Development and evaluation of a drill re-grinding fixture

Generally, manual method of re-grinding drills poses the dangers of damage and accidents. This paper reports the method used in the design, fabrication and testing of the drill re-grinding fixture. The fabricated fixture can withstand maximum normal and tangential forces of 121.34 N and 87.76 N respectively. The developed fixture shows it is suitable as work holding device for re-grinding drills bits with diameter of at least 4.5 mm and above without breakage and difficulty. The average time for complete re-grinding is about six minutes (loading and unloading time inclusive) and no injuries were recorded. The grinded surfaces conform to the standard tool geometry for a twist drill. Hence, the use of this drill re-grinding fixture in the engineering workshops obviates the rigor of manual handling of drills during grinding.Keywords: design, evaluation, drill, fixture, grinding, cost

Learning analytics:Datasets on the academic record of accounting students in a Nigerian University

This paperpresentsdataontheacademicperformanceofapar- ticular setofaccountingstudentsfromtheyearofinceptionintoa Nigerian universitytotheyearofgraduation.Descriptiveanalysis wasperformedonthedatasetandaregressionmodelwhichis capable ofmakingpredictionswas fitted tothedataset.Fromthe dataset, 24outofthestudentswhostartedwitha first classresult (CGPAabove4.50)stillmaintaineda first classresultatgraduation. 4 outofthestudentswhostartedwitha first classresultdropped to secondclassupperdivisionbeforegraduation.4outofthe students whostartedwithasecondclassupperdivisionresult movedto first classresultbeforegraduation.28outof35students who startedwithasecondclassupperdivisionmaintaineda second class upper division result at graduatio

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PRO-VITAMIN A CASSAVA-WHEAT COMPOSITE FLOUR BISCUIT

In this research work, the physicochemical properties of biscuit made from wheat flour and pro-vitamin A cassava flour mixed in different ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 (w/w) was investigated. The addition of pro-vitamin A flour to wheat flour influenced the functional properties such as water absorption, swelling and pasting properties. Peak, trough, breakdown and final viscosities of 100% wheat flour was generally lower than the mixes. However, the setback viscosity of the mixes were lower than that of wheat flour. This was attributed to possible complex formation between the starch components of the flours and the carotenoid. Protein (10.80-15.45%), fat (11.87-21.35%) and carbohydrate (60.08-70.99%) were the major components of the biscuits. The protein and fat contents of the biscuit decreased with increasing proportions of pro-vitamin A cassava flour. But, the carotenoid contents of the biscuits increased. Sensory results showed that biscuit prepared from wheat flour and pro-vitamin A cassava flour in ratio 90 to 10 had similar overall acceptability rating (6.50) and total rating score (31.8) to the control (Overall acceptability rating; 6.50 and total rating score; 32.5). The research has established that acceptable biscuits which could be potentially used to address protein, energy and vitamin A challenges in developing nations of the world

The Contribution of Dysphagia to Acute Stroke Morbidity and Mortality in Nigeria: A Prospective Study

Background: The assessment of time-trend morbidity and mortality in acute stroke is critical to clinical policy decisions and resource allocation. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dysphagia in acute stroke and the impact of dysphagia on short term stroke outcome (30 days post-stroke). Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study. Bedside screening for dysphagia modified Rankin score (MRS) and Barthel Index (BI) were performed on acute stroke patients on day 1, day 7, day 14 and day 30 after stroke to determine the frequency of dysphagia. Patients with dysphagia were then compared with age- and gender-matched controls (stroke patients without dysphagia) in terms of stroke characteristics and 30-day outcome. Results:Of the recruited 200 patients, 99 (49.5%) had dysphagia. Patients with intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke had a significantly higher prevalence of dysphagia (64% vs 36%; p Conclusion: Severe stroke, subcortical stroke and haemorrhagic stroke types were significantly associated with dysphagia at baseline. Dysphagia adversely influenced 30-days morbidity and case fatality in this cohort of acute stroke patients

Effects of Housing Modifications on the Management of Pigs and Growth Performance

