Activation of clay sample from Zaria L.G.A. of kaduna State and testing its bleaching performance on groundnut oil, palm oil and cottenseed oil

Clay samples from Zaria L.G.A. of Kaduna state was acid activated using hydrochloric acid in the concentration range of 5%, 10%, to 30% (v/v), at 90oC ± 2oC for 3 hours, and heat activated at 145oC for 30 minutes. The raw, acid and heat activated clay were tested on groundnut, palm and cottonseed oils. The per cent colour reduction was monitored spectrophotometrically. There was improvement in the decolourizing performance of the clay sample when acid or heat activated towards the three oil samples, but acid activation is more suitable for groundnut oil, while for palm and cottonseed oils the results obtained were similar for both methods. Keywords: Clay, Kaolinite, Bleaching, Zaria, Oi

Transverse Displacement of Clamped-Clamped Non-Uniform Rayleigh Beams Under Moving Concentrated Masses Resting on a Constant Elastic Foundation

In this paper, the vibrational motion of a non-uniform beam clamped at both ends carrying moving concentrated loads is investigated. The governing equation of motion of our dynamical system is transformed via Mindlin-Goodman’s cum Generalised Galerking’s methods as alludedto in [19]. The resulting coupled dynamic equation is simplified via struble’s asymptotic techniques alluded to in [3,5,8,11,19], a second order differential equation that ensued is solved using integral transform methods to obtain a closed form solution. From the closed form solution,it is obtained that for the same natural frequency, the critical speed for the non-uniform Rayleigh beams traversed by moving force is greater than that under the influence of a moving mass. Hence, resonance is reached earlier in the moving mass problems. Furthermore, the transverse displacement for the moving force and moving mass models were calculated for various time t and presented in plotted curves and in the clamped-clamped non-uniform boundary conditions. It is found that, the moving force solution is not an upper bound for the accurate solution of the moving mass solution. Analysis further shows that an increase in the values of the structural parameters reduces the response amplitude of non-uniform Rayleigh beams of our dynamical problem.Keywords: , Rayleigh beam, non-uniform, axial force, non-classical boundary, rotatory-inertia,Foundation-modulli. Clamped-clamped

Viscous dissipative heat effect on radiative magnetic flow of an electrolyte in a vertical channel

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Motion of Moving Concentrated Loads on a Simply-Supported Non-Uniform Rayleigh Beam with Non-Classical Boundary Conditions

This paper investigates the transverse response of simply-supported non-uniform Rayleigh beams resting on a constant elastic foundation. The beams properties: moment of inertial I(x) and mass per unit length of the beam miu vary along the span L of the beam. The Mindlin and Goodman’stechnique is used to transform the governing non-homogeneous forth order partial differential equations with non-homogeneous boundary conditions into non-homogeneous forth order partial differential equations with homogeneous boundary conditions. The resultant transformed equation is then further treated using the versatile Generalized Galerkins’s method with the series representation of the Dirac Delta function, a modification of Struble’s asymptotic methods and the integral  transformation techniques in conjunction with the convolution theory. Analytical solution was obtained for the transverse displacement response of the non-uniform Rayleigh beam. Analytical and Numerical results reveal that the deflection profile of the non-uniform Rayleigh beam decreases as the value of the foundation stiffness K increases. It is also found that the increase of the foundation stiffness K causes increase in the critical velocity of the dynamical system, thereby reducing the risk of resonance.Keywords: , Rayleigh beam, non-uniform, axial force, non-classical boundary, rotatory-inertia, Foundation-modulli, simply supported

Time series analysis and public health implications of suspected bovine tuberculosis in cattle slaughtered in Lafenwa municipal abattoir, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria – 2004-2012

Bovine tuberculosis is a major zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where the disease is endemic with no concrete eradication programme. The study was conducted to investigate the magnitude, seasonality and trend of meat rejection resulting from suspected cases of bovine tuberculosis in slaughtered cattle in Lafenwa municipal abattoir , Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria over a period of nine years using time series analysis and also, to discuss the public health implications. This is with a view that, decision making and policies can be made to control and/or eradicate this disease. Seasonal pattern with more cases during the dry season than wet season was observed while an increasing long term secular trend of cases of rejection is also predicted in the long run if there is no proven control program in place. This study further reinforced the fact that bovine tuberculosis is endemic in Nigeria and is seasonally connected.Key words: Suspected cases, bovine tuberculosis, Abattoir, time series analysis, Retrospective study, public health implication

