Assessment of liver function in sickle cell disease

Background: The liver is one of the organs involved in the multi-organ failure that occurs in sickle cell disease, the pathophysiology of liver disease in this condition is complex because of the interrelated multifactorial causes. Aim: The study was aimed at assessing the liver functions in steady state sickle cell disease patients. Methods: Liver functions were assessed in 60 patients with sickle cell disease in the steady state and 50 control subjects. The transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin were done by manual methods using semi auto analyzer for concentration readings. Results: The mean values of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Bilirubin (BIL) were 39.10±2.73, 28.53±2.77, 94.12±5.86U/I and 27.99±5.21μmol/l respectively. The corresponding values in controls were 20.66±1.01, 25.16±1.42, 68.00±2.89U/I and 2.55±0.27μmol/l. The AST, ALP and BIL values obtained in sickle cell disease patients were statistically significant when compared with controls while ALT values were not. Age and gender of the patients did not significantly affect the levels of these parameters with the exception of ALP which was significantly higher in the lower age groups. Conclusion: Increased serum liver function tests except ALT which is not gender and age related were observed in sickle cell disease patients in the steady state and reflect the classic histologic features of Kupffer cell erythrophagocytosis and engorgement of sinusoids by aggregate of sickled red cells. Key words: Liver enzymes; Transaminases; Sickle cell disease; Bilirubi

Coefficient Bounds for Certain Classes of Analytic and Univalent functions as Related to Sigmoid Function

In this work, the authors investigated certain classes of analytic and univalent functions in terms of their coefficient bounds as related to activation sig- moid function with respect to symmetric and conjugate points

ICONIC STRUCTURES: CASE STUDY OF A HISTORIC MUSEUM WITH NOTABLE SPANS DESIGNED IN CONCRETE

The emergence of iconic structures around the world increased tourism and economic status of the of host cities. Iconic structures stand out and attract the attention of the general public due to their daring structural limits and aesthetic forms. Hence, the design idea of an iconic historic museum is conceptualized in this research. This paper models an art center, analyses and designs the critical elements according to BS 8110,trying to determine the feasibility of a large-cantilevering structure with numerous curves being achieved. The activities carried out in this research involved a systematic modeling of the structure with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools, analysis and design in reinforced concrete with particular emphasis on the cantilevered wing of about 37.5m. Numerous load combinations were applied, and various member section properties were experimented. The results obtained from the analysis of the designed reinforced concrete model identified the structural efficiency of certain critical members in the west wing of the building and how they were made to adhere to structural limits in the code of practice by ensuring deflections of critical cantilevered members did not exceed the limit. A unique arrangement of structural systems has been combined to solve the problem of deflection of the seemingly impossible cantilever of 37.5m

Sigmoid Function In The Space Of Univalent Lambda Pseudo Starlike Function With Sakaguchi Type Functions

In this work, the sigmoid function in the space of univalent - peseudo starlike function with Sakaguchi type functions are investigated. The rst few coecient bounds for the class \ (s; t; ) were obtained. Also, the relevant connections to Fekete-Szego theorem for this class were brie y discussed. Our results serves as a new generalization in this direction and it gives birth some existing subclasses of functions

Strategies for Mitigating Untimely Payment Problems in Public Building Projects in Nigeria

Money is a critical factor in birthing construction projects, as it helps contractors and subcontractors meet client’s requirement. However, there are anecdotal evidence that the construction industry is characterised with untimely payment and this has proven to be a problem in the delivery of successful projects. The study therefore assessed the strategies for mitigating untimely payment problems in public building projects in Nigeria. Using a quantitative approach structured questionnaire was administered on 289 participants from the Ministry Department and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Contractors and Consultants (Architects and Quantity Surveyors) that have been engaged by Ekiti State MDAs and tertiary institutions in the State. These respondents were selected based on their participation in building projects within the identified area in the last sixteen years. Data gathered were analysed using percentage, mean score and ANOVA test. The study revealed that direct payment, building of safe security payment scheme, and legal and contractual backing are some of the major mitigating strategies for untimely payment problems in public building projects. The study further recommends the enforcement of penalty clauses as stated in condition of contract. Should there be any lateness in honouring certificate; the client would be made to pay interest on payment due that was not paid on time. It is believed that the findings of this study will go a long way in assisting those responsible for the delivery of public building project in achieving timely payment in construction. Keywords: Building Contracts, Construction Payment, Public Building Projects, Timely Paymen

Innovation in utilization of fish tanks for fish culture among fish farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated innovation in utilization of fish tanks for fish culture among fish farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data for this study was obtained through the administration of questionnaire and scheduled interview to 120 sampled fish farmers randomly selected from the study area. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics; frequencies, percentages and means. The results showed that fish farmers in the study area utilized innovation on fish tank; raise of platform to keep the tank (77.5%), construction of water inlet and outlet on tank (74.2%) and use of tank for incubation and hatching (64.2%). Fish farmers’ perception of the benefits on innovation utilization of fish tank include mobile and its position can be changed (80.0%), allows a quick view at the base (65.8%), easy to maintain (61.7%), cheap and economical (54.2%). Major constraint to innovation utilization on fish tanks is low stocking density (71.7%). It is recommended that fish farmers should explore all available sources of information on various innovations on fish tank for fish culture. Also, manufacturers of fish tanks should take into consideration various sizes that would accommodate high stocking density.Keyword: fish culture, fish farmer, fish tank, innovation, utilizatio

Job satisfaction of extension agents towards innovation dissemination to fish farmers in Lagos state, Nigeria.

