Activity Concentration of Gamma Emitting Natural Radionuclides in Building Materials

In this work, the natural radionuclide contents of some building materials widely used in Nigeria were measured by the means of gamma-ray spectrometry using Na(I)Tl detector. A total of 15 samples were assayed from different materials. The mean of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K concentrations determined are 30.35±8.69BqKg-1, 20.12±6.00 BqKg-1 and 241.95±76.31 BqKg-1 respectively. These values were lower than permissible global values except for potassium which is higher than that of global permissible value of 52.2, 41.0 and 230.0 (BqKg-1 ) respectively by UNSCEAR. The obtained mean absorbed dose rate for all the collected building materials samples is 39.90(nGgh-1). These results, along with the results of the estimated annual effective dose rates, radium equivalent (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex) are presented and they are found below the internationally accepted safe limits. It suffices to say therefore the analyzed samples could be used for building and construction purposes. It is safe to say that there is no threat pose to any users of the materials. Keywords: Natural radionuclide, Building materials, absorbed dose, Radium equivalen

Pre-harvest deterioration of Sour sop (Annona muricata) at Ibadan Southwestern Nigeria and its effect on nutrient composition

The etiology of pre-harvest deterioration of Soursop (Annona muricata) fruit in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria and the effects on its nutrient composition was investigated. Four fungal pathogens including Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium sp., Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus niger were found associated with the pre-harvest deteriorating soursop . B. theobromae was the most prevalent and the most pathogenic inducing rot of 75 mm in diameter within four days of inoculation. There was a remarkable reduction in carbohydrate and protein contents of the fungal infected fruits while all other nutrients and mineral assayed were higher in the infected fruits than the non-infected ones. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(1): 23-25

Track D Social Science, Human Rights and Political Science

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138414/1/jia218442.pd

SUPPLEMENTAL EFFECTS OF GRADED LEVELS OF CASSAVA FOLIAGE ON THE UTILIZATION OF GROUNDNUT HAULMS BY SHEEP

The use of cassava foliage in Nigeria as a low cost supplemental nitrogen to crop residues generally characterized by low nutrient levels has assisted microbial protein synthesis in the rumen of ruminant animals. The effects of the supplementation of groundnut haulms (GH) with graded levels of cassava foliage (CFL) at 0, 10, 20 and 30% on the performance of the West African dwarf (WAD) breed of sheep with average body weight of 13.20 ± 0.34kg were evaluated in a complete randomized design in a 90 day experiment. Data were obtained on feed intake, weight gain, digestibility and haematological parameters. Results showed that CFL supplementation of GH had a positive effect (P<0.05) on dry matter (DM) intake and weight gain of sheep. Sheep supplemented with 20% CFL showed better DM intake (455.74g/day), weight gain (45.24g/day) and feed conversion ratio (9.96). Digestibility values for dry matter and crude protein increased (P<0.05) with an increase with the inclusion levels of CFL in the diets but similar values observed in 20 and 30% CFL supplemental diets. Higher (P<0.05) values were observed in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell counts of sheep supplemented with graded levels of CFL. It was however concluded that the supplementation of groundnut haulms with cassava foliage offered sheep a better plane of nutrition, thereby supporting higher growth rates with sheep supplemented with 20% CFL inclusion levels having the best feed intake, digestibility and weight gain

The efficacy of dexamethasone/bupivacaine combination versus plain bupivacaine only for caudal block in paediatric herniotomy:- a comparative study.

Background : The duration of caudal anaesthesia in pediatrics surgery have been prolonged with different adjunct, however, they were associated with untoward adverse effects.Objective: We compared the efficacy of caudal dexamethasone/bupivacaine combination with caudal bupivacaine only for postoperative herniotomy pain.Method : This was a randomized controlled trial in 84 children, aged 1-5 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) 1-11scheduled for elective unilateral herniotomy under general anaesthesia. They were assigned to received either 0.25% bupivacaine 1ml/kg, (group B) or a mixture of dexamethasone (0.1mg/kg) with 0.25% bupivacaine 1ml/kg, (group BD). Postoperative pain was assessed using a ModifiedObjective :&nbsp; Pain Scale (MOPS) score. Rescue analgesia (oral ibuprofen 5 mg/kg) was administered when MOPS was ≥4.Results : The mean MOPS was significantly higher in group B than group BD at 2, 6, and 8 hours after surgery; 4.10 ±1.1 versus 2.88 ±0.5, (p =0.001), 3.2 ±1.3 versus 2.60 ±0.9, (p = 0.002), and3.74 ±0.8 versus 2.1 ±1.1, (p =0.004) respectively. The mean time to first analgesic requirement was significantly longer in group BD than group B 478.17 ±27.64 versus 183.67 ±28.43 minutes, (p =0.001). The mean dose of total ibuprofen consumed was significantly higher in group B, 228.82 ±26.26 mg than group BD, 151.90 ±14.91mg, p =0.001.Conclusion: It's concluded that the addition of 0.1mg/kg dexamethasone to 1ml/kg bupivacaine 0.25% during caudal block significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia, reduced the postoperative pain scores, and the total dose of ibuprofen consumed in the first 24 hours postsurgery

Terrain Conductivity Evaluation of Road Base Integrity in a Basement Complex Environment

Blanchet Adrien. La croisée d'ogives. In: Bulletin Monumental, tome 65, année 1901. p. 622

Systematic multi-technique mapping of the Southern flank of Iwaraja fault

A geophysical study of Iwaraja segment of Ifewara-Zungeru fault zone in Nigeria was conducted using remote sensing and geoelectric techniques to analyse and identify the structural elements and fractures. The Omo Forest Reserve area, Abata Egba (along Ondo-Ife highway), and Iwaraja fault zones were selected for the study. Wenner electrode profiling was undertaken at electrode separations of 10, 20 and 30 m on diplines perpendicul-ar to trend of the fault, while Schlumberger electrode configuration was adopted for vertical electrical sounding on points delineated by resistivity profiles. At Omo Forest Reserve, 3 fault signatures of falling resistivity profi-les in uniformly high resistivity environment were identified. Deep fracturing manifested in consistently decrea-sing resistivity values at large electrode separations. At Olode area, 4 signatures were identified. The profiles at Iwaraja area showed the net resistivity decreased in Western direction. The overburden materials were variably thick and underlain by bedrock that had been partially weathered and fractured, but were not infinitely resistive as usually observed in crystalline Precambrian basement complex environment. The study area was characteriz-ed by a series of faults, which were oriented in the North North East - South South West ((NNE-SSW) directio-ns, and inclined towards the East