Pig industry in Nigeria is an important arm of the livestock sub-sector in the overall agricultural sector. The comfort of Pigs is determined by effective environmental temperature. It combines the effect of air temperature, flooring, and bedding. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of different intensive housing systems on the feed consumption level, weight gain and welfare of pigs fed with the same feed (diet) under different housing systems for 8 weeks. Nine Pigs were purchased from a reputable commercial farm and were divided into 3 treatment groups, T1, T2 and T3. T1 is a well built pen with cemented wall and floor. T2 is a pen built with bamboo wall, and cemented floor. T3 is built with bamboo wall without cemented floor – bare loamy soil. The Pigs were raised for eight weeks. The feed given and weight gained for eight weeks were recorded and analysed using ANOVA. Considering the consumption levels of all treatments, T2 had the lowest feed intake compared to other treatments. T2 had the highest weight gain while T3had the lowest. It is hereby concluded that T3 presented the best result as regards feed consumption, cost of construction and ease of management. Although it presented the lowest weight gain which is attributable to the initial weight and tipping of the feed trough (feed wastage). However, feed wastage can be minimized by using firmer feed trough

The haemoglobin regeneration potential of fermented and unfermented Telfaira occidentalis and Gnetum africanum leaves in iron deficient albino rats

The effect of 10% supplementation of fermented and unfermented Telfaira occidentalis and Gnetum africanum leaves for 21 days on haemoglobin-iron, haematological parameters and serum ferritin was investigated to determined if the leaves could replenish haemoglobin in iron deficient rats. Iron deficiency significantly (p<0.05) decreased the relative weight gain, haemoglobin-iron, serum ferritin, haemoglobin (Hb), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), when compared to the iron sufficient control rats. Rats fed with T. occidentalis had a significantly (p<0.05) increased serum ferritin compared to those fed with G. africanum leaves. The levels of haematological parameters of rats in the iron deficient group were not significantly (p>0.05) different from the iron sufficient and leaves supplemented groups. However, haemoglobin concentration of rats on iron sufficient diet, fermented and unfermented T. occidentalis leaves and those treated with FeSO4 were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of rats in the iron deficient, fermented and unfermented G. africanum groups respectively. Percentage change in Haemoglobin-iron was lower for rats supplemented with the fermented forms of both leaves. This study shows that T. occidentalis has a significant (p<0.05) haemoglobin regeneration potential compared to G. africanum, and fermentation did not significantly (p>0.05) enhance the haemoglobin regeneration potential of both leaves.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Haematological parameters, nutritional anaemia, serum ferritin, vegetable

Cross-sectional study of antioxidant status in normotensive and hypertensive pregnancy

Objectives: The study measured the concentrations of antioxidants in women during pregnancy and the Post Partum Period (PPP) with a view to investigating their role in the aetiology of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). Study Design: Informed consent was obtained from 105 women who were divided into three groups: 15 age and parity matched normotensive non-pregnant (control group), 45 normotensive and 45 hypertensive pregnant women. The two groups of pregnant women were divided into three groups of 15 each and studied in the second and third trimesters and PPP respectively. Venous blood was obtained from all the participants for measurements of some antioxidants (uric acid, albumin, catalase and vitamin C). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The results show that the mean concentrations of catalase, albumin, vitamin C and uric acid for the control were 3.1 ± 0.18 µ/l, 46.6 ± 6.6 g/l, 0.38 ± 0.01 mg/dl and 0.16 ± 0.03 mmol/l respectively. The mean concentration of all antioxidants except uric acid were significantly lower during pregnancy when compared with controls (t= 2.06; p<0.01). In the normotensive group of pregnant women, vitamin C was the only antioxidant that showed significant higher concentration when the second trimester concentration and third trimester concentration were compared (t=2.06; p<0.05). Uric acid levels were significantly higher (t=2.06; p<0.05) and nd rd catalase and vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the hypertensive group during the 2 and 3 trimesters (t=2.06; p<0.05). There was a tendency for all antioxidant concentrations to return to normal values during the PPPin the normotensive group; however in the hypertensive group, uric acid levels remained significantly higher (t=2.06; p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion this study showed that pregnancy generally reduced the concentration of antioxidants but vitamin C levels were higher in late pregnancy of normotensive women. Therefore higher levels of vitamin C may protect against PIH