The study assessed job satisfaction of extension agents towards innovation dissemination to fish farmers in Lagos State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 44 extension officers from which data were collected. A structured questionnaire consisting of 6 personal characteristics, 23 management procedure and 29 job satisfaction items were administered to the extension officers. Most of the respondents (68.2%) were males, 95.4% were married with mean age of 38 years and 53.6% had HND/BSc as their highest educational qualification. Furthermore, 42.4% had spent 6 to 10 years on the job. Management procedures experienced were high for concern for implementing policy priorities (93.2%), staff welfare (88.6%), annual performance and record (84.1%), control and discipline of staff (88.6%). From the job satisfaction components, extension agents showed areas for job satisfaction which include rewarding system (mean = 3.57), budgeting (mean = 3.52), identifying farmers‟ problems (mean = 3.48), qualification for job (mean = 3.45), imposing sanctions (mean = 3.45). The results showed that on the average, extension agents were satisfied on their job components. It is recommended that extension agents should be encouraged through incentives to facilitate maximal level of job satisfaction with attendant higher level of innovation dissemination to fish farmers, translating to yield increase.Keywords: dissemination, extension agents, fish farmers, job satisfaction, innovatio

Farmers’ knowledge, use, and transmission of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices in Okigwe local government area of Imo state, Nigeria

The paper examines farmers’ knowledge, usage and transmission of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Multistage Sampling technique was employed. First of all, 16 out of 25 communities in the area of study selected. Then, stratified random sampling was used to select 19 village heads and key informants and 93 male and female food crop farmers giving a total sample of 112 respondents. A 20-item interview schedule was developed, face-validated, and used to elicit data. Descriptive statistics (percentage and ranks) were used to analyze data. It was found that between 62% and 95% of sampled farmers have knowledge of and uses 9 environmentally sustainable indigenous agricultural practices such as proper soil classification, cultivation practices, erosion control, mulching, composting, tree planting, bush fallow, use of organic pest and disease control management practices. However, farmers also use 3 environmentally uncomplimentary agricultural practices such as bush burning and multiple cropping. Farmers transmit agricultural practices through proverbs, taboos, superstitions and folks-belief. It was recommended that similar researches be carried out in all other local government areas of Nigeria with a view to documenting all environmentally sustainable traditional agricultural practices that farmers use. The data will provide a basis for developing and packaging extension recommendations that will meet farmers’ needs. Agricultural extension management should blend beneficial traditional practices with Western modern science and technology with a view to saving farmers’ good practices that are transmitted informally from extinction.

Constraints to adoption of fish farming technologies among fish farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

In the study the adoption of improved fish farming technologies in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State was investigated. Multistage sampling technique was used. The first stage was purposive selection of seven communities, the next stage was snowball sampling technique used to select 10 fish farmers from each community. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that majority of fish farmers were aware of fish farming technologies (91.4%). The respondents adopted the facilities for improved fish farming (21.0%), liming techniques (14.3%), and fish culture management (11.4%). Constraints to farmers' adoption of fish farming technologies are high cost of improved technologies (mean = 3.39), inadequate capital (mean = 3.35), erratic- power supply (mean = 3.12) and inaccessibility to credit facilities (mean = 3.11). It is recommended that agricultural credit schemes be strengthened at all levels, power supply be improved on, marketing structure should be well organized and extension services should be focused on which will enhance high level of technology adoption and result in much anticipated reduction in fish importation through fish farming in the country. Keywords: Adoption, constraints, fish farmers, fish farming, technologie

Economic implication of contract farming on small-scale rice farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examines the implication of contract farming on Olam Out-growers farming scheme in Kwara State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to determine the costs and returns to production of rice, assess the productivity level of rice, evaluate the technical efficiency of rice farm and identify the determinants of the technical inefficiency of the rice farms in contract farming. In this study, the average net farm income of the rice farmers under the scheme was N191,862.56 and the land productivity level was 2,006.04kg/ha. The technical efficiency of the rice farm was estimated using Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production function which shows that likelihood coefficients for quality of seeds, hired labour and farm size were statistically significant at 1% level. Likewise, the determinants of technical efficiency among the farmers were household size and farming experience. The results further show that the contract farming scheme has a positive impact on the lives of rice farmers. Therefore, there is a need for partnership with private contract farming outfits in order to improve the current level of access to inputs by rice farmers. Keywords: Contract farming, Out-growers rice farmers, Technical efficiency, Farm incom