Oral administration of Gongronema latifolia leaf meal: Implications on carcass and haematological profile of broiler finishers raised in the humid tropics

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Gongronema latifolia leaf extract (GLLE) on carcass characteristics and haematological indices of broiler finisher birds. A total of 120 four weeks old Marshall Strain commercial broilers were randomly selected and assigned to four experimental treatments namely: W- water only, WV- water + vitalyte, GL30- water + 30 ml GLLE and GL60- water + 60 ml GLLE. At the end of four weeks, nine birds were randomly selected from each treatment and humanely slaughtered for carcass, organ evaluation and haematological studies. The live weight, dressed weight and the relative weights of the thigh, drumstick and breast of the birds were better (P < 0.05) for birds on the GLLE. The relative weights of the eviscerated carcass, head, neck and organs were not affected by the treatments. The haematological characteristics of the birds showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in packed cell volume, red blood cell counts and white blood cell counts in favour of birds on WV, GL30 and GL60. The study showed that GLLE had nutritional benefits on carcass and organ quality of birds in spite of its antinutritional content. Therefore, it can be used as a nutrient supplement in poultry production.Keyword: Gongronema latifolia, carcass, organs, vitamins, minerals, strain, haematology

Clinical and pharmacological studies in post-encephalitic Parkinsonism

Chapter I. General Introduction This chapter deals mainly with the control of skeletal muscle tone and the physiology of tremor. The clinical features and treatment of Parkinsonism are also discussed. Chapter II. Crises in Post-Encephalitic Parkinsonism. A study of 67 patients with post-encephalitic Parkinsonism revealed three types of crises: they can be described as oculogyric, sweating and breath-holding. The clinical accompaniments of oculogyric and sweating crises are described. Chapter III. Drug Therapy in the Crises of Post-Encephalitic Parkinsonism. The treatment of severe oculogyric and sweating crises in 11 patients with post-encephalitic Parkinsonism has been studied. The value of 200 mg. sodium phenobarbitone given intramuscularly or sodium amylobarbitone 200 to 300 mg. given orally was assessed. Neither of these forms of treatment affected the natural course of crises when these were in the category classified as "severe". Chapter IV. The Electroencephalogram in Post-Encephalitic Parkinsonism. Electroencephalographic study of 30 patients suffering from post-encephalitic Parkinsonism showed that over half of them have low voltage alpha rhythms. It would appear that in postencephalitic Parkinsonism the phenomenon of low voltage E.E.G.s is most frequently seen in patients who are known to be liable to oculogyric crises and in those who suffer from severe rigidity and who are incidentally often bedfast. Chapter V, Deformities in Post-Encephalitic Parkinsonism. The deformities of the hand in post-encephalitic Parkinsonism have been classified as Types I, II and III. Type I is the most common form. Talipes equino varus deformity is the common deformity of the foot in Parkinsonism. Scoliotic deformity of the spine, especially of the cervical spine, is common. The scoliosis is usually concave to the less rigid side. Chapter VI, Assessment of Drug Therapy in Parkinsonism. The relative therapeutic value of orphenadrine and "UK, 738" (Sandoz) were studied by means of a double blind trial, Orphenadrine 100 mg, thrice daily was found to be about three times as effective as "UK, 738" 4 mg, t,d,s. The methods of assessment of the efficacy of drug therapy in Parkinsonism are reviewed and the value of objective measurements is demonstrated. Chapter VII, The sites and mode of action of orphenadrine and other drugs used for the relief of rigidity and muscle weakness in Parkinsonism. Pharmacological studies with orphenadrine show that it has a definite neuromuscular blocking action in the frog and in the rat. In the cat, however, the neuromuscular blocking action is veiy much less. It is suggested that one of the ways by which orphenadrine reduces Parkinsonian rigidity is through its peripheral skeletal muscular relaxant property. The euphoric action noted in human subjects and the peripheral skeletal, muscular relaxant property contribute to the favourable effect of this drug on the muscle weakness and easy fatiguability in patients suffering from Parkinsonism. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.)

