SOCIAL AND ERGONOMIC EVALUATION OF MOTORCYCLE PROTECTIVE ISOLATION SHIELD FOR REDUCING COMMUNITY SPREAD OF COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have rapidly evolved into a situation with profound effects on lifestyle and travel worldwide, ranging from a dramatic decrease in the patronage of formal public transport modes to an unprecedented increase in the usage of informal public transport modes. It is the main goal of this study to adapt a Motorcycle Protective Isolation Shield (MPIS) on a motorcycle for the reduction of community spread of COVID-19. MPIS was designed according to the anthropometry data obtained from motorcycle riders and passengers; and was fabricated using locally available materials. Anthropometry data used for the MPIS frame were sitting height (SH) and popliteal height (PH) of both motorcycle riders and passengers while seat depth (SD) of motorcycle riders and buttock knee length (BKL) of motorcycle passengers were used to locate the position of the MPIS mounted on the motorcycle. The 50% of the anthropometry data used for the design of MPIS is SH=800.00 mm, PH=500.00 mm, SD=300.00 mm and BKL=550.00 mm. The uncertainty modelling of motorcycle accident occurrence reveals the effect of higher speeds and the adapted MPIS during riding. The probability of occurrence of fatal crash, major crash and minor crash of motorcycle accident was 36.3%, 35.3% and 28.4%, respectively. The MPIS showed satisfactory post-riding assessment in terms of riding stability; riding, steering, and sitting convenience; and riding comfort for both the riders and passengers. It will be a good protection for motorcycle riders against the risk of COVID-19 and other air-borne infections

MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE MECHANISM OF LEAF PAIR UNROLLING IN URARIA PICTA (JACQ.) DESV. EX DC. (PAPILIONACEAE), A MEDICINAL PLANT IN NIGERIA

Uraria picta leaf-pair unrolling inside out is a remarkable feat. A leaf-pair was investigated to understand the mechanism of spontaneous reverse inside out act of the plant. The upper (adaxial) and lower (abaxial) surfaces of the leaf-pair were examined using scanning and light microscopy. The scan showed diversity of hairs varying in shape from straight, pointed, curve, and club to hook. There were deposits of wax on both sides of the leaf-pair. The light microscope showed hairs are restricted to the midrib on the adaxial surface of the leaflets missing. Hooked hairs dominated the entire abaxial surface of the leaflets. The transverse section of the midrib section showed abundance of structural and mechanical tissues, collenchyma and sclerenchyma tissues. Both morphological and anatomical attributes were used to explain the mechanism and how the plant got its Yoruba vernacular name ‘Alupayida’ as well as its purported use in changing the sex of the unborn child and in breaking up love affairs

Life after lockdown: Zooming out on perceptions in the post-videoconferencing era

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply disrupted daily life across the globe, with profound effects on mental and physical health. After more than a year of isolation and communication via videoconferencing, people are returning to in-person activities. Objective: This study aimed to investigate worsening self-perception, mental health, and anxiety with the return to in-person activities, with a focus on the influence of videoconferencing, social media, and the use of filters. Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed online through social media platforms and student network pages. Results: A total of 7295 participants responded to the survey. Seventy-one precent reported anxiety or stress related to returning to in-person activities, and nearly 64% sought mental health support services. Thirty-percent stated they plan to invest in their appearance as a coping strategy to deal with the anxiety of returning to in-person, and \u3e 30% plan to take action in changing their appearance. The most reported dermatologic concerns were skin discoloration (32.36%), wrinkles (24.45%), and acne (14.85%). The prevalence of anxiety and mental health services increased relative to the use of filters in 18- to 24 year-olds. Conclusion: This survey study of \u3e 7000 participants across the country elucidates worsening self-perception, anxiety, and mental health as we return to in-person activities in relation to increased videoconferencing, social media usage, and the use of filters. Physicians should be aware of these effects to better serve their patients

