Facies analysis and paleoenvironments of the upper cretaceous sediments in share – Lafiagi areas, northern Bida basin, Nigeria

The Bida Basin is located in central Nigeria and it is perpendicular to the main axis of the Benue Trough. Due to its large areal extent and facies variation, the basin is often geographically divided into northern and southern Bida Basins. Whereas, aspects of the mineral resource and sedimentation history of the sediments in NW and SE extremes have been consistently studied, the present study area (Share-Lafiagi-Shonga areas) remains either unknown or under-reported. In the study area, fifteen vertical profiles of the Campanian-Maastrichtian sediments were studiedalong road cuts, erosional channels and Cliff sides with special attention focused on their internal physical and biogenic attributes. The sedimentological analysis permitted recognition of five distinct depositional facies; alluvial fan, braided channel, floodplain, tidal channel and shoreface in the lithostratigraphic units mapped. In Unit I, the proximal alluvial fan facies were preserved as conglomeratic facies which overly nonconformably, the Pre-Cambrian weathered schists and granites. Both the matrix and grain supported subfacies are indicative of gravity induced alluvial processes. The braided channel facies comprising of conglomeratic sandstone, medium-coarse grained sandstone subfacies are wide spread and their fluvial origin is supported by unidirectional flow pattern and absence of marine biogenic features. The sequence grades into claystone facies which probably formed in localized non marine floodplains. The younger Unit II comprises of conglomerate, sandstone and claystone facies. The conglomerate facies is moderately sorted and mature showing evidence of reworking and recycling. Association of this facies with herringbone cross stratifified beds probably indicates tidal channel lag origin. The sandstone facies are commonly compositionally mature, bioturbated and contain clasts of reworked clays and clay drapes suggesting high energy tidal channels and shoreface subenvironments.The depositional model for the Upper Cretaceous sediments in the study area is strongly dominated by alluvial processes which in places evolved into shallow marine processes and frequently incised by fluvial channels.The clay deposits of the floodplain may offer economic resource potential in the area

A new analytical critical thrust force model for delamination analysis of laminated composites during drilling operation

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite laminates are employed in many industrial applications due to their attractive mechanical and structural properties. Machining operation, such as drilling of FRP laminates, plays a significant role in the assembly of parts in aircraft and spacecraft production. Among other production bottlenecks, drilling-induced delamination remains a major defect which adversely affects the quality of assembly parts. An efficient strategy in preventing this problem is the calculation of the critical thrust force above which delamination is initiated. Therefore, in this study, a new analytical model is proposed to predict the critical thrust force for delamination. Unlike the general models in the literature which derived only mode I strain energy release rate based on the assumption of classical laminate plate theory (CLPT) combined with linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) mode I considerations in the elliptic delamination zone, the proposed analytical model is derived based on first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and accounts for mode I and mode II strain energy release rates in the delamination zone. This strategy allows to activate mixed mode criteria for delamination initiation which is a valid assumption for laminates with layers of different orientations. The present model is partly derived for general laminates subject to distributed loading and further extended to cross-ply laminate sequence subject to a mixed load condition. The results show that the effect of shear deformation in the prediction of the critical thrust force is influential with increasing ply thickness and the effect of chisel edge on shear deformation is more profound in the distributed load regime

Influences on smoking behaviour of adolescents and young adults in a Nigerian university

The study investigated whether parenting style, parental level of education and smoking peers have any influence on the smoking behaviour of adolescents and young adults. The participants were students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in the sample selection. Three hundred students who consented participated in the study. A self constructed questionnaire was used to collect the data. The validity of the instrument was determined. The reliability of the instrument was also determined using test retest method. Correlation co-efficient of 0.75 was obtained. This study revealed that there is a significant influence of parenting style on the smoking behaviour of students (x2 = 36.03, df = 6, p ≤ 0.05). It also showed that there is a significant relationship between parents’ educational attainment and students’ smoking behaviour (x2 = 60.40, df = 6, p ≤ 0.05). Finally, it was revealed that there was a significant influence of peers on smoking behaviour (x2 = 19.97, df = 2, p ≤ 0.05). KEY WORDS: Smoking, Behaviour, Parent, Adolescent, Universit

Triple positivity of HBsAg, anti-HCV antibody, and HIV and their influence on CD4+ lymphocyte levels in the highly HIV infected population of Abeokuta, Nigeria

