Investigation of the Use of Micro-Mechanical Testing to Analyze the Mechanical Anisotropy of the Zr-2.5%Nb Pressure Tube Alloy

Maintaining a safe operation of nuclear power plants is the primary requirement of nuclear power generating organizations worldwide. This necessitates the use of highly effective methods for assessing the mechanical properties of reactor materials and components. This is important since all components located in a nuclear reactor core experience high levels of neutron irradiation which cause defects to be formed in the metals’ crystal structure. The density of these crystal defects increases with increasing exposure to neutrons and cause the crystalline metal to become harder and simultaneously more brittle. This change in mechanical properties is potentially detrimental to the safe performance of the nuclear reactor. I have evaluated the use of two micro-mechanical testing techniques for assessing the mechanical anisotropy of a common Zr-2.5%Nb alloy pressure tube material used in CANDU reactors. Three different types of experiments were performed; the first two were based upon the use of uniaxial compression of cylindrical pillars while the third was based on the use of spherical micro-indentation. The techniques, and their subsequent data analyses, are presented. It is then demonstrated how these techniques can be applied to assess the anisotropic yield stress and work-hardening behavior of the test material, both in its as-received and its Zr+ irradiated conditions, over a temperature range from 25oC to 300oC

Africa and Ethnic Conflict Management: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and South Africa

This paper proposes, among other things, that ethnic conflicts in Africa are fallout of colonialism. Relying on the comparative study of Nigeria and South Africa, it is the contention in this paper that ethnic conflict which has been at the heart of African countries development problem is a product of skewed economy, authoritarian governance and religious bigotry. There is no gainsaying the fact that African countries in contemporary times contend with greater challenges to peaceand stability than ever before. Conflicts igniting factors in Africa have been a hotch - potch of insecurity, instability and poverty manifesting in hunger and starvation. All these are themselves products of corrupt and rapacious political institutions that assumed power in the African countries. This has been the case in countries of sub-Saharan Africa like Sierra-Leone, Ivory Coast, Liberia and the Democratic Republicof Congo. The contention therefore in this paper is that conflict has become a reoccurring decimal in Africa because the countries lack political will and consequently ineffective in conflict management. This paper is also meant to be a contribution towards the ongoing search for new means of managing ethnic conflict in Africa. The paper compares the management of ethnic conflicts in Nigeria and South Africa witha view to underscoring the intricacies in managing deep-rooted and complex conflicts in Africa

Alarming increase in the incidence of Cucumber mosaic virus in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in northern Nigeria

Cowpea plays a key nutritional role in the diet of the Nigerian people. Viral diseases are a major limitation to cowpea production worldwide, and thus, constant viral surveillance is crucial for monitoring and management purposes. In this study, cowpea leaf samples from fields in three northern Nigeria states, Kano, Kaduna and Niger, were tested to determine the status of six common viruses previously reported in these cowpea-producing states following the release of virus-resistant varieties. Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), Blackeye cowpea mosaic virus (BICMV), Cowpea mottle virus, Southern bean mosaic virus and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) were detected. Cowpea yellow mosaic virus, which was previously reported in all three states, was not detected in any of the samples tested, while CMV that was previously regarded as unimportant to cowpea production in Nigeria had the highest incidence in all three states, and the overall highest incidence of 58.8%, while CABMV had the lowest incidence (7.5%). CMV was also present in seven of the ten mixed infection combinations detected. Dual infection of CMV and BICMV, which often results in cowpea stunt, the most devastating cowpea disease in the USA, was the most frequently detected mixed infection (28.1%) and was detected in all three states. This observed elevation in CMV infection in cowpea must be closely monitored and swiftly managed to avert possible devastating crop yield losses

Epidemiological analysis of yam mosaic virus (YMV) infection risk factors and its implications for clean seed yam systems

Yam mosaic virus (YMV) is a major threat to yam production in West Africa. This study determined factors contributing to the spread of YMV in yam fields, including the role of aphid vectors, seed-borne infections, YMV inoculum in the fields, weather, genetic diversity of the virus, and spatial distance between infected sources. The findings of this study are useful for refining YMV control measures, developing a model for disease risk assessment under different scenarios, and guiding clean seed yam production systems

Preventing the transboundary spread of pests and pathogens through germplasm phytosanitary management