Clinical effects of Garcinia kola in knee osteoarthritis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>Over the past years, there has been a growing number of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients who are not willing to comply with long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) treatment and wish to use herbal anti- rheumatic medicine. This study assessed the clinical effects of <it>Garcinia kola </it>(GK) in KOA patients.</p> <p>Patients and methods</p> <p>Prospective randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, clinical trial approved by the institutional medical ethics review board and written informed consent obtained from each patient. All KOA patients presenting at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital complex were recruited into the study. The patients were grouped into four (A = Placebo, B = Naproxen, C = <it>Garcinia kola</it>, D = Celebrex). The drugs and placebo were given twice a day per oral route. Each dose consisted of 200 mg of <it>G. kola</it>, Naproxen (500 mg), Celebrex (200 mg) and Ascorbic acid (100 mg). The primary outcome measure over six weeks study period was the change in mean WOMAC pain visual analogue scales (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the mean change in joint stiffness and physical function (mobility/walking).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>143 patients were recruited, 84 (58.7%, males – 24, females – 60) satisfied the selection criteria and completed the study. The effect of knee osteoarthritis bilateralism among the subjects was not significant on their outcome (p > 0.05). The change in the mean WOMAC pain VAS after six weeks of <it>G. kola </it>was significantly reduced compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons of the mean VAS pain change of <it>G. kola </it>group was not lowered significantly against the naproxen and celebrex groups (p > 0.05). The onset of <it>G. kola </it>symptomatic pain relief was faster than the placebo (p < 0.001). However, it was slower than the active comparators (p > 0.05). The duration of therapeutic effect of <it>Garcinia kola </it>was longer than the placebo (p > 0.001). <it>G. kola </it>period of effect was less than naproxen and celebrex (p < 0.001). <it>G. kola </it>subjects had improved mean change mobility/walking after six weeks better than the control group(p < 0.001). The mean change in mobility of the <it>G. kola </it>group when compared to the active comparators was not significantly better (p < 0.05). The mean change of knee joint stiffness (p < 0.001) and the change of mean WOMAC score (p < 0.001) were improved on <it>Garcinia kola </it>as compared to the placebo. The mid term outcome of eleven <it>Garcinia kola </it>subjects after cessation of use had a mean pain relief period of 17.27 +/- 5.15 days (range: 9–26 days). There was no significant cardiovascular, renal or drug induced adverse reaction to <it>Garcinia kola</it>.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>Garcinia kola </it>appeared to have clinically significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee osteoarthritis patients. <it>Garcinia kola </it>is a potential osteoarthritis disease activity modifier with good mid term outcome. Further studies are required for standardization of dosages and to determine long-term effects.</p

Mimicking the Neurotrophic Factor Profile of Embryonic Spinal Cord Controls the Differentiation Potential of Spinal Progenitors into Neuronal Cells

Recent studies have indicated that the choice of lineage of neural progenitor cells is determined, at least in part, by environmental factors, such as neurotrophic factors. Despite extensive studies using exogenous neurotrophic factors, the effect of endogenous neurotrophic factors on the differentiation of progenitor cells remains obscure. Here we show that embryonic spinal cord derived-progenitor cells express both ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA before differentiation. BDNF gene expression significantly decreases with their differentiation into the specific lineage, whereas CNTF gene expression significantly increases. The temporal pattern of neurotrophic factor gene expression in progenitor cells is similar to that of the spinal cord during postnatal development. Approximately 50% of spinal progenitor cells differentiated into astrocytes. To determine the effect of endogenous CNTF on their differentiation, we neutralized endogenous CNTF by administration of its polyclonal antibody. Neutralization of endogenous CNTF inhibited the differentiation of progenitor cells into astrocytes, but did not affect the numbers of neurons or oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, to mimic the profile of neurotrophic factors in the spinal cord during embryonic development, we applied BDNF or neurotrophin (NT)-3 exogenously in combination with the anti-CNTF antibody. The exogenous application of BDNF or NT-3 promoted the differentiation of these cells into neurons or oligodendrocytes, respectively. These findings suggest that endogenous CNTF and exogenous BDNF and NT-3 play roles in the differentiation of embryonic spinal cord derived progenitor cells into astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes, respectively

Disruptive Readers in Academic Libraries: A Study of Olabisi Onabanjo University Library