Background: Few studies exist on hospital-based seroprevalence of triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV in Nigeria.Objectives: The study aimed at determining the triple positivity of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among  HIV-infected individuals in Abeokuta, Nigeria and defining the influence of these triple infections on CD4+ counts of HIV-infected individuals as antiretroviral therapy improves in Nigeria.Methods: Enumeration of CD4+ levels in 183 HIV-infected persons was done with Partec Flow  Cytometer. Seropositivity of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody was detected with rapid kits.Results: From the result obtained, significance variance (p<0.05) existed between HIV positive persons and persons who tested positive to HIV/HBV/HCV triple infection before and after the commencement of HAART. Of these infections, 31(16.9%) had HBV/HCV/HIV triple infection, while 152(83.1%) had HIV mono infection only, 56(30.6%) had HBV/HIV dual infection only and 43(23.5%) had HCV/HIV dual infection only. Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed between subjects with CD4 counts of <200 cells/μl, 200-499 cells/μl and >500 cells/μl. Highest seroprevalence of HIV (35.0%) was found in age groups 35-44 years and >65 years had the least (2.7%). Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed in the progression of CD4+ lymphocytes cells between subjects with persistent decrease (32.3%) in CD4+ lymphocytes cells and those with fluctuation in their CD4+ lymphocytes cells (12.9%) after the commencement of ART.Conclusion: The study further confirms that triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV infection is common in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Testing of these triple infections should be a big concern in the best choice and commencement of ART. Also, the study showed that consistent and prolonged use of HAART had a  positive impact on the CD4 count of HIV-infected individuals.Keywords: AIDS, ART, HAART, CD4, HIV/HBV/HC

Awareness and Usage of the Baobab in Rural Communities in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study investigated awareness and usage of the Baobab plant in rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. It examined the determinants of the plant’s usage as well as constraints to its usage in the State. A three stage random sampling procedure produced the 200 respondents from which primary data used for the study was collected using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency counts, percentages and means was employed in presenting the findings of the study. The logit regression model was used in the determination of the factors of usage among the respondents. The study revealed that the level of awareness of the uses and benefits of the plant as well as its usage in the state is poor. Level of awareness at p<0.05 and income at p< 0.1 were found to be the determinants of usage of the baobab in the State. The strong negative socio-cultural belief held about the plant, poor level of awareness about its benefits and the poor knowledge of its processing were the major constraints against its use in the State. The study recommends the need to increase awareness of the benefits of the plant and also to provide information on the processing methods applicable to the baobab. The various agricultural extension agencies in the State in collaboration with agricultural research institution in the State can go a long way in ensuring that the potentials of the baobab plant is optimized among rural communities in the State.Keywords: Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.), Awareness, Usage, Logit Regression Model, Kwara State

Quality of primary care physicians’ communication of diabetes self-management during medical encounters with persons with diabetes mellitus in a resource-poor country

Background: Most of the Nigerian studies on the determinants of diabetes self-management have focused on patient-related factors. There is no previous local study that examined the quality of diabetes self- management education provided by primary care physicians to people with diabetes mellitus.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 primary care physicians during a workshop. The quality of diabetes self-management education provided by the physicians was assessed using a self-designed scale of 39 Likert questions derived from American  Association of Diabetes Educators seven domains of diabetes self-management. Cronbach’s reliability coefficient of each domain/subscale was ≥ 0.7. The data was analysed using the independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA.Results: Over half of the physicians provided ‘inadequate quality’ diabetes self-management education in all the domains. Physicians had the highest mean score in the ‘taking medication’ domain (4.35 ± 0.59). The mean scores in the ‘problemsolving domain’ (3.63 ± 0.74) and the ‘being active domain’ (3.57 ± 0.71) were low. The quality of diabetes self-managementeducation provided by the physicians was not associated with any of the physician characteristics.Conclusion: The quality of physicians’ communication of diabetes self-management was suboptimal in this study. The majority of the adequately communicated diabetes self-management behaviours were risk factors reduction related and disease-centred. Thus, training of primary care physicians on diabetes self-management education is recommended because of the key role these physicians play in diabetes management in resource-poor countries.Keywords: diabetes self-management, patient–physician communication, primary care physicians, resource-poor countries, Nigeri

Comparative Analysis Of Antibiotic Resistance And R-Plasmids Of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates From Human And Dog Samples

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics constitutes a major cause of failure in the treatment of bacterial infections. The genetic exchange of plasmids containing antibiotic resistant determinants between bacteria is believed to play a critical role in the evolution of antibiotics resistant bacteria and this has been shown in S. aureus. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the nature of plasmids that determine antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from man and animal. Thirty multiply drug resistant S. aureus isolates from a total of 147 apparently healthy humans and dogs, as well as from clinical cases were determined by antibiotic susceptibility test using the standard disc agar diffusion method. Plasmid isolation was carried out by the alkaline lysis method of Birnboim and Dolly. Electrophoresis as well as the transformation experiment was done.The result showed that no particular sensitivity pattern or plasmid profile  can be ascribed to either human or animal sources of isolates. Two isolates from a domestic dog and its owner (human) were observed to have identical plasmid profile and almost the same antibiogram. 23.130 kbp and 25.119 kbp plasmids that were responsible for amoxycilin resistance were transferred. In conclusion, the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance by S. aureus in our locality was found to be partly plasmid mediated. Plasmid analysis, in conjunction with the antibiogram is valuable in differentiating multiple resistant S. aureus.Furthermore, domestic pet animals were found to be reservoirs and potential risk factors in the transfer of multiply antibiotic resistant S. aureus and their R-plasmids to antibiotic susceptible S. aureus and other bacteria

