Investigation of pollutant removal processes within a combined wetland/aerated pond system for the treatment of airport runoff

An integrated system of aerated ponds together with rafted and horizontal flow sub-surface reedbeds has been Installed to treat the glycol-contaminated runoff from two of Heathrow Airport’s susceptible catchment areas the Southern Catchment and the Eastern Catchment. The original plan was to transfer pre-treated water from the latter through the existing fire main which runs around the airport perimeter to the Mayfield Farm Treatment Facility (MFTF) which receives runoff from the Southern Catchment. However this part of the overall Heathrow treatment scheme for surface runoff has not yet been put into operation. Results from monitoring of the treatment system has shown Significant reductions In Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) throughout the system with levels decreasing by 76 6±10 5% across the constructed wetland cells at the MFTF following high airport deicing fluids applications. However continued exposure to BOD concentrations exceeding the design target of 110 mg/l has resulted in anaerobic conditions being established in the wetland. Background nitrate and phosphate levels observed in two aerated ponds at the MFTF which are used for storage and initial treatment of airport runoff were low Initial results from laboratory experiments conducted to assess the ideal nutrient levels required to support glycol biodegradation in the aerated ponds showed efficient BOD removal (within 5 days) after repeated glycol additions There were also Increases In bacteria populations In aerated pond water samples from average background levels of 107 to 1010 Colony forming units (CFU) per litre Based on the Interpretation of the laboratory experiments a nutrient dosing protocol commenced on 12 November 2004 at the MFTF to ensure that nutrient levels in the aerated ponds were appropriate to treat the contaminated airport runoff received during the winter months Although the BOO levels recorded In the aerated ponds were still high after the commencement of the nutrient dosing regime in November 2004 the BOD removal efficiency of the aerated reservoir following the Influx of high winter BOD load increased to 47 5% (February 2005) from 25 5% recorded In March 2004. In microbiological analyses conducted on the water samples from the MFTF only 18 strains of bacteria, 3 fungal strains and 2 actinomycetes strains were culturable In the laboratory. A combination of API biochemical tests and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) analyses showed that at least SIX of these bacteria were Pseudomonas species which have been widely reported to have high potential for biodegradation of organic pollutants. However biodegradation experiments conducted using the consortium of the bacteria fungi and actinomycetes Isolates In sterile distilled water dosed With glycol showed that they lacked the ability to efficiently remove the BOD despite the continuously high BOD reductions recorded in some of the natural systems they were isolated from

Farmers’ Perception of Sustainable Agriculture in South-Western Nigeria: Implications for Rural Economy

The modern industrial agriculture had created an array of ecological and equity problems through the introduction of high input agricultural technology such as heavy machinery, irrigation and agrochemicals. This approach favours the rich farmers at the expense of poor farmers because it is not scale neutral. This study examined the perception of farmers with respect to sustainable agriculture that produces abundant food devoid of the earth’s resources depletion. Amultistage sampling technique was used to select 480 crop farmers in three states (Oyo, Osun and Ekiti) of the south-west, Nigeria. Data were collected with the use of structured interview schedule and described using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the existence of relationships between the pairs of variables (age, year of formal education, farming experience, farm size and farmer’s perception).. This study was able to examine farmers’ disposition toward sustainable agriculture. Farmers were favourably disposed to the practice of sustainable agriculture and realized its potentials as an alternative to industrial agriculture, a profitable venture, capable of providing a healthy family income that would improve the rural economy. Extension agency should intensify efforts through collaboration with relevant non-governmental organisations to keep farmers abreast of the sustainable agriculture practices and benefits

A Comparative Study: Globalization and Development of Regions of Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America

