Photovoltaic Generating System Parameter Sizing for Building

Small to medium sized battery storage required to address the intermittency challenge of the energy of solar radiation could be achieved by appropriate sizing of the photovoltaic system parameters like photovoltaic module (PVM) number and battery capacity. This paper presents the results of evaluation of the optimum parameter values in sizing of stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system that satisfies building energy demand, with almost zero Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP). A time step simulation of system performance based on energy balance for various combinations of PV numbers and battery capacities was employed. (Three seasons of operation were considered; rainy, hot and hot/dry). The rainy season result indicating high storage capacity requirement of about (2500-Ah), is of highest cost compared to other seasons. Stand-alone photovoltaic system size that will assuage the intermittency challenge; mitigate peak demand costs and provide near zero LPSP was determined. Keywords: loss of power supply probability, photovoltaic, energy demand, parameter sizing, stand-alon

Spouse-sharing and Experiences with Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among the Okun of Nigeria

This paper examines the practice of spouse sharing and its influence on having multiple sex partners and self-reported STD experiences among the Okun people of Nigeria. It also examines the coping strategies of the people with respect to STDs. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaires to 1029 respondents (518 men and 511 women) and through focus group discussions. Respondents who participate in spouse sharing are more likely to have more sex partners simultaneously than those who do not, and multiple sexual partnering is a significant risk factor in the reporting of STD experience. Knowledge of the link between risky sexual practices involving multiple sexual partnerships and the prevalence of STDs is poor. Although most respondents are knowledgeable about the symptoms of STDs like gonorrhea and syphilis, and to a lesser extent HIV/AIDS, they are less informed about how best to prevent these diseases. The use of condoms is low among the men while a strong confidence is expressed in traditional medicine and self-protective practices with unproven efficacy. The study recommends the provision of more information, education and communication to expand knowledge of STDs, and the probable impact of spouse sharing in fueling the spread of STDs, including HIV/AIDS

Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals in Sagamu Abattoir Waste Water Ogun State, Nigeria

Abattoir wastewater is a great threat to environmental safety. This study was aimed at assessing the physiochemical constituents using standard methods and some heavy metals using Agilent Microwave Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES) 4200 model after sample digestion of wastewater from three (3) major abattoirs in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. The sample was digested using a mixture of nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The digested samples were then analyzed for heavy metals. Data from the physicochemical characterization show that pH, TS, TDS, TSS and COD ranged from; (5.8 – 6.2), (11500 – 27733.33), (5500 – 9066.67), (6000 – 18666.67), and (1507.67 – 3671) respectively. The assessed heavy metals are in the range (mg/L): Zn (0.132-0.337), Cu (0.091 – 0.516), Mn (0.410 – 0.994), Fe (5.294 – 15.44), V (0.132 – 0.32), Cd (0.036 – 0.119), Ni (0.029 – 0.17), Pb (0.136 – 0.234), Cr (0.299 – 1.277), and Co (0.015 – 0.079). Zn, Cu and Fe are essential metals within tolerable limits except Mn that exceeded the limits of World Health Organization (0.04 mg/L) but below Federal Ministry of Environment (5 mg/L) while Ni, Pb and Chromium are above permissible limits in all samples.  The pretreatment of the wastewater before discharging into environment is highly recommended and more research should be done on remediation to reduce the abattoir wastewater heavy metals concentration and the effect it is having on the ecosystem and the environment at large

Factors Influencing Innovation and Competitiveness in the Service Sector in Nigeria: a Sub-Sectoral Approach

Abstract This study examined the factors that influence innovation and competiveness in the indigenous Nigeria's oil and gas servicing firms. Th is was done with a view to making appropriate strategic recommendations to enhance firm-level innovativeness so as to increase indigenous participation in the sub-sector. The study, wh ich used primary and secondary data sources, was based on a sample of the indigenous oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. Four types of questionnaire were ad ministered in each firm. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered on heads of Production, Engineering, Finance and Administration in the firms out of which 70% were returned and found suitable for analysis. This was supplemented with field observations and interviews. Secondary data were sourced fro m the internet and other published sources. The data so obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The technological factors that accounted for the innovation performance included the educational qualifications, training and prior work experience of the heads of technical department, nu mber of r&d staff and training, innovation, and, r&d investment. The important non-technological factors included interaction with co mpetitors, consumers, suppliers and training institution. In conclusion, our study found out that the most important factors that influence innovation in the sub-sector are r&d expenditure and training. Keywords R&d Expenditure, R&d Staff, Train ing, Educational Level, Innovation Background The Nigerian economy since the last four decades has become reliant on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for more than 90 percent of export revenues and 41 percent of her Gross Domestic product (GDP

