Influence of water extract of Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) on growth of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Laboratory analysis of the water extract of Tithonia diversifolia shoot and root on infra-red spectrometer to determine the phytotoxic potential and greenhouse experiments to evaluate its phytotoxic effect and growth promoting attribute on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) were carried out. T. diversifolia contained some compounds having functional groups such as alcohols, olefins, six-membered ring lactams, ester, aromatic compound which can also be found in sesquiterpene lactones, an allelochemical implicated in phytotoxicity. The extract promoted seedling and plant growth. Bacillus and Streptococcus spp. earlier isolated from the root rhizosphere of T. diversifolia caused some changes in the spectra of the component compounds in the extract. The plant extract promoted growth of cowpea.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (4), pp. 355-360, 200

Response of Growing Rabbits to Concentrate Diet Supplemented with Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) or Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum)Leaves

Thirty (30) 8-week old rabbits of average initial weight of 900 g were used to determine the Growth Performance and Carcass yield of growing rabbits fed Concentrate diet supplemented with Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)or Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum) leaves. The experiment was in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatment diets replicated thrice. The control group (T1) was fed a formulated rabbit diet, in T2, 10 % of the formulated rabbit feed was replaced with Leucaena fresh leaves, in T3, 20 % of the formulated rabbit feed was replaced with Leucaena fresh leaves, in T4, 10% of the formulated rabbit feed was replaced with Siratro fresh leaves and in T5, 20% of the formulated rabbit feed was replaced with Siratro fresh leaves. The study lasted 56 days. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Performance data indicated that body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) better in rabbits fed on 10% leucaena and 10% siratro inclusion than those fed on the 20% leucaena and 20% siratro inclusion levels. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the organ weights of the rabbits except for lung and spleen (P>0.05). The weights of liver, heart and kidney were significantly (P<0.05) higher for rabbits fed 20%leucaena and 20%siratro diets than those fed other diets. From the results, it was concluded that inclusion of 10% leucaena or 10%siratro leaves in rabbits’ diet has no adverse effects on the performance and carcass yield of growing rabbits. Keywords: Leucaena, Performance, Siratro, Rabbits, Carcass yield

Water Coning in Horizontal Wells: Prediction of Post-Breakthrough Performance

This study attempts to predict post-breakthrough performance in horizontal wells as a result of water coning. The post breakthrough performance is measured in terms of the Water Oil Ratio (WOR). Correlations were developed to predict the WOR, time to breakthrough and the critical oil production rate in horizontal wells. The reservoir studied was modelled using a 3D simulator (ECLIPSE100). PVT and Relative permeability data from literatures were used in modelling the reservoir. A one well model was simulated by setting up a ‘base case’ scenario of reservoir parameters, the WOR from this base case was observed. Sensitivity analysis was then carried out by varying each of the reservoir parameters and production rate independently. Regression analysis was done to develop correlation between the height above/below the perforations and the WOR. The developed correlations compared favourably well with the existing ones

Pebble bed: reflector treatment and pressure\ud velocity coupling

In this report, we describe some models and numerical methods used to simulate the flow and temperature in a pebble bed modular nuclear reactor. The reactor core is filled with around 450000 spheres containing low enriched uranium and helium is forced through these hot pebbles to cool the system down. The group first investigated the flow model in the pebbles. Numerical aspects were then considered to tackle difficulties encountered with the flow simulation and the temperature inside the pebbles. Numerical schemes are presented that can significantly improve the accuracy of the computed results

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AS DETERMINANTS FOR SUSTAINABLE SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES – OGUN STATE EXPERIENCE

n order to ensure sustainability, it is imperative to assess the role management accounting information utilisation plays in helping Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SME) operators achieve profit targets. Three hundred forty-four (344) respondents were randomly selected from a total of 2,465 in Ogun State using Taro Yamane's (1967) formulae. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was designed and sent to participants using Google Form software. Using SPSS version 23.0, the responses were analysed using a T-test at α=0.05 significance level. Results showed that the majority of SME owners reported that their accountants always provided management accounting information (MAI) and that utilisation of the accounting information contributed 20.9% of their intended profit. There was an insignificant association (-.222) between sustainable SMEs and the enterprises’ profit trend, suggesting that a consistent rise in SMEs' profits does not ensure their long-term viability. It was concluded that SME operators' utilisation of management accounting information affects the viability of SMEs in the studied region. It is advised that relevant government bodies enact and implement policies on the need for SME owners to outsource their accounting duties if they cannot afford to hire accountants. This is expected to encourage the expansion of SME activities in a sustainable manner and improve the effectiveness of their operations.   &nbsp

Localized cyclical variations in immunoproteins in the female genital tract and the implications on the design and assessment of mucosal infection and therapies.