Globalization is one of the most significant concepts of our time that has led to countless academic discussions and public debates. Several empirical literatures have explored how globalization has impacted developed and developing economies. It is critical to study the effects of regional globalization and the impact of different methodological perspectives. This paper examines the effects of globalization across various regions of Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The secondary data used for this paper is obtained from Statista and the World Bank. The methodologies used include One-way Anova, Regression Analysis and Ancova. The findings of the Anova show how globalization significantly impacts the regions discussed in this paper. This indicates that the regions derived substantial benefits from globalization. The regression analysis results highlight that there is no relationship between globalization and democracy, and the Ancova results support that the interaction of region and democracy is not significant. We therefore conclude that the growth and development of these regions related to globalization is based on increased competition, employment, investment and capital flows, foreign trade, spread of technical know-how, spread of culture, high standard of education, and structural institutions. This paper provides a platform to better inform policy makers in these regions, as well as the world, on how the benefits of globalization lead to the expansion and growth of developed and developing countries. Keywords: Globalization Index, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Democracy Index, Ancova DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/89-03 Publication date: January 31st 202

Estimation of Global Solar Radiation in Ibadan, Nigeria using Angstrom - Prescott and Glover - Mcculloch’s Model

In this study, the data of mean daily bright sunshine hour for Ibadan was obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) at Ibadan. It was used to estimate the monthly mean global solar radiation for Ibadan (latitude and longitude ). The data considered were for a period of 2008 to 2012. Angstrom-Prescott, and Glover & McCulloch’s Models were then used to estimate the mean monthly global solar radiation at Ibadan based on the monthly mean bright sunshine hour data of Ibadan. A new sunshine based model is also proposed to estimate global solar radiation at Ibadan for a period of five years (2008 – 2012). The performance of the models are evaluated by some statistical analysis like mean bias errors, root mean square error, mean percentage error, Nash- Sutcliffe error and coefficient of correlation in order to know the most suitable model. It was discovered that the month of August is the least amount of measured global solar radiation averaged for five years (2008 – 2012) at Ibadan is 9.77kW/m2. The most suitable model for Ibadan is Model 2 (Glover & McCulloch’s Model). The results obtained were validated with data of monthly mean global solar radiation data for Ibadan, obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibada

Challenges of soil- transmitted Helminthiasis in some communities in Ondo state, Nigeria

Soil- transmitted helminthiasis is a common public health challenge of developing countries. It has largely contributed in undermining the health status of people and hence jeopardized the economic development of countries concerned. This study aimed at investigating the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in some selected rural communities in Ondo State Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of human soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Stool samples were collected and processed using stool concentration - formalin-ether sedimentation method. Out of the 928 samples collected from volunteers, 149 (16.05%) were infected. The following parasites were isolated: Ascaris lumbricoides, 103(53.7%) 64(33.3%), Trichuris trichiura 17(8.9%) and Strongyloides stercoralis 8(4.17%). Among the risk factors, toilet and water resource facilities were the major sources of transmission. The result obtained justifies the current state of the poor hygiene level in relation to the high occurrence rate of Soil-transmitted helminths among people living in rural settings

Genetic diversity of antibiotic and plant extract resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospitalized patients in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of antibiotics and plants extract resistant Staphylococcus aureus using molecular technique. A total of 106 human clinical samples were collected from patients in three different hospitals within Ekiti State. Microbiological and molecular analyses were performed using standard methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test with common antibiotics and plant leaves extracts was carried out using disk and agar well diffusion methods. Urine samples from male patients recorded a high percentage of S. aureus (57.1%) as compared to female patients (43.1%). Percentage of S. aureus recorded from the ear swab samples in male patients (58.3%) was also high as compared to the female (41.7%). From the nose swab samples, female patients recorded 60% as compared to their male counterparts (40%). Equal percentage (50%) of wound infection caused by S. aureus was observed in both male and female patients. Of the eight antibiotics used in this study, the S. aureus isolated were susceptible to ofloxacin (25 to 36 mm), gentamycin (16 to 23 mm) and erythromycin (11 to 25 mm). All the isolates confirmed resistance to ceftaxidime and cloxacillin. Nine isolates were susceptible to cefuroxime with zones of inhibition that ranged from 10 to 25 mm, while 11 were susceptible to ceftriaxone with zone of inhibition between 11 and 20 mm. Only one isolate was sensitive to augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) with zone of inhibition of 20 mm. Out of three plant extracts used in this study, aqueous leaf extract of Terminalia catappa demonstrated highest antibacterial activity on the test isolates with zone of inhibition of 16 to 36 mm followed by Mangifera indica with inhibition ranging from 11 to 32 mm, while least inhibition ranging from 11 to 20 mm was exhibited by Acalypha wikesiena. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) proved to be useful as genetic markers in determining genetic diversity among antibiotic and plant extract resistant S. aureu

