16 research outputs found
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Simulation, analysis, and mass-transport optimization in PEMFCs
textIn this dissertation, we present two major lines of numerical investigation based on a control-volume approach to solve coupled, nonlinear differential equations. The first model is developed to provide better understanding of the water management in PEMFC operating at less than 100ºC, under transient conditions. The model provides explanations for the observed differences between hydration and dehydration time constants during load change. When there is liquid water at the cathode catalyst layer, the time constant of the water content in the membrane is closely tied to that of liquid water saturation in the cathode catalyst layer, as the vapor is already saturated. The water content in the membrane will not reach steady state as long as the liquid water flow in the cathode catalyst layer is not at steady state. The second model is to optimize the morphological properties of HT-PEMFCs components so as to keep water generated as close as possible to the membrane to help reduce ionic resistance and thereby increase cell performance. Humidification of the feed gas at room temperature is shown to have minimal effects on the ionic resistance of the membrane used in the HT-PEMFC. Feed gases must be humidified at higher temperature to have effects on the ionic resistance. However, humidification at such higher temperatures will require complex system design and additional power consumption. It is, therefore, important to keep the water generated by the electrochemical reaction as close as possible to the membrane to hydration the membrane so as to reduce the ionic resistance and thereby increase cell performance. The use of cathode MPL helps keep the water generated close to the membrane and decreasing the MPL porosity and pore size will increase the effectiveness of the MPL in keep the water generated close to the membrane. The optimum value of the MPL porosity depends on the operating conditions of the cell. Similarly, decreasing the GDL porosity helps keep water close to the membrane and the optimum value of the GDL porosity depends on the operating conditions of the cell.Mechanical Engineerin
Public awareness of zoonotic diseases and public health implications in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.
This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the level of awareness on zoonotic diseases among residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 3 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents, Awareness on domestic animals, and wild animals transmission of zoonotic diseases. Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; Descriptive statistics, Students t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Field result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis were quite aware of zoonotic diseases in both domestic and wild animals. The commonest domestic animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: the Mad Dog disease, Bird Flu and Swain Flu. While the commonest wild animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: Monkey Pox disease, Ebola disease, and Lassa fever, the awareness of residents on these zoonotic diseases could be associated with the recent outbreak of these diseases and in the area . It was therefore recommended that more awareness campaigns on other types of zoonotic diseases and they preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazards.Keywords: Makurdi metropolis, zoonotic diseases transmission, Awareness, domestic and wild animals
Conciencia pública sobre las enfermedades zoonóticas y las implicaciones para la salud pública en la metrópoli de Makurdi, estado de Benue, Nigeria
This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the level of awareness on zoonotic diseases among residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 3 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents, awareness on domestic animals, and wild animals transmission of zoonotic diseases. Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Field result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis were quite aware of zoonotic diseases in both domestic and wild animals. The commonest domestic animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: the mad dog disease, bird flu and swine flu. While the commonest wild animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: monkey pox disease, Ebola disease, and Lassa fever, the awareness of residents on these zoonotic diseases could be associated with the recent outbreak of these diseases and in the area. It was therefore recommended that more awareness campaigns on other types of zoonotic diseases and their preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazardsEste estudio se realizó con el objetivo de evaluar el nivel de conciencia sobre las enfermedades zoonóticas entre los residentes de la Metrópolis de Makurdi. El cuestionario se estructura en 3 secciones, a saber, las características sociodemográficas de los residentes, la conciencia sobre los animales domésticos y la transmisión de enfermedades zoonóticas a los animales salvajes. Se utilizó un muestreo aleatorio simple y sistemático para seleccionar ubicaciones de muestra en las que se administraron un total de 250 cuestionarios; Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas, la prueba t de Student y el análisis de chi-cuadrado para analizar los datos. El resultado de campo mostró que 144 entrevistados hombres fueron entrevistados, mientras que 106 encuestados eran mujeres. Los residentes de la Metrópolis de Makurdi eran muy conscientes de las enfermedades zoonóticas tanto en animales domésticos como salvajes. Las enfermedades zoonóticas de animales domésticos más comunes conocidas por los residentes fueron: la enfermedad del perro loco, la gripe aviar y la gripe porcina. Si bien las enfermedades zoonóticas de animales salvajes más comunes conocidas por los residentes fueron: la enfermedad de la viruela del mono, la enfermedad del ébola y la fiebre de Lassa, la conciencia de los residentes sobre estas enfermedades zoonóticas podría estar asociada con el brote reciente de estas enfermedades y en el área. Por lo tanto, se recomendó que se realicen más campañas de sensibilización sobre otros tipos de enfermedades zoonóticas y sus medidas preventivas a los residentes de la metrópoli de Makurdi para prevenir futuros riesgos para la salud públic
Transforming Early Microbial Detection: Investigating Innovative Biosensors for Emerging Infectious Diseases
The recent global pandemic has highlighted an increase in the prevalence of communicable diseases caused by pathogens. The swift transmission of these diseases within a short timeframe presents a substantial risk to public health worldwide. The inefficiency of traditional diagnostic instruments, which need a time-consuming and complex process in the laboratory, is a significant obstacle to medical care. Currently, there is a high need for the advancement of early detection in order to rapidly diagnose infectious diseases and provide on-site results. This is crucial for prompt and early intervention to improve treatment outcomes. This also provides rapid testing and high-quality microbiological detection, comparable to laboratory standards, in a matter of minutes. Prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment optimization aid in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Currently, ongoing techniques and methods are used in the advancements of early detection through biosensors. This review examines the integration of early diagnostics with biosensors, specifically in relation to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, challenges, and the future perspective
Public Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health Implications in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.
This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the level of awareness on zoonotic diseases among residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 3 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents, Awareness on domestic animals, and wild animals transmission of zoonotic diseases. Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; Descriptive statistics, Students t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Field result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis were quite aware of zoonotic diseases in both domestic and wild animals. The commonest domestic animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: the Mad Dog disease, Bird Flu and Swain Flu. While the commonest wild animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: Monkey Pox disease, Ebola disease, and Lassa fever, the awareness of residents on these zoonotic diseases could be associated with the recent outbreak of these diseases and in the area . It was therefore recommended that more awareness campaigns on other types of zoonotic diseases and they preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazards