116 research outputs found
Implementation of Wi-Ap; An IEEE 802.11b/g Based Electrical Switch Module With Web Enabled Interface for Electrical Appliances Control
The aim of this research study is to design and implement a Wi-Fi-based control panel for remote
control of lights and electrical appliances with a web functionality that allows for wide area control via the
intranet or Internet. This eliminates the inconvenience of moving from one switch to another for analog
operation of light fixtures and appliance in home, office and campus environment. The wireless technology we
adopted is IEEE 802.11 (2008) b/g, also called Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) which operates in free band and is
easily accessible. Wi-Ap (Wi-Fi Automated Appliance) control system contains a web portal which allows for
management and control purposes via the intranet or Internet. We built a standalone Wi-Ap console that allows
the wireless switching on and off of any appliance(s) that is(are) ) plugged into it. The prototype we built was
tested within the Electrical and Information Engineering department, Covenant University, Nigeria intranet and
the test achieved our aim of remote appliances control from a web portal vial the intranet
Effect of Smoking Method on Quality Attributes of Traditional Smoked Silver Catfish (Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus) from Lagos State, Nigeria
Effect of smoking methods on quality and safety of traditional smoked silver catfish from Lagos State, Nigeria was carried out with a focus on investigating the quality indices of traditional smoked silver catfish in twenty different fish processing centres. Fresh unsmoked silver catfish and smoked silver catfish samples were collected from different processing centres and and control samples were smoked with convectional smoke kiln. Proximate and quality analyses revealed that moisture content of fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples ranged from 71.66% – 74.92% and that of smoked silver catfish samples and control samples ranged from 11.18% - 14.77% and 8.48% – 10.43% respectively. Protein content of fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples ranged from 15.70% – 17.96% and that of smoked silver catfish samples and control samples ranged from 52.96% – 58.36% and 56.81% – 61.42%. Fat content of fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples ranged from 7.58% – 9.86% and that of smoked silver catfish samples and control samples ranged from 16.52% – 20.41% and 17.52% – 20.57%. The pH value of fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples ranged from 6.78 – 7.42 and that of smoked silver catfish samples and control samples ranged from 6.27 – 6.73 and 6.51 – 6.86. The TBA values of fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples ranged from 0.90 - 1.18mgMol/kg and that of smoked silver catfish samples and control samples ranged from 1.01 - 1.15mgMol/kg and 1.00 – 1.12 mgMol/kg. The TVB-N of fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples ranged from 13.15 - 15.40mgN/kg and that of smoked silver catfish samples and control samples ranged from 17.59 - 19.69mgN/kg and 15.63 - 17.86mgN/kg. The TMA of fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples was 2.04 – 2.61mgN/kg and 2.36 – 2.96mgN/kg and 2.11 – 2.72mgN/kg for smoked silver catfish samples. This study revealed PV of 6.13 – 8.85 mgEq.peroxide/kg for fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples and 8.24 - 9.39mgEq.peroxide/kg and 7.13 - 8.67mgEq.peroxide/kg for smoked silver catfish samples. FFA of fresh unsmoked silver catfish samples was 1.00 – 1.16% while that of smoked silver catfish samples ranged from 1.03 – 1.26% and 1.00 – 1.24%. Convention smoke kiln (used for control samples) did not significantly affect pH and composition of smoked silver catfish. The study concluded that smoking method affect quality as convention smoke kiln significantly reduced the moisture content of smoked silver catfish and the quality indices such as FFA, TBA and PV. Keywords: silver catfish, smoking, traditional, quality, smoking metho
Karyomorphotypic variation in Eriospermum abyssinicum Baker
The karyomorphology of the cotton seed lily, Eriospermum abyssinicum Baker (family Eriospermaceae) was investigated through mitotic and meiotic studies. The chromosome complement was karyotypically analysed based on chromosome arm ratio and centromeric indices. The somatic chromosome complement of 2n = 24 recorded at metaphase I and the 12 bivalents at prophase I of meiosis suggested x = 6 basic chromosome number and paleopolyploidization process in the evolution of this species. There was no evidence of B chromosome or nucleolar-organizer in the complements. Variation in position of centromere ranged from the median to sub-median and sub-terminal. We found slight variation between some homologues in terms of lengths which suggest hybrid origin (allopolyploidy) of the genome. The microspore mother cell had normal meiosis with subsequent formation of 4 daughter nuclei and normal spores suggesting that the changes in chromosome behaviour occurred at very low frequency and these changes were transient with no evidence of phenotypic and genomic instability (aneuploidy) consequences. It was therefore inferred that the population of E. abyssinicum studied might have evolved through changes in chromosome structure or through natural hybridisation between closely related populations.Key words: Eriospermum abyssinicum, lily, chromosome, karyotype