Green concrete production incorporating waste carpet fiber and palm oil fuel ash

With the increasing amount of waste generation from various processes, there has been a growing interest in the utilization of waste in producing building materials to achieve potential benefits. This paper highlights the results of an experimental investigation on the performance of concrete incorporating waste carpet fiber (WCF) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA) as partial replacements of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Six volume fractions varying from 0 to 1.25% of 20-mm-long carpet fiber were used with OPC concrete mixes. Another six mixes were made that replaced OPC with 20% POFA. The specimens were cured in water and tested for fresh and hardened state properties. The combination of WCF and POFA decreased the slump values and increased the VeBe time of fresh concrete. The addition of WCF to either OPC or POFA concrete mixes did not improve the compressive strength or modulus of elasticity. At 91 days, the compressive strength was in the range of 38.1e49.1 MPa. The positive interaction between WCF and POFA, however, leads to high tensile and flexural strengths, thereby increasing the concrete ductility with higher energy absorption and improved crack distribution. The maximum increases in tensile and flexural strengths compared to those of plain concrete were achieved by the addition of 0.5% carpet fiber at the age of 91 days. The ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) was examined and was classified as good quality concrete. The study showed that the use of waste carpet fiber and palm oil fuel ash in the production of sustainable green concrete is feasible both technically and environmentally

Carbon dioxide sequestration on mortars containing recycled aggregates: A hot area for startup development

The world is closer to exceeding the budget (cumulative amount of anthropogenic CO2 emission compatible with a global temperature-change target) for the long-term target of the Paris Climate Agreement than previously thought. Three lines of evidence suggest that global warming will be faster than projected in the recent IPCC special report.  First, greenhouse-gas emissions are still rising. Second, governments are cleaning up air pollution faster than the IPCC and most models previously assumed. But aerosols, including sulfates, nitrates and organic compounds, reflect sunlight so the aforementioned cleaning could have a warming effect by as much as 0.7 ºC. And in third place, there are signs that the planet might be entering a natural warm phase because the Pacific Ocean seems to be warming up. And these three forces reinforce each other. Carbon dioxide sequestration is therefore crucial for targets for limiting global warming. Europe is now putting great efforts and funding in carbon sequestration materials and technologies. The flagship programme EnCO2re, currently looks to develop new technologies offering novel ways to use CO2; increase awareness for CO2 re-use; and ensures sustainability and social acceptance of materials and products by integrated socio-ecological research. Also Carbon capture and sequestration is one of the 100 Radical Innovation Breakthroughs for the future (Europe, 2019)..This chapter discloses results of an investigation concerning the performance of fly ash/waste glass alkaline-based mortars with recycled aggregates reinforced by hemp fibres. The results show that hemp fibres lead to a reduction of mechanical properties of alkali-activated materials.Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the frame of project IF/00706/2014-UM.2.1

Optimisation of rubberised concrete with high rubber content: an experimental investigation

This article investigates experimentally the behaviour of rubberised concrete (RuC) with high rubber content so as to fully utilise the mechanical properties of vulcanised rubber. The fresh properties and short-term uniaxial compressive strength of 40 rubberised concrete mixes were assessed. The parameters examined included the volume (0–100%) and type of mineral aggregate replacement (fine or coarse), water or admixture contents, type of binder, rubber particle properties, and rubber surface pre-treatments. Microstructural analysis using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to investigate bond between rubber and concrete at the Interface Transition Zone (ITZ). This initial study led to the development of an “optimum” RuC mix, comprising mix parameters leading to the highest workability and strength at all rubber contents. Compared to a non-optimised concrete with 100% replacement of fine aggregates with rubber, the compressive strength of concrete with optimised binder material and moderate water/binder ratio was enhanced by up to 160% and the workability was improved significantly. The optimisation proposed in this study will lead to workable high rubber content RuC suitable for sustainable high-value applications