The Effects of Gender On The Adoption of Social Media: An Empirical Investigation

This study develops a research model to gain a deeper understanding on gender comparison relating to social media continuance/usage. The theoretical background for our research model is based on the diffusion of innovation and the technology acceptance models. We collected 290 datasets from college students that are enrolled in a large university located in North America. The statistical techniques to analyze our datasets are confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results of our data analysis show that females have stronger and significant perception of ease of use, compatibility, relative advantage, and risk when using social media compared to males. Also, our results show that males have a stronger perception of satisfaction and information quality when using social media compared to females

Pattern of distribution of reactive localised hyperplasia of the oral cavity in patients at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria

Background: Reactive localized hyperplastic lesions of the oral cavity (RHLs) are relatively common peripheral lesions which present as a range of clinically similar lesions at dental centers. Diagnosis can be challenging if dentists are unfamiliar with their clinicopathological across various populations.Objective: This study reviews the pattern of distribution of RHLs of the oral mucosa in a hospital- the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.Materials and methods: We reviewed 10 years data from the archives of the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Information on RHLs were extracted and recorded on standardized data forms and analyzed using STATA.Results: The most common lesions were pyogenic granuloma (43.7%) and focal fibrous hyperplasia (39.7%), respectively. RHLs were found to be more frequent in women (66.7%) than men (33.3%). The most common locations of involvement was the gingivae (84.6%), and lesions were more common in the 9–29 year age group and the mean age was 37.7 (±21.1) years. The relationship between age group and reactive lesions was however not statistically significant.Conclusion:  The major benefit of this study is an improved knowledge of the frequency and distribution of oral reactive le- sions in sub-Saharan Africa which may be highly beneficial when establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan in clinical practice.Keywords: Focal fibrous hyperplasia, oral mucosa, peripheral giant cell granuloma, peripheral ossifying fibroma, pyogenic gran- uloma, reactive hyperplasia

Not Just a Pain: A Medical Simulation Case About Biased Communication and Osteomyelitis in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia

Introduction Biases in communication can be harmful to patient perceptions of care and the medical team\u27s decision-making. Optimal communication must be taught and practiced similarly to the optimal management of the complex medical conditions associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). This simulation is designed to teach about biases, optimizing communication to and about a patient with SCD, and appropriately diagnosing and managing pediatric osteomyelitis as a complication of SCD. Methods We designed and implemented a simulation case targeting emergency medicine residents and fellows to raise awareness about biases associated with SCD care and the complication of osteomyelitis in children with SCD. The case was delivered as a scheduled educational activity. Guided debriefing about optimizing care and communication for this patient population followed the simulation. We measured outcomes based on facilitator field notes and participant evaluations (Likert-scale and open-response questions). Results Forty learners of varying medical practice proficiencies, societal experiences, and demographics participated, with 30 completing the postsimulation feedback survey. A majority (97%) of participants indicated that the experience was useful and would improve their clinical performance. Participants learned from each other\u27s language and communication styles and reflected on their own communication. Discussion Overall, participants found the simulation very useful as a review of the medical diagnosis and management of osteomyelitis in pediatric SCD. Moreover, they were very engaged and interested in the opportunity to learn about communication biases, particularly as these relate to SCD, to optimize their patient care