Introduction Academic libraries have a pivotal role in the transmission of information and knowledge in higher educational institutions. They are to facilitate the teaching, learning and research functions of their respective institutions. Academic libraries managers they are expected to acquire, preserve and disseminate information resources that would satisfy the needs of both present and future users (Maidabino 2010). Aside from theft, mutilation, hiding and other disruptive measures, borrowing privileges is an important means of giving access to library collections for personal, educational, and socio-economic advancement. Gelfand (2005) in Maidabino (2010), calls the library, the only centralized location where new and emerging information technologies can be combined with knowledge resources in a user-focused, services-rich environment that supports today\u27s social and educational patterns of learning, teaching and research. Library services can only be achieved through the availability of library collections. Anunobi and Okoye (2008) state that, academic libraries are faced with hybrid challenges of managing resources and are challenged to acquire the necessary skills. One challenge is the issue of disruptive behaviour for print and non-print resources. Oyewusi and Oyeboade (2009) discuss the importance of access to collections in supporting the mission of the university. The researchers view the importance of good collections as a pointer to the need for safety and security for those collections. The rate at which materials disappeared in the university libraries can not be overemphasized. According to Jato (2005), scandalous behaviours such as theft and mutilation, hiding library materials, refuse to return over due borrowed materials, drinking and eating in the library, among others have become a common occurrence in academic library,if this is not checked, it will lead to serious drought of information materials in the library . Most of the academic library in the developing nations including Nigeria, lack security measures which encourages users the opportunity to perform such immoral act. Aside this, library materials are not available in large quantity in some libraries . Moreso, most libraries do not have photocopy facilities for users in case of any need. In some case, when available, incessant change in power supply do not give room for users to make copies of urgent materials needed. This among others tempt the users to engage in such disruptive act. According to Momodu (2002), academic libraries have been faced with varying degrees of criminal behavior in the use of their resources especially materials and to some extent manpower. The extent of this problem varies from one library to another. In some cases the dimension of the problem is so restricted that it seems non-existent, in some others the dimension is so immense that it causes for serious concern. The findings of a study conducted by Momodu (2002) on the delinquent readership in selected urban libraries in Nigeria, revealed that, every library has delinquent client problem and that there is no direct correlation between the type of library and the extent of the problem. The problem seems to be universal. A number of studies (Lorenzen, 1996; Momodu, 2002; Ajegbomogun, 2004) acknowledged that, some individual users of academic libraries display disruptive or criminal behavior within the library surroundings and this can cause security problems in the library. The problem may not necessarily be in form of mutilation or stealing of the collection alone but disruptive users may cause problem to the library staffs which can hindered their performance and other necessary duties or functions related to the library collections, as indicated by (Lorenzen, 1996). One issues that need to be addressed as regard destructive behaviour in academic libraries is collection security. Ugah (2007), considers collection security violation as formidable obstacles to information access and use. Such acts are serious problems that can result in user dissatisfaction. He identifies major security issues in libraries to include: theft and mutilation; vandalism; damages and disaster; over borrowing or delinquent borrowers; and purposefully displacing arrangement of materials. According to Bello (1993), book theft is a major security issue in libraries, particularly in academic libraries, with special collections being the most targeted materials. A study conducted by Olorunsola (1987) on academic library security discovered a relationship between high rates of security problems and the growth of the university. Not all thefts are committed by clients. Some library staff take materials from the library without checking them out. This kind of theft, according to Lorenzen (1996), is one of the hardest to prevent, since library employees know how to defeat the security system. Ewing (1994) describes theft as only one type of collection security breach. Others include non-return of items by borrowers, vandalism, and stock destruction. Bello (1998) conducted a study on theft and mutilation in technological university libraries in Nigeria, revealing that there is a lack of security in university libraries. Users resorted to delinquent behavior because demand outstripped the supply of library material. This results in competition for resources, which invariably tempts users to steal, mutilate, or engage in illegal borrowing. Mutilation is the defacement or damage of library materials. Mutilation of academic library collections has been reported by many researchers (Bello 1998; Lorenzen 1996). Mutilation or vandalism occurs when users knowingly tear, mark, or otherwise damage or destroy materials. Lorenzen (1996), observes that collection mutilation takes many forms, ranging from underlining and highlighting text, tearing and or removing pages, and tampering with the content. Lorenzen identifies several causes for theft and mutilation, including: Students\u27 dissatisfaction or unfamiliarity with library services A lack of knowledge of replacement costs and time A lack of concern for the needs of others Few students think of library mutilation and theft as a crime. Jato (2005) identifies the effect of delinquent behaviour on the users and the library. According to him, immoral behaviours among the users resulted to the following: It reduces the library stock It reduces the life span of the mutilated library materials It leads to extra cost, time, and personnel needed to replace the stolen and mutilated library materials It prevents serious from locating needed materials It damages the image of the library It can lead to low performance of students in examinations It leads to frustration among user

Traffic Survey Analysis: Implications for Road Transport Planning In Nigeria

Efficient traffic survey analysis is a catalyst for achieving an efficient and advanced transport planning and sustainable urban development. Unfortunately, the obvious decline in the traffic survey on Nigerian urban roads has left the road transport system to be handicap of traffic data, quality service deliveries and characterized by traffic-related quagmires with devastating socio-economic consequences including congestion, crime and crash incidences. This paper examined traffic survey analysis on major highways in Ogun State, Nigeria using manual traffic count method for estimation of traffic volume and flow pattern. The traffic data gathered were presented and analyzed using descriptive and inferential (ANOVA and Student ‘t’ test) techniques to determine variations in vehicular traffic volume and flow situation (inbound and outbound). Findings revealed that Car/SUV is the most dominant traffic relative to others. Meanwhile, ANOVA results show significant variation in traffic volume on the selected highways (p. value < 0.05), while, the Student ‘t’ test shows no significant difference between traffic inbound and outbound. Findings also revealed that the physical condition of the highways is relatively poor. Based on these findings, the study recommended improvement measures and strategies to curtail traffic-related issues towards achieving efficient, safe, and quality road transport planning in Nigeria