Many introduced pests (=pathogens, pests, and weeds) are responsible for major crop disease epidemics. The estimated economic impact of introduced pests on Africa's agricultural sector was up to US$3.6 trillion per year. Seed transmission of pests, along with the international distribution of plant propagation materials, is a major risk for germplasm distribution activities of IITA. As a pest risk mitigation measure, IITA established Germplasm Health Unit (GHU) to facilitate germplasm production free of harmful quarantine pests for conservation and international distribution and comply with national and international quarantine procedures. GHU uses a multidisciplinary and multistage process for ensuring phytosanitary safety: seed health testing using a range of diagnostics. Between 2017-21, GHU tested about 700,00 samples of 15 species and eliminated 8$10 per sample (US$ 5.6 million over five years). GHU distributed safe germplasm to 69 countries and prevented the transboundary spread of quarantine pests with IITA activities, making the most important contribution to national biosecurity

First report of banana bunchy top virus in banana (Musa spp.) and its eradication in Togo

Open Access Article; Published online: 27 Apr 202

Health risk assessment of instant noodles commonly consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The current study investigated the levels of some heavy metals [Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Aluminium (Al) and Chromium (Cr)] and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in six brands of instant noodles (CFN, GFC, NGP, GAA, CUN and FCS) commonly consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Risks of consumption of contaminated noodles were also assessed. Heavy metals content and PAHs were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and Gas Chromatography (GC), respectively. Concentration of heavy metals as Pb, Ni, Cu, Al and Cr were detected while As, Hg and Cd were not detected in noodles. High average concentration (mean ± SD mg/kg) of Pb were observed in brands CFN (3.163 ± 0.21) and GFC (1.022 ± 0.08) which were significantly higher (P≤0.05) than in NGP (0.043 ± 0.15) and GAA (0.276 ± 0.18), although all were above WHO permissible limits (0.025 mg/kg). Target Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index for Pb were >1 in brands CFN and GFC indicating unacceptable risk. Results of PAHs showed brands had total PAHs (mg/kg) in the order: CFN >CUN >GAA >NGP >FCS > GFC. Although Carcinogenic Risks associated with these noodles are within permissible range, consumption of CFN and GFC could pose greater health risk to consumers. Long term consumption of brands CUN, CFN and GAA may have higher probability of carcinogenesis among consumers. We therefore recommend more diligent regulatory policies and monitoring by relevant Government agencies (WHO, NAFDAC, CPC and SON) to ensure wholesome noodles get to consumers

Understanding the drivers of sanitation behaviour in riverine communities of Niger Delta, Nigeria: the case of Odi and Kaiama communities

Recent reports show that between 1990 and 2012, among countries, Nigeria had the highest increase in the absolute number of open defecators. Bayelsa State makes a huge contribution to these numbers as almost 70% of residents lack access to improved sanitation. The adoption of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) as national policy has improved sanitation in the country, but progress has been slower or non-existent in riverine communities where open defecation persists. In communities where defecation is directly into water bodies evidence of the practice is hidden, which may hinder attempts to trigger community-wide behaviour change. This study evaluates sanitation in two riverine communities of Bayelsa State. It applied qualitative multiple-case methodology using observations, interviews and focus group discussions to explore existing sanitation behaviours. Field notes and interview transcripts were analysed using NVivo and qualitative content analysis. Findings highlight physical, cultural and economic drivers inhibiting the successful implementation of CLTS in riverine communities of Bayelsa State. Findings suggest that to be effective, sanitation interventions in riverine communities, where defecation is predominantly into water bodies, may need to make use of modified tools and also be coupled more strongly with development of supply chains for appropriate sanitation goods and services

Managing Yourself and Others for Effective Performance

Success in life is dependent upon how an individual handles the issues of life from infancy through maturity to the declining stage. In other words, whatever you give to life is what you get in return. Your ability to manage yourself successfully will lead to your managing others successfully as well. This paper attempts to guide individuals on how they can manage themselves and others for effective performance. The paper started with the introduction, meaning of what managing yourself is was explained, the concepts of self-awareness, selfconfidence, self-regulation, managing worry and anxiety, empathy for others and managing yourself for excellence were discussed. The useful tips for managing yourself were articulated. The paper concludes that you can be whatever you want to be in life, if only you know what you want to be, and you are focused, persistent, articulate and committed to achieving your dream. KEYWORDS: Management – Yourself Managing for Excellenc