Integral mixing using nano silicon for concrete waterproofing

Permeation of water and other aggressive fluids in concrete can result in degradation and other aesthetic problems. Consequently, these affect the service life of concrete structures. A number of research studies were undertaken to extend the service life of concrete infrastructures using various waterproofing agents. To this effect, a great deal of repair and maintenance cost can be avoided. The aim of this study is to investigate and establish waterproofing performance of nano silicon-based mortar. In this regard, nano silicon was characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), surface zeta potential and Water Contact Angle Test (WCA). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to establish the optimum mix ratio. The relationship between the experimental factors and response was modelled and validity of the model was further evaluated to ensure accurate predictions. To establish precision of the mathematical model, an experiment was planned based on Central Composite Design (CCD). The model was investigated using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Optimum mix ratio, necessary to increase resistance to water absorption was established at nano silicon dosage of 6.6% by weight of cement and w/c of 0.42. Furthermore, an appropriate experimental control test steps for producing waterproof cement mortar was designed. In this regard, necessary test methods from established standards were adopted to constitute supporting structure of the approach. Besides, the results were validated using macro and microstructure tests and indicated that water resistance to capillary absorption of cement mortar increased to 62%. Likewise, water absorption by immersion increased by 37%. Furthermore, resistance to water vapor transmission rate increased to 52%. On the other hand, resistance to gas permeability increased to 31% as compared to reference specimen. Moreover, while the volume of water permeable voids for nano silicon-based mortar was 16.9%, the total porosity of the same specimen was 14%. Macrostructure test indicated a good quality mortar specimen recorded an Ultra Sonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) value of 3623 (m/s). In addition, FESEM and XRD indicated the formation of a crystalline hydrophobic thin film layer of nano silicon within the pore structure of the mortar specimen. In conclusion, the nano silicon-based mortar has been proven to have a good resistance to water permeation

Effects of disc speed and height of flow mechanism of a solid manure spreader on uniformity of spreading and swath width

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of disc speed and height of flow mechanism of a solid manure spreader in order to maintain uniformity of spread and swath width for optimum crop growth. The study was done using complete randomized design with three factors considered: tractor forward speed, height of flow mechanism (broadcasters) gate opening rates, (15, 30, 45cm) and disc speed (150, 300, 450rpm) applied according to SAE S341.2, 1999 test code. Results obtained and compared with an imported spreader shows that the developed spreader recorded the highest application rate of 4082.1kg/ha against that of the imported spreader of 1875.3kg/ha while the swath width was 9.5m compared to 9.0m of the imported. Results obtained also shows that the spreader gave a more uniform spread pattern of manure at a lower openning of 15cm height of flow mechanism and lesser disc speed of 150rpm. Disc speed and height of flow mechanism were found to be the major determining factor influencing spreading uniformity and swath width of cow dung manure for optimum crop growth

The Influence of Work Motivation, Emotional Intelligence, and Competence on Occupation Satisfaction Through Work Achievement in the Library Service in South Sulawes

Purpose: This research was conducted to analyze and explain the effect of work motivation, emotional intelligence, and competency on occupation  satisfaction through work performance.   Theoretical framework: Collecting data using a questionnaire of as many as 233 respondents.   Design/methodology/approach: The research method used in this study is descriptive analysis and SEM (structural equation modeling) analysis with the help of the SmartPLS program.   Findings: The results showed that there was an important positive direct effect of work motivation on work performance, an important positive direct effect on emotional intelligence on work performance, an important positive direct effect on competence on work performance, a positive and important direct effect on work motivation on occupation satisfaction, a positive direct effect not important on intelligence.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The positive and important indirect effect of motivation on occupation  satisfaction through work performance, positive and important indirect effect of emotional intelligence on occupation  satisfaction, and positive and important indirect effect of competence on satisfaction.   Originality/value: Emotional intelligence on occupation  satisfaction, the positive and important direct effect of competence on occupation  satisfaction, the important positive direct effect of occupation  performance on occupation  satisfaction

The Socio-Cultural Ceremonies amongst the Koro People in Kaffin – Koro Town in the 19th Century