Effect of Storage on Microbial and Sensory Qualities of Packaged Yam-Cassava “Poundo” Flour
Microbial load and Sensory quality of packaged yam-cassava poundo flour during storage were studied. Yam flour (YF) and cassava flour (CF) were mixed at different proportions to produce yam-cassava poundo flour and packaged using High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene sack (PP) respectively. The samples were HDPE 100%YF, HDPE 90%YF: 10%CF, HDPE 85%YF: 15%CF, HDPE 80%YF: 20%CF and 100%YF, 90%YF: 10%CF, 85%YF: 15%CF and 80%YF: 20%CF. The samples were stored at ambient temperature (32 ± 2oC) and relative humidity (76 ± 3%) for 24 weeks and were subjected to microbiological and sensory tests at 4 weeks interval. Results showed that the total plate count of sample (80% YF: 20%CF) packaged in HDPE was the lowest (4.9 x 104 cfu/g) while that of sample (100% YF) packaged in PP was the highest (9.4 x 104 cfu/g) at the end of the storage period. Fungal counts increased in all the packaged samples, as storage period increased. The lowest fungal counts (3.7 x 104sfu/g) were recorded in HDPE 80%YF: 20%CF, this is significantly different (p<0.05) from the value obtained in PP 100% YF which was the highest fungal counts obtained (9.6 x 104sfu/g). A bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis) and two fungal species (Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani) were isolated and enumerated. Data obtained from sensory test (colour, aroma, texture and overall acceptability) decreased throughout the storage period but 80%YF: 20%CF packaged in HDPE was more acceptable. The findings of this study indicate that yam-cassava poundo flour from the blend of 80%YF: 20%CF packaged in HDPE is less susceptible to microbes and more acceptable in terms of sensory qualities during a storage period of 24 weeks.  
Offshore Topside Rotating Packed Bed as Process Intensified Alternative for Natural Gas Sweetening and Dehydration
This work is aimed at investigating the benefits of replacing conventional process unit operations
with process intensified ones in offshore applications. This ensures that better use is made of raw
materials, lower energy consumption and a reduced plant volume was achieved. Specifically, a
rotating packed bed technology has been used for gas dehydration and sweetening. To achieve the aim of this study, a process intensification approach is used to redesign mature absorption
processes to more compact and efficient one. Process simulation using Aspen Hysys was carried
out for Triethylene glycol dehydration and monoethanolamine sweetening. More than 36-fold
absorption unit size reduction was achieved thereby effecting large decrease in capital and
operating costs compared to the conventional packed columns currently utilized in the offshore oil
and gas industry. The process intensified technologies therefore can be deployed for offshore
applications where space and size considerations are of utmost importance
Effect of Working Capital Management on the Profitability of Selected Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria
There is no doubt that the ultimate objective of any firm is to maximize profit. However, the preservation of the liquidity of a firm is an important objective too and it is the efficient management of the various components of working capital that helps to preserve liquidity. This paper therefore examined the effect of working capital management on profitability of selected manufacturing companies. Secondary data gathered from the annual reports of six selected companies in Nigeria covering the period between 2006 and 2013 was used for the study. Purposive sampling technique was adopted and data collected was analysed using panel data least square method of regression. The study found a significant negative relationship between the components of working capital (DCP, APP and ITID) and profitability (ROI). The study therefore concluded that working capital management has significant impact on profitability of manufacturing companies and recommended that companies should manage their cash, accounts receivables, inventories and accounts payable with a view to reducing the cash conversion cycle so as to increase their profitability amongst other things
Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Hydrogeological Profiles within Odeda Local Government, Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria
Groundwater quality can be affected by human activities such as agriculture and improper sewage disposal facilities currently in use by some homeowners within Odeda local government, Ogun State Nigeria. Sixty groundwatersamples collected from hand-dug wellswere analysed for physicochemical and bacteriological parameters using standard procedures. Results were integrated with multivariate and hydrogeochemical analyses to assess groundwater quality and hydrogeologycal facies within the study area. The range of values for the measured parameters include: pH (5.91 – 7.4), EC (101- 1142 μScm-1), TDS (50 - 581 mg L-1), NO3-(3 - 18 mg L-1), Cl- (25 – 234 mg L-1 ), BOD (0.1 – 17.9) and E. Coli (ND - 45×10cfu mL-1). The piper trilinear plot shows that the dominant hydrochemical facies in the study area is the Ca2+– Cl− type. A correlation analysis and a principal component analysis reflect dissolutions from basal rocks and contamination from biological wastes possibly arising from surrounding septic tanks or municipal waste disposal sites. There is need for a continuous monitoring of groundwater by relevant regulatory authorities to safeguard the human health and environment within the study area
Threats to E-Government Implementation in the Civil Service: Nigeria as a Case Study
The rapid advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has undoubtedly influenced positive changes in carrying out administrative functions in government institutions. The ICT adoption rate in
Africa is not impressive when compared to the more developed countries of the world. Nigeria, as a case study in this scenario, has also not implemented E-Government impressively, according to the required standards set up by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). A comprehensive study conducted on the application and implementation of E-Government in Nigeria has provided some metrics that examine the stumbling blocks for realization of adequate and efficient E-Government implementation in the civil service. The research
was carried out in the federal civil service in Nigeria in two phases namely, pre-IT implementation phase and post-IT implementation phase. Our findings reveal that ICT implementation will remain elusive in the civil service as long as the as threats explained below remain unaddressed. It has therefore been asserted that the need to overcome these threats is a precondition for realization of E-Government implementation in the federal civil servic
A systematic review on COVID-19 pandemic with special emphasis on curative potentials of Nigeria based medicinal plants
Despite the frightening mortality rate associated with COVID-19, there is no known approved drug to effectively combat the pandemic. COVID-19 clinical manifestations include fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and other complications. At present, there is no known effective treatment or vaccine that can mitigate/inhibit SARS-CoV-2. Available clinical intervention for COVID-19 is only palliative and limited to support. Thus, there is an exigent need for effective and non-invasive treatment. This article evaluates the possible mechanism of actions of SARS-CoV-2 and present Nigeria based medicinal plants which have pharmacological and biological activities that can mitigate the hallmarks of the pathogenesis of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 mode of actions includes hyper-inflammation characterized by a severe and fatal hyper-cytokinaemia with multi-organ failure; immunosuppression; reduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enhance pulmonary vascular permeability causing damage to the alveoli; and further activated by open reading frame (ORF)3a, ORF3b, and ORF7a via c-Jun N- terminal kinase (JNK) pathway which induces lung damage. These mechanisms of action of SARS-CoV-2 can be mitigated by a combination therapy of medicinal herbs based on their pharmacological activities. Since the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are multifactorial with co-morbidities, we strongly recommend the use of combined therapy such that two or more herbs with specific therapeutic actions are administered to combat the mediators of the disease.publishedVersionFil: Oladele, Johnson O. Kings University; Nigeria.Fil: Ajayi, Ebenezer Idowu O. Osun State University; Nigeria.Fil: Ajayi, Ebenezer Idowu O. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Rectorado; Argentina.Fil: Ajayi, Ebenezer Idowu O. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra.; Argentina.Fil: Oyeleke, Oyedotun M. Kings University; Nigeria.Fil: Oladele, Oluwaseun T. Osun State University; Nigeria.Fil: Olowookere, Boyede D. Kings University; Nigeria.Fil: Adeniyi, Boluwaji M. Benue State University; Nigeria.Fil: Oyewole, Olu I. Osun State University; Nigeria.Fil: Oladiji, Adenike T. University of Ilorin; Nigeria
Malaria Prevalence and Treatment Seeking Behaviour of Young Nigerian Adults
Background: Malaria is a cause of poverty in Africa, therefore its
appropriate treatment and prevention is a key strategy for control.
This study was designed to determine the preferred treatment and
control methods adopted by young adults in an urban setting, and the
presence and levels of antimalaria antibodies as an indication of
exposure. Method: During a high transmission period in Ibadan,
questionnaires on malaria management and treatment practices were
administered to 307 undergraduate science majors. Follow up
questionnaires were also administered to some of the students.
