122 research outputs found
A Rough Set Approach to Dimensionality Reduction for Performance Enhancement in Machine Learning
Machine learning uses complex mathematical algorithms to turn data set into a model for a problem domain. Analysing high dimensional data in their raw form usually causes computational overhead because the higher the size of the data, the higher the time it takes to process it. Therefore, there is a need for a more robust dimensionality reduction approach, among other existing methods, for feature projection (extraction) and selection from data set, which can be passed to a machine learning algorithm for optimal performance. This paper presents a generic mathematical approach for transforming data from a high dimensional space to low dimensional space in such a manner that the intrinsic dimension of the original data is preserved using the concept of indiscernibility, reducts, and the core of the rough set theory. The flue detection dataset available on the Kaggle website was used in this research for demonstration purposes. The original and reduced datasets were tested using a logistic regression machine learning algorithm yielding the same accuracy of 97% with a training time of 25 min and 11 min respectively
Effects of spent engine oil contamination on soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) in an Ultisol
An experiment was conducted in the University of Nigeria Nsukka Teaching and Research Farm to determine the effect of spent auto-engine oil on soil and soybean in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Treatments were four levels (0, 1, 2 and 3 %) of spent auto-engine oil (SPO). Top soil samples were collected at 0, 12, 24 and 36 months and analyzed. Results indicated that infiltration rates in plots under 3 % SPO was reduced from 1.40 cm h-1 in control plots to the lowest value of 0.07 cm h-1 compared to 0.27 cm h-1 in 1 % treatment in the first 12 months. Plots contaminated with 3 % SPO gave the lowest Ks values of 6.29, 7.68 and 9.43 cm h-1 in the 12th, 24th and 36th months respectively. Data on plant samples showed that 2 % and 3 % SPO contaminations reduced soybean germination from 99 % (control) to 86 and 68 % respectively in the first cropping season whereas 1 % SPO was observed to significantly increase leaf area, dry matter content and grain yield from control values of 52.6 cm2, 3.01 t ha-1 and 0.72 t ha-1 to 54.5 cm2, 4.20 t ha-1 and 0.97 t ha-1 respectively.Keywords: Contamination, soybean, soil physical properties, spent engine oil, Ultiso
Effect of optimizing process variables on the quality characteristics of cassava-wheat composite bread
The optimisation of bread-making process can have a positive impact in ramping up the quality characteristics of cassava-wheat bread to that of whole wheat bread. In this study, a threevariable Box-Behnken design response surface methodology was employed to investigate and optimise independent variables namely cassava flour composition, water content and proofing time in relation to response variables namely dough yield, loaf specific volume and loaf protein of cassava-wheat-composite bread. The data from the experimental design were fitted into second-order regression models and their validity and reliability were confirmed by analysis of variance. Optimal cassava flour composition, water content and proofing time were derived as; 100 g/kg, 589 g/kg and 90 min, respectively. It was revealed that cassava flour composition had the most effect on the quality characteristics of cassava-wheat-composite bread. At constant cassava flour composition, increase in water content and proofing time had a positive effect on all the studied quality characteristics of cassava-wheat composite bread. Increase cassava flour composition regardless of proofing time and water content had a negative effect on loaf specific volume and protein. This study has provided bread-making conditions which can be utilised in enhancing the consumer acceptability of cassava-wheat composite bread.