Moderating Role of Demographic Characteristics in Breast Cancer Awareness and the Behavioural Disposition of Women in Ogun State, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer incidence is fast increasing, posing a significant threat to the health of women of all races globally. In Nigeria, breast cancer causes the most cancer-related deaths among women each year as a result of inadequate awareness. AIM: This study is aimed at examining the moderating role of demographic characteristics in facilitating breast cancer awareness among women, and how it relates to their behavioural disposition to the disease. METHODS: The study adopted the descriptive (survey) and cross-sectional research designs to elicit information from women of adult age selected across five Local Government Areas in Ogun state. The data, collected through questionnaire were analysed through the use of a variance-based SEM Partial Least Square (PLS). RESULTS: The result shows that demographic characteristics (age and education) has a significant positive effect and jointly explain 74.9% of the variance in the breast cancer awareness and behavioural disposition among women in the study area. The findings revealed that a significant number of women with breast cancer had not acquired useful knowledge that could potentially be used to diagnose, prevent, and manage the disease. Unfortunately, the practice of Breast Self-Examination is grossly low among Nigerian women, as a consequence, only 20-30% of the women in study areas, including professionals, are aware of the benefits of BSE and only a smaller percentage practice BSE. CONCLUSION: There is, therefore, a need to educate women on the benefits of this simple life-saving procedure through the consistent use of media platforms

NCI-MATCH Arms N & P: Phase II study of PI3K beta inhibitor GSK2636771 in patients (pts) with cancers (ca) with PTEN mutation/deletion (mut/del) or PTEN protein loss

Background: The NCI-MATCH trial is the largest national study (1173 sites) for ptswith relapsed/ refractory solid tumors, lymphomas and myeloma, which assigns tar-geted therapies based on individual tumor molecular alterations detected using theadapted Oncomine AmpliSeq panel (143 genes) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).We hypothesized that patients with PTEN-deficient cancers enrolled to Arms N and Pmay benefit from treatment with the PI3K beta-selective inhibitor GSK2636771. Methods: Eligibility: relapsed/refractory ca, good end-organ function, and ECOG PS ≤ 1. Pts were screened for molecular alterations by centralized testing on fresh tumor biopsy and had deleterious PTEN mut/del without loss of expression (Arm N) or complete loss of cytoplasmic and nuclear PTEN staining on IHC (Arm P), and no other aberrations activating the PI3K/MTOR and MAPK pathways (mut in PIK3CA, PIK3R1, BRAF, KRAS, AKT1, TSC1/2, mTOR, RHEB, NF2, NRAS, HRAS). Pts received GSK2636771 400mg/day (28-days cycles). RECIST 1.1 overall response rate (ORR) was the primary endpoint. Results: Of 59 enrolled pts, 56 were eligible and received treatment. Of 22 pts with PTEN mut/del (Arm N: 6 uterine, 2 breast, 2 prostate, 2 head/neck ca, 10 other), all are off treatment as of analysis (14 disease progression, 4 for adverse events [AEs], 4 other). One pt (4.5%) with prostate ca (PTEN deletion, MPRSS2-ERG fusion) attained a partial response (-42%). Of 7 (32%) pts with stable disease (SD), 2 had SD \u3e 6 months (uterine leiomyosarcoma; endometrial carcinoma). Of 34 pts with loss of PTEN protein by IHC (Arm P: 7 prostate, 6 breast, 3 squamous anal ca, 2 cholangiocarcinoma, 16 other), all are off treatment as of analysis (26 disease progression, 4 for AE, 4 other). Of 9 (37.5%) pts with SD, 3 had SD \u3e 6 months (prostate cancer; squamous bladder cancer, squamous anal cancer). Median progression-free survival was 1.8 months for both arms. Gr ≥ 3 treatment-related (tr) reversible toxicities were experienced by 30% (7) and 20% (7) of pts in arms N and P, respectively. No tr Gr 5 toxicities were observed in either arm. Conclusions: Single agent GSK2636771 has very modest activity in ca with PTEN gene mutation/deletion and/or PTEN protein loss

