days. Key word : gall myte, Shorea leprosula, pruning yar