The Koro people in Kaffin-Koro like any other ethnic group of modern Nigeria have their socio-cultural ceremonies. These socio- cultural ceremonies are formal activities which formed an integral aspects of Koro people’s way of life. The socio-cultural ceremonies amongst the Koro people in Kaffin-Koro were not only believed to be means for gathering the Koro citizens together for the purpose of promoting unity and love but essential for the progress of Koro community. These socio-cultural ceremonies through their values and norms have sustained the Koro society as a unified entity and provide not only valuable opportunity for these socio-cultural ceremonies to be pass on from one generation to another but remain ways  in which the 19th century Koro people in Kaffin – Koro preserved their traditions and cultural heritage

Knowledge and attitude of men towards risk factors influencing maternal mortality in magume community, Zaria

Most studies related to maternal mortality have focused mainly on direct clinical causes. However, it is imperative to look at the importance of tackling background predisposing factors in a bid to reducing deaths occurring in this vulnerable group. Innovative and effective options towards preventing as well as reducing maternal deaths must include active participation of men, who more often than not are not knowledgeable about these risk factors. Aims: To assess the knowledge and attitude of men towards risk factors influencing maternal mortality in Magume Community, in Zaria LGA. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016 using a pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 170 respondents were sampled using a multistage sampling technique. Data were analysed based on descriptive statistics, chi-square and Fisher's exact test using SPSS version 21. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The results were presented using tables and charts. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 38(±11.2) years. Knowledge scores show that approximately 46% of the respondents had good knowledge, while 40% had poor knowledge and 14% had fair knowledge. Lack of ANC services during pregnancy was the most commonly identified (93.1%) maternal mortality risk factor and lack of family planning was the least identified (34.3%). Attitude to maternal mortality risk factors was negative in half (50.9%) of the respondents. There was a statistically significant relationship between educational level; occupation with both knowledge and attitude scores. Conclusion: This cross-sectional study has highlighted the need for increased male involvement and participation in maternal health issues. Interventions such as health education and community mobilization that aims to educate men on risk factors and danger signs associated with poor maternal health outcomes should be carried out in this area

Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in a Tertiary Hospital: A 4 year review

Objective: To determine various indications for laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in Aminu Kano Teaching, hospital (AKTH), Kano.Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted at the (AKTH, which involved all the patients who had laparoscopy and or hysteroscopy from January 2011 to December 2014 (4 year). Records of patients who had laparoscopy or hysteroscopy in AKTH within the study period were retrieved from the operation record book; their case files were retrieved, studied and recorded in a proforma. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Results: The total number of patients who had diagnostic laparoscopy within the 4‑year study period was 221, but only 197 files were retrieved, giving a retrieval rate of 89.1%. The total number of patients who had diagnostic hysteroscopy was 28, but only 23 case files were retrieved, giving a retrieval rate of 82.1%. Five patients underwent both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. The mean age and standard deviation of patients who had laparoscopy was 28.7 ± 5.8 years. The mean age and standard deviation of patients who had hysteroscopy was 32.3 ± 5.9 years. The most frequent indication for laparoscopy was for primary infertility 89 (45.2%), followed by secondary infertility 78 (39.6%). Asherman’s syndrome was the most common indication for hysteroscopy accounting for 52.1% of the procedure.Conclusion: Infertility is the most common indication for laparoscopy in this centre whereas Asherman’s syndrome is the leading indication for hysteroscopy. Nearly all the procedures were diagnostic endoscopy.Keywords: Anaesthesia; hysteroscopy; laparoscop

Influence of Route and Location of Delivery on Neurodevelopmental Sequelae among Infants who Suffered Birth Asphyxia

Aim: This study aims to examine the influence of route and location of delivery on Neurodevelepmental Sequelae (NDS) among infants who suffered birth asphyxia. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2018 to May 2019. A total of 271 infants diagnosed with birth asphyxia with a gestational age between 38 and 42 weeks were included. NDS was assessed using a structured datasheet. A 3 × 2 contingency table was employed to compare the prevalence between route, location of delivery, and weight. Spearman’s rho correlation and binary logistic regression were used to establish the relationship between the NDS and predictor variables. Results: The result indicated that route (14.4%) and location (14.4%) of delivery have accounted much for the point prevalence of NDS than weight (7.5%). In addition, route, location of delivery, and weight were also positively related to NDS (P < 0.05). The significant predictors explained about 67.4% of the variability in the NDS (Nagelkerke R Square = 0.674). Further, those who have had cesarean section have fewer odds of developing NDS (0.035, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.239, 0.309) and those who had less weight have much odds of developing NDS (0.811, 95% CI, 0.791, 0.831). Conclusion: Route and location of delivery influenced asphyxiated infants to develop NDS. However, cesarean section and hospital delivery confer much more protection against NDS. Keywords: Birth asphyxia, cesarean section, home delivery, hospital delivery, neurodevelopmental sequelae, vaginal deliver