Effects of acute exposure to cotton insecticide thalis 112 EC (emamectin benzoate 48 g.l-1 and acetamiprid 64 g.l-1) in African catfish Clarias gariepinus embryos

Thalis 112 EC, a binary insecticide based on Emamectin benzoate (48 g.L-1) and Acetamiprid (64 g.L-1), is widely used in agriculture in Benin, to control cotton pests including Helicoverpa armigera. In order to assess the impact of acute concentrations of this binary on the development of&nbsp; eggs/embryos of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus, an experiment was conducted in the laboratory. The fertilized eggs of C. gariepinus (n 100)&nbsp; were exposed to six concentrations of Thalis (T0: 0.0; T1: 10.0; T2: 60.0; T3: 110.0; T4: 160.0 and T5: 210.0 ppm), each in three replicates. The&nbsp; arithmetic method of Karber was used to calculate LC50 values. The 24h-LC50 and 48h-LC50 values of Thalis for eggs/embryos were 124.09 and&nbsp; 117.58 ppm, respectively. High Thalis concentrations significantly increased eggs/ embryos mortality and decreased hatching success (p&lt;0.05,&nbsp; Dunnett’s test). Rates of various physical deformities such as short-tail and lordosis, and the abnormalities such as black pigmentation on yolk sac,&nbsp; intense lethargy, etc., also climbed with increasing Thalis concentrations (p&lt;0.05, Dunnett’s test). The findings from the current study showed that&nbsp; Thalis exerts adverse effects on embryo development of C. gariepinus. They constitute an alert on the toxic effect of chemical pesticides used in&nbsp; Benin on the first developmental stages of fish inhabiting aquatic ecosystems.&nbsp;&nbsp

Serodiagnosis of Samonella Infection using a Logistic Regression Model

Abstract - Salmonella infection remains a major global health problem and worsened by lack of appropriate diagnostic tools, which have not significantly improved, particularly in low-income nations . Salmonella typhi is the most common causative agent of typhoid fever and the prevalence of this illness has been on the increase specifically in areas of poor personal hygiene and sanitation.. This study was carried out to further improve the diagnosis of salmonella infection, through a mathematical regression model. An analysis was performed using the logistic regression approach and the predictability of the model was done by extracting fifteen (15) typhoid observations from the obtained samples; for the model to predict their status. The model was able to accurately predict 66.7% of the observations. This study showed an increased prevalence in typhoid fever including a significant correlation between typhoid fever and other parameters. The global burden of this illness can be minimized by proper vaccination, and prompt but appropriate diagnosis and treatment.Further studies also needs to be carried out to further improve diagnosis and treatment regimen Keywords: Salmonella infection, Typhoid fever,Diagnosis, logistic regressio

Mandatory adoption of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless and e-payment policy: implications for bank customers

This study seeks to uncover the projected gains and challenges of a cashless and epayment policy in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the wellbeing of bank clients, and to examine the extent to which the promised benefits of the policy were realized eight years down the line of implementation. Researchers provided copies of a research questionnaire to selected bankers and bank customers in Ogun and Lagos states of Nigeria to find perceptions of the two stakeholder groups regarding the subject matter. Three hypotheses formulated were tested using ANOVA. The paper reveals that the cashless banking initiative in Nigeria has significantly enhanced bank customer satisfaction; the implementation of the cashless banking structure in Nigeria has not led to a significant reduction in the level of cash fraud in Nigerian banks; and the adoption of a cashless economy practice in Nigeria has significantly improved the management of bank customer funds in terms of spending and saving. The paper, in particular, recommends that bank regulators constantly and widely cooperate with all key stakeholders in the system in the fight against cybercrime. This will make the electronic space safe and reliable for use in doing banking in Nigeria and beyond