Exact Vibration Solution for initially stressed Beams resting on Elastic Foundation and subjected to partially distributed masses

In this paper, the response to moving distributed masses of a simply supported elastic thick beam resting on an elastic foundation with exponential rigidity is presented. The technique is based on the generalized Galerkin’s method and integral transformation. Exact solutions are obtained and the convergence of these solutions established. Solutions obtained are calculated for various values of foundation moduli K, axial force N, and damping coefficient 0 . It is observed that, as the values of these structural parameters increase, the transverse deflections of the finite elastic beam under the actions of moving masses decreases. Furthermore, the conditions under which the vibrating systems will experience resonance phenomenon are highlighted. Results presented in this paper are useful in structural engineering design and could also form basis for further investigations in this area of study

Serum ferritin levels in adults with sickle cell disease in Lagos, Nigeria

Akinsegun A Akinbami,1 Adedoyin O Dosunmu,1 Adewumi A Adediran,3 Olajumoke O Oshinaike,2 Vincent O Osunkalu,1 Sarah O Ajibola,3 Olanrewaju M Arogundade11Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, 2Department of Medicine, Lagos State University, College of Medicine, Ikeja, Nigeria; 3Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Idiaraba, NigeriaBackground: Serum ferritin is considered to be one of the most important tools in the measurement of iron balance in steady-state sickle cell disease. Increased gastrointestinal absorption of iron has been reported in sickle cell disease because of the associated chronic hemolysis, and it is also thought that repeated red cell transfusion consequent to chronic hemolysis and anemia causes excessive iron levels. The aim of this study was to determine overall and gender-specific mean ferritin levels in patients with steady-state sickle cell disease in order to establish the prevalence of iron deficiency and overload.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in homozygous patients with sickle cell disease attending the sickle cell clinic at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. A 5 mL blood sample was collected in plain bottles from consenting participants during steady-state periods. The serum was separated and analyzed for ferritin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Another 5 mL sample was collected for a full blood count, done on the same day of collection, to determine red blood cell indices, ie, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The Pearson Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. The differences were considered to be statistically significant when P was 300 ng/mL. Ninety-three subjects (90.29%) had serum ferritin within the normal reference range of 15–300 ng/mL.Conclusion: In this study, 90% of subjects with sickle cell disease had normal iron stores; serum ferritin was higher in men than in women, and iron deficiency was more common than overload in the disease.Keywords: serum ferritin levels, sickle cell diseas

Factors influencing CD4 cell count in HIV-positive pregnant women in a secondary health center in Lagos, Nigeria

Akinsegun A Akinbami,1 Abidoye Gbadegesin,2 Sarah O Ajibola,3 Ebele I Uche,1 Adedoyin O Dosunmu,1 Adewumi Adediran,4 Adekunle Sobande2 1Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, 2Department Of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; 3Department of Haematology and Immunology, Ben-Carson School of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilisan, Ogun State, Nigeria; 4Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria Background: Immunity in pregnancy is physiologically compromised, and this may affect CD4 count levels. It is well-established that several factors affect CD4 count level in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the mean and reference range of CD4 count in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at antenatal clinics of the Maternal and Child Center of a secondary health center in Lagos State, Nigeria. Records of HIV-positive pregnant women at various gestational ages, including CD4+ cell count at booking, packed cell volume (PCV) at booking and labor, gestational age at delivery, and infant weight and sex were retrieved. The descriptive data was given as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Pearson's chi-squared test and correlation were used for analytical assessment. Results: Data were retrieved for a total of 143 patients. The mean age was 31.15±3.78 years. The mean PCV was 31.01%±3.79% at booking and 30.49%±4.80% during labor. The mean CD4 count was 413.87±212.09 cells/µL, with a range of 40 to 1,252 cells/µL. The mean infant weight was 3.05±0.45 kg, with a range of 2 to 5 kg. Age of the mother, gestational age, and PCV at booking were not statistically significantly associated with CD4 count. Conclusion: Maternal age, gestational age, and PCV at booking had no significant effects on CD4+ cell count levels in pregnancy. The mean CD4+ cell count of HIV-positive pregnant women in Lagos is 413.87±212.09 cells/µL. Keywords: mean value, reference range, HIV-pregnant women, immunity, pregnanc

Hematological profile of normal pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria

Akinsegun A Akinbami,1 Sarah O Ajibola,2 Kabiru A Rabiu,3 Adeniyi A Adewunmi,3 Adedoyin O Dosunmu,1 Adewumi Adediran,4 Vincent O Osunkalu,4 Bodunrin I Osikomaiya,5 Kamal A Ismail,51Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos State University, College of Medicine, 2Department of Haematology and Blood, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University, College of Medicine, 4Department of Haematology and Blood, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, 5Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, NigeriaBackground: Hematological profile is considered one of the factors affecting pregnancy and its outcome. Anemia is the most common hematological problem in pregnancy, followed by thrombocytopenia. Leukocytosis is almost always associated with pregnancy. The study reported here was designed to evaluate the overall mean values of seven major hematological parameters and their mean values at different trimesters of pregnancy.Subjects and methods: This examination was a cross-sectional study of 274 pregnant women who registered to attend the Lagos University Teaching Hospital or Lagos State University Teaching Hospital antenatal clinics between their first and third trimester. Blood (4.5 mL) was collected from each participant into a tube containing the anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). A full blood count was performed on each sample and the results were analyzed.Results: Overall, the values obtained were (mean ± standard deviation [SD]): hematocrit level, 30.16% ± 5.55%; hemoglobin concentration, 10.94 ± 1.86 g/dL; white blood cells, 7.81 ± 2.34 × 109; platelets, 228.29 ± 65.6 × 109; cell volume 78.30 ± 5.70 fL, corpuscular hemoglobin, 28.57 ± 2.48 pg; and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, 36.45 ± 1.10 g/dL. When grouped by trimester, the mean ± SD value of packed cell volume at first trimester was 32.07% ± 6.80%; of second trimester, 29.76% ± 5.21%; and of third, 33.04% ± 3.88%. The mean ± SD hemoglobin concentration values were 11.59 ± 2.35 g/dL, 10.81 ± 1.72 g/dL, and 10.38 ± 1.27 g/dL for women in their first, second, and third trimester, respectively. Mean ± SD white blood cell concentration for first, second, and third trimesters were 7.31 ± 2.38 × 109, 7.88 ± 2.33 × 109, and 8.37 ± 2.15 × 109, respectively, while the mean ± SD platelet values for first, second, and third trimesters were 231.50 ± 79.10 × 109, 227.57 ± 63 × 109, and 200.82 ± 94.42 × 109, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was found to exist between packed cell volume and white blood cell count with increase in gestational age (P = 0.010 and 0.001, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant association between platelet count and increase in gestational age (P = 0.296).Conclusion: These findings reinforce the need for supplementation and provide additional information on hematological reference values in pregnancy in Nigeria.Keywords: anemia, thrombocytopenia, hematology, normal pregnancy, trimeste

Helical tomotherapy and systemic targeted therapies in solitary plasmacytoma: Pilot study

<p>This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of pretreatments and drying methods on the chemical quality and microbial density of wild edible oyster mushroom. The mushroom samples were pretreated by steeping in 0.5% citric and sodium metabisulphite at room temperature for 10 minutes before being subjected to sun and cabinet drying until a constant weight was reached. The dried samples including the control samples (Samples not pretreated with chemicals) were evaluated for proximate, mineral composition and microbial density. The proximate analysis (protein, ash, fat, moisture and fi bre) showed that untreated mushroom samples (both sun and cabinet dried) had the overall best results followed by samples pretreated with 0.5% sodium metabisulphite while samples pretreated with 0.5% citric acid had the lowest values. The mineral analysis (calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium) of the mushroom samples followed the same trend as the proximate analysis. The microbial density of the samples showed that samples pretreated with 0.5% citric acid had the lowest count followed by samples pretreated with 0.5% sodium metabisulphite while the untreated samples had the highest microbial density. This implies that pretreatment with citric acid and sodium metabisulphite reduced the microbial density which may invariably extend the storage life of the edible oyster mushroom.</p