Pattern of Cancer in Bauchi: Report from a Departmental Cancer Registry

Context: Cancer ranks second among the major causes of death globally. A projection by 2020 indicated that developing countries wouldaccount for about 70% of total cancer‑related death worldwide. Despite the great threat posed by cancer to this region of the world,  reliable statistics on the trends and patterns of cancer are rare. Aims: The aim of the study is to review the cases of cancer recorded in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2019 Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study. Nine years records of all pathologically diagnosed cancer cases in the ATBUTH, Bauchi were retrieved, reviewed, and grouped in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology. The results were presented as simple frequency tables and charts. Results: A total of 1284 cancer cases were diagnosed during the period, an average of 142.7 cases per annum. There was a female predominance of cancer cases (male: female ratio ‑ 1:1.53. The age range was from seven months to 95 years, with mean and medianages of 49.6 and 50 years, respectively. More than half of the cases were reported in the fifth to seventh decades of life. Prostate (14.6%)and non melanoma skin cancer (11.2%) were the most common cancers seen in males. In females, cancers of the cervix (37.9%) and thebreast (22.9%) were the most common. Conclusions: Breast cancer and cancer of the uterine cervix were the most common cancers in women in this review while prostate cancer was the most common cancer in men. The need to establish a hospital‑based and/or population‑based cancer registry that will generate reliable cancer data in our environment cannot be overemphasized. Keywords: Bauchi, breast, cancer, cervix, prostate, registr

Perceptions on Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Disease among Livestock Marketers at Wudil Cattle Market, Wudil, Kano

African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) is a debilitating disease that hinders livestock productivity in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Numerous strategies have been developed over time to fight this devastating disease, which are emphasized mostly on containing the spread of its causative agent and principal vector. However, very little has been done to include livestock marketers in decision making, planning and implementation of control programs. Therefore, this study was carried out to fill that void, by evaluating the knowledge of this group of people on Tsetsefly and Trypanosomosis in Wudil Cattle Market. Questionnaires were developed to collect relevant information, and were administered through ‘Standard Focus Group Discussions’. The results revealed that tsetse fly was known by all respondents (100%), who significantly reported that they were most commonly found in the forests (95%), during the wet season (85%). Respondents also reported that these flies prefer to bite animals (71.25%). Similarly, a majority of respondents (97.5%) reported to being cognizant of trypanosomosis disease, while also stating that it had infected their animals at some point in time. Respondents believed infection was most prevalent during the wet season (60%) than the dry season (40%). Respondents had mixed views when it came to perceived causes of the disease, as some associated it with bite from flies (53.75%), while others linked it to transhumance (38.75%). In terms of signs and symptoms, 80% of respondents were able to identify with at least four symptoms of the disease. In essence, this study further intensifies the need to engage livestock marketers in tsetse and trypanosomosis control programs, in addition to emphasizing the need to create awareness campaigns that can further limit the spread of the disease and ensure vector control

Analysis of Forest Cover Changes In Nimbia Forest Reserve, Kaduna State, Nigeria Using Geographic Information System And Remote Sensing Techniques

Nimbia Forest Reserve is witnessing degradation due to anthropogenic activities such as Farming, Illegal felling and fuel wood extraction just like many other forest reserves in Nigeria. On the other hand, the management has failed to provide enough manpower to guard against anthropogenic activities and the few ones available were not receiving better remuneration. Other problems faced by the forest are that trimming is done on time and cleared lands were not replanted. These and many other reasons  leading to overexploitation, increase  rate of deforestation, modification of the forest structure, reduced income to government and increased unemployment. This study examines the use of GIS and Remote Sensing in mapping Land Cover in Nimbia Forest Reserve between 1986 and 2010 so as to detect the changes that may have taken place in this status between these periods. Subsequently, an attempt was made at projecting the observed land cover in the next 21 years. The result obtained show that some features will be lost to other features and possible reasons for that were evaluated. Suggestions were therefore made at the end of the work on ways to use the information as contained therein optimally