 
Biochemical Changes in Alloxan - Induced Diabetes Rat Liver and Kidney Dosed Artesunate
Diabetes is a disease marked by elevated blood sugar levels, and the second leading cause of renal diseases and blindness worldwide. Artesunate is an antimalarial drug, that has been reported to have hypoglycemic potential, but to the best of our knowledge, much work has not been done to explore the biochemical and clinical implications of administration of artesunate on a diabetic subject. This study investigates biochemical changes in terms of oxidative status associated with oral administration of artesunate on diabetic animal model. Twenty eight male Wistar rats weighing averagely 200g were divided into four groups of seven rats each, Group A-control, B- Diabetes only, C- Artesunate only, D- Diabetes + Artesunate. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally, at a single dose of Alloxan(160mg/kg body weight(bw). Artesunate was administered orally in aqueous solution at 2.90mg/kg bw on day one, and at 1.45mg/kg bw on the subsequent 7days. Spectrophotometric technique was used for biochemical analysis in serum, kidney and liver homogenates. Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and Alanine amino transferase (ALT) activities as well as Creatinine concentration were significantly (P<0.05) increased in group B compared with control, while group D showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease compared with group B. Total protein concentration was significantly(P<0.05) increased in group B compared with control, while group D showed an insignificant decrease compared with group B. Moreover, Superoxide dismutase(SOD) and Catalase(CAT) activities as well as Reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration were significantly(P<0.05) decreased in group B compared with control, and were restored near to the control level significantly (P<0.05) in group D, compared with group B. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly (P<0.05) increased in group B compared with control, but was reversed significantly (P<0.05) in group D compared with group B. Artesunate ameliorates oxidative stress in diabetic rats liver and kidney, possess hypoglycemic effect, hence antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects of artesunate may be beneficial to diabetic liver and kidney. Keywords: Artesunate, Diabetes mellitus, Hypoglycemia, Alloxan, Antioxidant. DOI: 10.7176/ALST/72-03 Publication date:March 31st 201
Lamivudine-Induced Liver Injury
BACKGROUND: Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue antiretroviral drug, known for its low toxicity at clinically prescribed dose. However, the toxicity or mechanism of toxicity and target tissue effects during prolonged administration of higher doses were hardly given sufficient laboratory attention.
AIM: The present work was designed to investigate the biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver of rat administered with prolonged doses of lamivudine.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lamivudine in multiple doses of five ranging from 4 mg/kg to 2500 mg/kg were administered, in vitro, by injection into the air-sac of 10–day old fertile embryonated eggs of Gallus domesticus. Also, female rats of the Wistar strain received oral doses, up to 500 mg/kg singly or repeatedly for 15 or 45 days, respectively. Spectrophotometric techniques were employed to monitor activities of the aminotransferases (ALT and AST), γ–glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total protein concentration in serum while activities of glutathione S–transferase (GST), GGT and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein were determined in liver. Histopathological studies were carried out on liver. Data were analysed using ANOVA and were considered significant when p < 0.05.
RESULTS: The LD50 for the drug calculated from the incubation experiment was 427 mg/kg. Total serum protein concentration significantly reduced while enzymes activities significantly increased at 500 mg/kg only among the repeat-dosed rats. Hepatic GGT, GST and SOD activities as well as MDA concentration were significantly elevated at 20 mg/kg. Histopathological studies showed multifocal lymphoid cell population in the liver sinusoid of the chicken and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes were recorded among rats repeatedly exposed to the drug respectively at doses ≥ 100 mg/kg
Preparation, Release Pattern and Antibacterial Activities of Chitosan-Silver Nanocomposite Films
The present study examined the preparation of chitosan-silver  nanocomposite films as carriers for silver release pattern. Chitosan a biopolymer  having immense structural possibilities for chemical and mechanical modifications  to generate novel properties, functions and applications. Chitosan–silver  nanocomposite films has been synthesised by reduction method, which is a simple  and inexpensive method. The chitosan-silver nanocomposite films was  characterized in terms of its surface plasmon resonance and crystalline structure by  using UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and  Scanning electron microscope. Swelling and release studies were carried out on  crosslinked and un-crosslinked nanocomposite films. Antibacterial activities of  chitosan-silver nanocomposite films were investigated on some pathogens:  Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhii  and Klebsiella pneumonia using agar well diffusion method. crosslinked chitosan-silver nanocomposite demonstrated a slower release pattern relative to un-crosslinked chitosan-silver nanocomposite. The crosslinked and un-crosslinked  nanocomposite became dislodged and completely released at 120 minutes and 90  minutes respectively. The results of the antibacterial activities revealed that the  cross-linked chitosan-silver nanocomposite films has higher antibacterial  properties than un-crosslinked chitosan-silver nanocomposite films. This study  provides nanocomposite films potentially useful for delivery system.</p