Microscopy was done to determine parasitaemia, and antibodies to
Plasmodium falciparum MSP 1 were measured by ELISA. Results: In
this population, malaria prevalence was 17 % (19/109) and parasite
burden was generally low. Anti malaria antibodies present in 93.6% of
the volunteers confirmed malaria exposure. Analysis of data from
questionnaires administered to the volunteers revealed that self
treatment at home was common; approximately 25% of the volunteers self
treated the initial symptoms at home and this included the use of
herbal remedies. The use of multiple drug types to treat a single
episode of malaria was common practice and chloroquine\uae and
maloxine\uae (Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine) were most often used in
treatment. The study showed that 97.5% of the respondents had malaria
at least once in the preceding three months. There was no significant
difference in malaria prevalence and antibody levels between those
living on the university campus and non-residents. Conclusion: Most
of the volunteers had been exposed to the malaria parasite during
transmission, but did not translate into illness. This may be due to
their knowledge of malaria transmission and prophylactic use of
antimalarial medication. We show that many episodes of malaria are
treated outside the formal health system.Introduction: La malaria est une cause de la pauvret\ue9 en Afrique,
donc son traitement appropri\ue9 et pr\ue9vention est une
strat\ue9gie cl\ue9 pour un contr\uf4le. L'objet de cette
\ue9tude est de d\ue9cider le traitement pr\ue9f\ue9r\ue9 et
une m\ue9thode de contr\uf4le adopt\ue9e par des jeunes adultes
dans un milieu urban, et la pr\ue9sence et les niveaux anticorps
d'antimalaria comme un indication d'exposition au risques.
M\ue9thodes: Au cours d'une p\ue9riode de transmission tr\ue8s
\ue9lev\ue9e \ue0 Ibadan, questionnaires sur les pratiques de la
prise en charge et le traitement ont \ue9t\ue9 donn\ue9s aux 307
\ue9tudiants qui pr\ue9parent la licence en science comme
mati\ue8re majeure. Des questionnaires de deuxi\ue8me entretient
ont \ue9t\ue9 donn\ue9s aux quelques uns des \ue9tudiants. La
microscopie a \ue9t\ue9 effectu\ue9e afin de d\ue9cider la
parasit\ue9mie, et des anticorps au plasmodium falciparum MSPI
\ue9taient mesur\ue9 \ue0 travers ELISA. R\ue9sultats: Dans
cette population, la fr\ue9quence du palaudisme \ue9tait 17% soit
(19/109) et dans l'ensemble, la charge du parasite \ue9tait peu
\ue9lev\ue9. Des anticorps d'antimalaria qui sont pr\ue9sent chez
93,6% des volontaires avaient confirm\ue9 l'exposition au palaudisme.
L'analyse de donn\ue9es bas\ue9e sur des questionnaires fournis par
des volontaires avait indiqu\ue9 qu'auto traitement dans la maison
\ue9tait ordinaire, approximativement 25% des volontaires
autotraitement des sympt\uf6mes de stade initial dans la maison et y
compris l'utilisation de la m\ue9decine par les plantes.
L'utilisation des drogues diverses afin de soigner un seul \ue9pisode
du palaudisme \ue9tait courant et chloroquine\uae et malaxine\uae
(sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine) \ue9taient le plus souvent utilis\ue9
pour traitement. L'\ue9tude a montr\ue9 que 97,5% des sond\ue9s
\ue9taient atteints du palaudisme une fois du moins au cours de trois
mois pr\ue9c\ue9dents. Il n y avait aucune diff\ue9rence
importante dans la fr\ue9quence du palaudisme et niveau d'anticorps
entre ceux qui vivent sur le compus et les externes. Conclusion: La
majorit\ue9 des volontaires ont \ue9t\ue9 expos\ue9s aux
parasites du palaudisme pendant la transmission, mais n'avait pas
conduit \ue0 une maladie. Ceci pourrait \ueatre attribuable \ue0
leur connaissance de la transmission du palaudisme et l'utilisation du
m\ue9dicament prophylactique d'antimalaria. Nous tachons de montrer
que beaucoup d'\ue9pisodes de la malaria sont trait\ue9s en dehors
d'un centre h\uf4pitalier
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