Properties of rice straw reinforced alkali activated cementitious composites

© 2020 The paper investigates the characteristics of rice straw reinforced alkali activated cementitious composites (AACC). The untreated and NaOH treated rice straw at the proportion of 1%, 2%, 3% by weight of binder was added to the mixes. Characteristics of rice straw have been studied by using SEM and XRD. Mechanical properties, water absorption, drying shrinkage and durability under wet/dry cycling have been investigated to evaluate the performance of the AACCs. SEM was also used to investigate the mechanism of deterioration of the AACC. The results show that rice straw has very significant positive effects on the performance of AACCs including increase in flexural and compressive strength, durability under wet/dry cycling, large reduction in drying shrinkage, and water absorption. In addition, alkali treatment is an effective method for enhancing bond between the rice straw and the matrix leading to improved performance of AACCs

Macro and nano dimensional plant fiber reinforcements for Cementitious Composites

uncorrected proofNowadays, the use of plant fibers in the civil construction industry is growing rapidly due to their low cost, light weight and good specific mechanical properties, lower health hazard, and environmental benefits. Nanodimensional fibers derived from plants such as nanocellulose are also getting considerable attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. This chapter discusses these different types of plant fibers and their derivatives which have huge application potential in the civil construction sector. The influence of plant fibers on microstructure as well as on physical–mechanical properties of cementitious composites are discussed in detail. The challenges regarding plant fiber processing and dispersion, the fiber/matrix interface, and the durability of plant fiber-cement composites are also addressed. The application of nanocellulose in polymer composites has been included in this chapter just to provide the readers sufficient background information and techniques to inspire engineered cement-based composites. Finally, the chapter concludes with the current application of plant fibers in civil construction and the future trends(undefined)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Current state of fine mineral tailings treatment: A critical review on theory and practice

The mining industry produces fluid fine mineral tailings on the order of millions of tonnes each year, with billions of tonnes already stored globally. This trend is expected to escalate as demand for mineral products continues to grow with increasingly lower grade ores being more commonly exploited by hydrometallurgy. Ubiquitous presence and enrichment of fine solids such as silt and clays in fluid fine mineral tailings prevent efficient solid-liquid separation and timely re-use of valuable process water. Long-term storage of such fluid waste materials not only incurs a huge operating cost, but also creates substantial environmental liabilities of tailings ponds for mining operators. This review broadly examines current theoretical understandings and prevalent industrial practices on treating fine mineral tailings for greater water recovery and reduced environmental footprint of mining operations

Fear and rumours regarding placental biopsies in a malaria-in-pregnancy trial in Benin.

BACKGROUND: A multi-country, community-based trial on scheduled screening and treatment for malaria in pregnancy was conducted in Benin, The Gambia and Burkina Faso. Despite standardized procedures and outcomes, the study became subject to rumours and accusations of placenta being sold for mystical and financial gain by trial staff, leading to drop-out rates of 30% and the consequent halting of placental biopsy sampling in Benin. This paper explores the role of socio-cultural beliefs related to placenta and identified additional factors contributing these rumours. METHODS: A qualitative comparative emergent-theory design was used to assess social factors related to trial implementation and uptake in the three countries. Data from participant observation, informal conversations, group discussions and interviews were triangulated and analysed with NVivo Qualitative Analysis software. RESULTS: Despite similar sociocultural beliefs about the sacred nature of the placenta in all three study countries, these beliefs did not affect participation rates in Burkina Faso and The Gambia and placenta-related rumours only emerged in Benin. Therefore, the presence of beliefs is not a sufficient condition to have generated placenta-selling fears. The rumours in Benin reflected the confluence of placenta-related beliefs and factors related to the implementation of the trial (including a catalysing adverse event and miscommunication during the informed consent procedure). Furthermore, distinct socio-political factors contributed to the emergence of rumours, including the historical distrust in governmental organizations and the tense relationship between some of the actors involved in the trial. CONCLUSION: Transdisciplinary social science research designs should accompany the implementation of the trial. The integration of multiple stakeholders' knowledge and involvement is required to define and solve upcoming barriers