Prediction Models for Water Erosion Risk Management: A Review
In order to estimate the potential soil erosion hazard of an area, erosion prediction models are needed. Various models have been used by researchers, which ranges from mathematical and conceptual simple approaches to complex models that try to include the complexities of the real world. Six (6) models are reviewed in relation to their suitability for use. The KINEROS, CORINE and EUROSEM were best suited for water erosion risk prediction in cultivated soils. On the other hand, the KINEROS, PESERA, CORINE and EUROSEM were found to be applicable in all sectors (Agronomy, water resources management and road construction) highlighted. The GLASOD had the least applicability with respect to this study.Keywords: Water Erosion, sediment transport models, Model structure and suitability for us
Quality Assessment of Selected Public Recreational Waters in Sango-Ota Metropolis, Nigeria
The evaluation of selected public swimming pools within Sango-Ota metropolis was done to determine whether the pools adapt to the recommended WHO standard for swimming pool water. Six pools were selected based on the average population per use and user ratings. A total of 12 water samples were analysed physicochemical and microbial qualities using standard methods. The physicochemical characterization results are as follows; pH, 5.00 - 5.73 with mean value of 5.3; Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), 44.00 - 48.50 mg/L with mean 46.0 mg/L; Alkalinity, 24.00 - 28.50 mg/L with mean 26.0 mg/L; total hardness, 0.80 - 1.23 mg/L with mean 1.0 mg/L; iron, 0.05 – 0.69 mg/L with mean 0.3 mg/L; residual chlorine, 1.06 – 3.25 mg/L with mean 1.9 mg/L. The microbial characterization results are as follows; Zero count for Salmonella-shigella; Total Aerobic Plate Count (TAPC),1360 - 7270 cfu/mL; Escherichia coli count, 0 - 7 cfu/mL; coliform count, 2 – 25 cfu/mL. The isolated microorganisms from the pools were Escherichia coli, Proteus Vulgaris, Yersinia Enterocolitica, Proteus Mirabilis, Citrobacter Freundi and Vibro Chlorea occurred in 8.33%, respectively while Klebsiella Pneumonia, Entrobacter Aerogenes, Pseudonomas sp. occurred 16.67%. The pH of the analysed pools didn’t comply with the WHO standards while other physicochemical parameters conform to the standard except for pools C and F which had a higher concentration of iron. However, the existence of pathogenic microorganisms in the pools classified them as unsafe for swimming activities. This study recommends routine testing and comprehensive treatments with respect to regulatory standards. Pool managers should strictly adhere to the bathing load limit and ensure the pool users take shower before using the swimming pools to forestall the outbreak of waterborne disease
The Social and Political Dimensions of the Ebola Response: Global Inequality, Climate Change, and Infectious Disease
The 2014 Ebola crisis has highlighted public-health vulnerabilities in Liberia, Sierra
Leone, and Guinea – countries ravaged by extreme poverty, deforestation and
mining-related disruption of livelihoods and ecosystems, and bloody civil wars in
the cases of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola’s emergence and impact are grounded
in the legacy of colonialism and its creation of enduring inequalities within African
nations and globally, via neoliberalism and the Washington Consensus. Recent
experiences with new and emerging diseases such as SARS and various strains of
HN influenzas have demonstrated the effectiveness of a coordinated local and
global public health and education-oriented response to contain epidemics. To what
extent is international assistance to fight Ebola strengthening local public health and
medical capacity in a sustainable way, so that other emerging disease threats, which
are accelerating with climate change, may be met successfully? This chapter
considers the wide-ranging socio-political, medical, legal and environmental factors
that have contributed to the rapid spread of Ebola, with particular emphasis on the
politics of the global and public health response and the role of gender, social
inequality, colonialism and racism as they relate to the mobilization and
establishment of the public health infrastructure required to combat Ebola and other
emerging diseases in times of climate change
Effects of Design Studio Culture on Creativity of Architecture Students
Architectural education will not be complete without due reference to its studio culture. This Culture
consists of habits, patterns and experiences expressed by students in their design studio. The design studio
culture has been observed to have affect creativity of students over the years. This paper examines the effect
of design studio culture already existing from the review of literature. The study survey method was adopted
to obtain quantitative data from the students through the use of structured questionnaires which were
administered in the selected schools in southwest Nigeria. The data gotten were subjected to factor and
regression analysis using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results gotten showed that the
students perceived the other factors to be the core components of design studio culture in addition to those
already identified in the review of literature. The findings also indicated that only five(5) of these
components affects architecture students’ creativity. This paper recommends that the awareness of studio
culture should be promoted through the departmental policies as a way of improving students creativity.
Findings for this study are expected to provide the universities with empirical grounds that will aid policies
and reforms directed at improving academic performance of architecture students
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