PROBLEM: Fluctuating hormones regulate reproductive processes in the female genital tract. Consequent changes in the local immunological environment are likely to affect cellular interaction with infectious agents and the assessment of therapies that target mucosal infections. METHOD OF STUDY: We compared Softcup and Weck-Cel sampling protocols and assessed the changes in the concentrations of 39 soluble proteins with menstrual cycle progression in the mucosal and peripheral compartments. RESULTS: We demonstrate that the mucosal immunological profile is distinct from serum with inflammatory and migratory signatures that are localized throughout the cycle. The analytes highlighted in the mucosal compartment were generally highest at the follicular phase with a tendency to fall as the cycle progressed through ovulation to the luteal phase. CONCLUSION: Our results underscore the need to consider these localized cyclical differences in studies aimed at assessing the outcome of disease and the efficacy of mucosal vaccines and other therapies

Occupational Predisposition to Dermatophytes and other Agents of Human Dermatitis in Jos, Nigeria

Five hundred and twenty human samples were collected from patients with dermatitis, who visited the Dermatophilosis research laboratory in Jos, Plateau  State, Nigeria. This was in order to determine occupational predisposition to dermatophytes and other agents of human dermatitis. Samples collected were skin scrapping, nails, hair and pus exudates. They were processed according to standard procedure. Four hundred and thirty-three (83.3%) of the collected samples were positive for dermatophytes and other agents of dermatitis. The breakdown of the result along occupational categories were; Students (38.10%), Civil servants (31.64%), Self-employed (12.93%), Housewives (9.24%), Unemployed (4.16%) and Farmers (3.93%). The dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes had the highest frequency of occurrence in Civil servants (28), Students (26) House wives (8) and Unemployed (5). While Aspergillus niger had the highest frequency with the Farmers (4) and Self-employed (11). The students’ were noticed to be more predisposed to dermatophytes and other agents of dermatitis than any other category as a result of poor environmental hostel conditions that facilitate easy spread of infections and their unhealthy habit of sharing clothing and personal items. A vigorus public awareness on the risk involved in unhealthy and unhygienic habits could reduce the spread of these organisms. @JASEMJ. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. December, 2010, Vol. 14 (4) 97 - 10

A suspected case of digitalis toxicity secondary to therapeutic management of congestive heart failure in a Boerboel dog

A 15 months old male Boerboel, weighing 25kg presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria, with complaint of abdominal distention, emaciation and anorexia was diagnosed of congestive heart failure (CHF) of unknown etiology. At presentation, prominent S- wave voltages in lead II, III electrocardiogram, a positive R-wave in lead AVR and a mean electrical axis of -900 suggestive of right ventricular enlargement were evident. A right atrial enlargement was also suspected due to the presence of a tented P-wave on the electrocardiogram. Digoxin was administered at 0.01 mg/kg orally, once daily to increase cardiac contractility and reduce heart rate; Enalapril given at 0.5 mg/kg orally once daily was to blunt the renin angiotensin aldosterone response, Furosemide at 2mg/kg orally, once daily was administered to increase natriuresis and diuresis. After 2 weeks of medication the dogs exhibited signs of digitalis toxicity such as ventricular premature contraction, ventricular tachycardia. This case is a rare occurrence and has not been reported in our veterinary clinics. The management of CHF with standard dose regime of digitalis requires therapeutic drug monitoring as it could result in breed specific toxicity

On Nonperturbative Techniques for Thermal Radiation Effect on Natural Convection past a Vertical Plate Embedded in a Saturated Porous Medium

In this article, the heat transfer characteristics of natural convection about a vertical permeable flat surface embedded in a saturated porous medium are studied by taking into account the thermal radiation effect. The plate is assumed to have a power-law temperature distribution. Similarity variables are employed in order to transform the governing partial differential equations into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. Both Adomian decomposition method (ADM) and He's variational iteration method (VIM) coupled with Padé approximation technique are implemented to solve the reduced system. Comparisons with previously published works are performed, and excellent agreement between the results is obtained

GEOELECTRIC PARAMETERS AND ELEMENTAL COMPOSITIONS OF THE TOP SOIL OF CAMP AREA, ABEOKUTA, SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and elemental composition surveys were carried out at twenty-two (22) sites atª¤? Camp Area, Alabata Road, Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. This was with a view to determining depth to water«¤??bearing zones and extent of soil contamination thereby saving residents not just the pain of recurrent losses incurred for investing in dry wells, but also not to invest in contaminated waters. The study area is underlain by associated rock suites which includes pegmatite and quartz veins. Field data obtained was modeled and interpreted to obtain the geophysical parameters of the area and delineate the groundwater potential zones. Soil samples were also collected at the 22 VES points, at depths of 10 cm and 100 cm; the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) equipment was used to obtain the geographical position of each sample point. Determination of the elemental composition of soil samples collected at the 10 cm and 100 cm depths was made using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Two heavy metals (Pb, and Cr), five major elements (K, Ca, N, P and Mg) and five trace elements (Zn, Mn, Cu, Al and Fe) were detected. It was observed that the values, representing the amount of the heavy metals, the major elements, and the trace elements were far less, mostly insignificant, at the 100 cm depth representing about the interface between the first and second layers in majority of the VES stations sampled, than at the 10 cm depth, representing the topsoil of the first layer. The implication of this is that the elements are not strictly domiciled within the area studied but may be due to runoffs as the area slopes down. Moreover, going by the values at the 100 cm depth, the elements may not be capable of percolating into the underground water zones in the area of study, and thus might not have contaminated the underground water. Thus, at the current level, the underground water can be adjudged safe for human consumption.ª¤