The radioactive contamination of ground and surface water near a uranium mine in Malawi

Ground and surface water in the uranium mining area of Kayelekera in Malawi was assessed for concentration levels of radioactive metals. Potential health risks associated with the intake of these metals in drinking water from various sources were also estimated. Surface, groundwater and mine discharge water samples were collected and analysed for radio elemental concentration using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analytical technique. The results indicated a high concentration of 238U in water samples from lower Sere river. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were however below WHO recommended limit. Health risk assessment using average committed effective dose were below the global average. Excess lifetime cancer risk values with an average of  for borehole water was calculated and found to be below the global average. Radiologically, the water quality of Kayelekera area post uranium mining activities has not been compromised, however close monitoring and treating of drinking water is recommende

Understanding Coping Strategies Adults Adopted to Survive During COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND: Understanding the coping strategies adopted during the COVID-19 and post Covid-19 pandemic is one way to understand the critical impact that COVID-19 poses on adults. AIM: Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand the coping strategies adults adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic and post Covid era in the Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos State. METHODS: The study used a quantitative method. A total of 250 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, out of which 218 copies were retrieved. RESULTS: The result shows (53.3%) respondents tried to avoid thinking and problem solving during COVID-19. About 51% of respondents were able to connect with family and friends through social media during COVID-19. In the same manner, 47.3% of respondents were able to control their exposure to news during and after COVID-19. About 66.5% of respondents tried to adapt to the new normal during and after the COVID-19 pandemic; 59.7% of respondents tried to avoid over-crowded places during and after the pandemic; 62.4% of respondents also tried doing new things during COVID-19; and 62.4% of respondents followed still safety guidelines during and even after COVID-19. However, doing what I love and living a positive lifestyle during COVID-19 were all considered as predominant coping strategies used. The result shows the relationship between reality of COVID-19 and nothing to look forward to was examined using the Chi-square and cross-tabulation. There is a significant positive relationship between the variables. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that coping strategies are very important strategies to adopt in in some similar situation. There is a need to understand the relationship between social and psychological skills that people use to manage and endure trauma. The coping mechanisms were used by adults that kept them alive and safe from COVID-19 trauma. Emotionally oriented and seeking to solve a problem or modify the status quo, adults seek to alleviate emotional pain caused by stressful events by sharing feelings through activities. The study recommends that there is a need to keep the mind at rest and stress free from any anxiety and trouble. People should do more of their hobbies, learn a new skill or take an online professional course

NEIGHBOURHOOD DISADVANTAGES AND ATTITUDE TO SCHOOLING IN POOR URBAN SETTLEMENT IN NIGERIA:IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT

The challenges facing students in 21st century are enormous especially the adolescents in secondary schools in distress and adverse neighbourhood environment. However, only limited studies have explained the interrelationships between neighbourhood environment (such as poverty, violence and its associate stress and crime) and reading culture, academic learning and performance, school dropouts, unemployable school leavers and the existence of widening gap in economic opportunities. The paper examined association between urban neighbourhood disadvantages with poor cognitive and behavioural disposition on schooling, learning and performance. Data for the study were extracted from a cross sectional survey among 1220 senior secondary schools students selected in equal proportion from 14 secondary schools in Lagos metropolis with attrition rate of 12.9%. The state was selected for being a representative of tribe and culture, urban rich and poor setting. The study adopted a measuring scale for both adverse environment and students’ disposition. The data were analyzed using univariate and binary logistic regression analysis. The findings suggest, among others, that adverse neighbourhood characteristics in urban center are connected with the poor learning attitude and learning outcomes. It recommends simultaneous emphasis on attitudinal change motivations and compulsory secondary education policy initiatives in Nigeria and across other sub- Saharan African countries