Evaluation of rural transportation technology: a case study of bicycle and motorcycle trailers

Transportation of goods in rural communities, especially from farms, is one of the major bottlenecks experienced by rural dwellers. Bicycle and motorcycle trailers have been a major intervention proposed by several studies but, this technology has not been fully adopted and it has no detailed evaluation report. This study, therefore, evaluates the performance of different bicycle and motorcycle trailer designs. Three different designs of bicycle trailers (fixed plate design (FPD), convertible plate design (CPD) and wire mesh design (WMD)) and two designs of motorcycle trailers (FPD and CPD) were developed. Four performance evaluation tests (laden mass, forward speed, pull and haulage tests and a computer-based simulation of stress/strain analysis) were carried out. The optimum load capacity (OLC) of WMD bicycle trailer is 100 kg at a speed of 5.2 – 6.3 km/hr, while that of FPD and CPD bicycle trailers are 100 kg at a speed of 3.8 - 4.2 km/hr. The OLC for the FPD and CPD motorcycle trailer was 200 kg at a speed of 6.2 – 8.4 km/hr. Static structural analysis of the trailer chassis shows that the maximum stress and strain of the trailers were 2.95 × 106 Pa and 8.22 × 10-6 mm, respectively. This study shows the suitability of the bicycle and motorcycle trailers in small-scale goods conveyance and its suitability for the rural community

Psuedocedreal Kotschyi\'s (Emi gbegiri, Schweinf) Antimicriobia Activities in Comparative Studies with Ciproxin on Microbes Cultured from Human Conjuctivitis

Introduction: Pseudocedrela kotschyi (P.K) popularly known to the traditional healer as emi gbegiri in Yoruba land is a savanna vegetation and is acclaimed to have many bioactive properties including antimicrobial properties. A comparative study is hereby reported, evaluating the inhinitory effects on common infecting micro-organisms of the human conjunctive with those of ciproxin, a broadspectrum antibiotic. Materials and Methods: Conjunctival swabs of purulent discharges from patients in the eye clinic of the Guinness Eye Centre of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (GEC/LUTH) were sent to the Microbiology Laboratory of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Patients were treated with orthodox antibiotics as specified in the sensitivity results. The isolates were also subjected to the inhibitory effects of P.K. extracts and compared with those of Ciproxin. Extracts of P.K. roots were extracted in the Microbiology Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Zones of inhibition were measured in mm. Result: These studies revealed the ability of the extract of P.K. to inhibit effectively the growth of the isolates on nutrient agars. Micro-organisms effectively inhibited were Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas arruginosa, staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus feacalis and Candida albicans. In comparison with Ciproxin, the effects were quite remarkable. Discussion: The African forests and vegetations are provided by nature for healing and more works are still needed to purely isolate and quantify safe dosages for preventive health hazards like infections. This study reveals and demonstrates PK\'s antimicrobial activities. Comparing these effects with those of Ciproxin, reveals P.K. to be effective against the same microbes. Conclusion: Pharmaceutical researchers and investigators have more works to do towards the pure identification and extraction of the active agents in P.K responsible for these anti-infective properties to become usable and available to human advantage. NQJHM Vol. 14 (3&4) 2004: pp. 266-26

Highway Development and Capacity Utilisation in Ogun State, Nigeria

Highway development in Nigeria pioneered other modes of transport including rail, air, water and pipeline. It serves as the most efficient means of distributing agricultural products, locally-made products and natural resources. As a result of this, highways requires adequate planning and periodic maintenance for effective and efficient performance. This study examined traffic situation and capacity utilisation of highways in Ogun State, Nigeria with particular reference to Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Abeokuta and Sagamu-Benin Highways. Manual traffic count method was employed for the estimation of traffic volume and flow pattern. The count took 12 hours a day for three consecutive days (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) of a week. The traffic data gathered were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential techniques to determine Average Daily Traffic Volume (ADTV), flow situation and capacity utilization rate of each highway through thorough observation of inbound and outbound traffic. Findings revealed significant variation in traffic flow situation observed on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of selected highways. Findings also revealed that Lagos-Ibadan Highway (2,085 vehicles/hour/lane) is well utilized while Abeokuta-Lagos and Sagamu-Benin Highways are underutilized with 820 and 1,184 vehicles/hour/lane respectively. Improvement measures and strategies to address traffic flow situation including route development and utilisation issues on the highways were proposed