Workplace Intervention for Reducing Sitting Time in Sedentary Workers: Protocol for a Pilot Study Using the Behavior Change Wheel

Copyright © 2022 Ojo, Bailey, Chater and Hewson. The workplace is a major contributor to excessive sitting in office workers. There are a wide array of adverse effects of high volumes of sitting time, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and depression. Active workstations can be used in effective interventions to decrease workplace sitting. However, there are a lack of interventions that have been developed using a systematic process that is informed by participant needs and a framework for identifying the most appropriate content for the intervention. Applying these methods could increase adherence and potential effectiveness of the intervention. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a tailored workplace intervention to reduce and break up sitting in office workers that has been developed using the Behavior Change Wheel and the APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness/cost-effectiveness, Affordability, Safety/side-effects, Equity) criteria. This article reports the protocol for this study that is currently ongoing. Participants will be cluster-randomized (by offices) to control and intervention groups. The evaluation of the intervention includes determining feasibility by assessing participant recruitment, retention and data completion rates. Adherence to the intervention will be assessed based on daily sitting and standing time relative to guidelines provided to participants as part of the intervention. Outcome measures also include productivity measured using Ecological Momentary Assessment, absenteeism, presenteeism, cardiometabolic risk markers, and wellbeing. The findings of this study will inform the effective design and implementation of interventions for reducing and breaking up sitting in office workers

Exercise and other lifestyle habits of patients with type II diabetes mellitus in Jos, Nigeria

Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder with complications affecting millions of people worldwide. It has been projected that in the near future, it will affect people in the developing countries like Nigeria more than the developed world. Lifestyle modification including exercise is important in the management of this condition. The other lifestyle of patients with diabetes including cigarette smoking and alcohol ingestion also affects the glycaemic control and the development or worsening of complications in these patientsMethods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at the diabetes clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and a diabetes specialist clinic in Jos, North central Nigeria. Ninety patients with diabetes aged 18 years and above were recruited consecutively. Wheel chair bound patients, patients who had amputation in the past and patients who did not consent to the study were excluded from the study. Data was obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaireResults Fifty -four (60%) persons were males. The mean age was 56.8±11.5 years. 52.2 % participated in one form of exercise with 43 (91.5%) persons exercising for <150 minutes per week. The mean duration of exercise per week was 75.6 ±55.5 minutes. Those who exercised were younger, males and with lower HbA1c The . common form of exercise was walking. Barriers to exercise found include lack of time, pain/swelling in the legs, ill health and not knowing what exercise to do. Three (33.3%) out of the nine persons who took alcohol ingested it in significant amount and 1 (1.1%) person smoked cigarette.Conclusion The exercise habit of patients with diabetes in this environment is poor with some persons taking alcohol in significant quantity and smoking cigarette. Education and counseling of these patients therefore are important and should be done at every given opportunity.Key words: Diabetes mellitus, exercise, lifestyle habits

Abrasive water jet drilling of advanced sustainable bio-fibre-reinforced polymer/hybrid composites : a comprehensive analysis of machining-induced damage responses

This paper aims at investigating the effects of variable traverse speeds on machining-induced damage of fibre-reinforced composites, using the abrasive water jet (AWJ) drilling. Three different types of epoxy-based composites laminates fabricated by vacuum bagging technique containing unidirectional (UD) flax, hybrid carbon-flax and carbon fibre-reinforced composite were used. The drilling parameters used were traverse speeds of 20, 40, 60 and 80 mm/min, constant water jet pressure of 300 MPa and a hole diameter of 10 mm. The results obtained depict that the traverse speed had a significant effect with respect to both surface roughness and delamination drilling-induced damage responses. Evidently, an increase in water jet traverse speed caused an increase in both damage responses of the three samples. Significantly, the CFRP composite sample recorded the lowest surface roughness damage response, followed by C-FFRP, while FFRP exhibited the highest. However, samples of FFRP and hybrid C-FFRP recorded lowest and highest delamination damage responses, respectively. The discrepancy in both damage responses, as further validated with micrographs of colour video microscopy (CVM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray micro-computed tomography (X-ray μCT), is attributed to the different mechanical properties of the reinforced fibres, fibre orientation/ply stacking and hybridisation of the samples.Peer reviewe