Development of a Tool to Determine the Energy Required to Cut and Top Sugarcane

Sugarcane harvesting is a labor intensive operation and its mechanization is a recent development in Nigeria. The difficulties in providing the needed spare parts for the imported harvesting machines and labor shortages during harvesting periods impede the country’s drive towards self-sufficiency in sugar production. To develop an effective and efficient machine for harvesting of sugarcane, a preliminary data on the energy requirement for the cutting and topping of sugarcane must be available to the designer. A simple apparatus was developed to calculate the energy requirement for cutting and topping of sugarcane. The apparatus consists of: crank, sprocket, chain, freewheel, flange, front hub, spindle, frame and the base support. The result of evaluation test reveals that 15.71 Joules and 23.83 Joules were needed for cutting the top and base of the sugarcane, respectively

Investigating the Effect of Varying Tubing Air Concentration during the Descaling of Petroleum Production Tubing using Multiple High-Pressure Nozzles

Despite the continued research effort on erosion behaviour of multiple flat fan nozzles in removing different types of scale deposits from petroleum production tubing, effect of chamber air concentration and nozzles configuration is yet to be given detail consideration. This study, therefore, considers the utilization of multiple high-pressure sprays at different chamber air concentration to enhance the rate of scale removal from petroleum production tubing. Additionally, options of altering chamber air/water ratio and header configurations for more effective scale removal were explored. So also, the relationship of nozzle header arrangement towards the removal of paraffin of different stages of deposition in petroleum production tubing have been studied. Consequently, theselection of chamber air concentration and header configuration (nozzles arrangement) for effective scale removal was found to be governed by the shape and type of the scale deposit. More so, the descaling capacity increases with decrease in number of nozzlesdue to pressure drop effect irrespective of the type or shape of the scale deposit. This novel descaling experiment of utilising 10 MPa injection pressure from 25 mm jetting position averagely removes hollow paraffin deposits that ranges from 44 to 280 g and 34 to 89g of solid shaped paraffin as a result of altering nozzles configuration. Correspondingly, an average removal difference ranging from 48 to 270 g of hollow shaped and 35 to 218 g of solid shaped paraffin depositwas recorded as a result of compressing the chamber pressure by 0.2 MPa and subsequently suctioning it by -0.008 MPa respectively

Physical Activity Profile of Medical Practitioners: A Preliminary Cross-sectional Study in Kano, Northwest Nigeria

Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a recognized risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. Evaluating health‑care workers’PA is crucial because PA impacts their health, and they are important health promotion agents. Hence, this study assessed the PA profileof medical practitioners in Kano, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional study involving 178 medical practitioners selected from attendees of a 1‑day  continuing‑medical‑education lecture, using a modified physical activity assessment tool. It assessed the moderate‑ and vigorous‑intensity PAs performed, PAs’ sufficiency, their plan and confidence of increasing PA, and factors associated with performing sufficient PA. Chi‑square test and logistic regression analysis were employed in determining the association between variables and sufficient PA and predictors of sufficient PA, respectively. Results: Respondents’ mean age was 37.5 ± 9.5 years; they were predominantly males (133, 74.7%). They spent a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 65.0 (22.5–165.0) minutes per week on moderate‑intensity activities and median metabolic equivalent‑minutes/week (IQR) of 400.0 (120.0–1140.0). Most respondents (119, 66.8%) had engaged in PA in the past 5–6 months or intended to become more physically active in the next six months. Most (155, 87.1%) had some level of confidence in increasing their PA levels. The association between respondents’ sociodemographic variables and sufficient PA was statistically insignificant.However, engagement in moderate‑intensity housework (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15–4.96, P = 0.02) andaerobic exercises (OR = 11.57, 95% CI = 1.29–103.63, P = 0.03) increased the odds of attaining sufficient PA. Conclusion: Sufficient PA prevalence among respondents was low. Engagement in moderate‑intensity housework and aerobic exercises were predictors of sufficient PA. Most respondents were motivated to become physically active in the future. Appropriate interventions are required to improve their PA levels. Keywords: Aerobics, housework, medical practitioners, physical activity, physical activity assessment too

Investigating the Impact of Non-Hydrodynamically Connected Descaling Parameters in the Removal of Different Stages of Paraffin Deposits Using Multiple Nozzles in Petroleum Production Tubing

Despite the continued research efforts in understanding the erosional behaviors of multiple flat fan nozzles in the removal of different types of scale deposits from petroleum production tubing. The non-hydrodynamically connected descaling parameters such as stand-off distance, nozzle arrangement and chamber pressure have not been duly considered up to date. This research utilizes 3-flat fan high-pressure nozzles at a high injection pressure of 10 MPa to remove paraffin deposits at different growth stages from petroleum production tubing to evaluate the effects of the descaling parameters on scale removal. A stand-off distance of 25 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm; nozzle arrangement in novel orientations (triangle, diagonal & right-angle) involving 7-nozzles header and chamber pressures (in compression – 0.2 MPa and vacuum -8.0 x10-3 MPa) were utilized as the varying non-hydrodynamically connected parameters. Generally, the selection of both nozzle arrangement and chamber air concentration was found to be governed by the type and shape of the deposit in question while the scale removal capability was found to be reduced with an increase in stand-off distance due to poor jet contact. An average hollow shaped paraffin removal of 276 g, 259 g and 226 g were recorded at ambient condition across the respective stand-off distance of the three respective nozzles arrangements. While the introduction of 0.2 MPa compressed air significantly increased the respective removal of the early stage paraffin deposition to 342 g, 299 g and 277 g respectively. Also, more hollow shaped removal improvement of 366 g, 320 g and 288 g were achieved after suctioning the chamber by -0.008 MPa, while simultaneously pumping water at 10 MPa. The case of solid shaped paraffin signifying complete tubing blockage was not effective at ambient condition, with average paraffin removal of 99 g, 126 g and 112 g respectively. However, the introduction of compressed chamber air registered the best solid paraffin removal results of 235 g, 286 g and 256 g respectively. Whereas the suction operation recorded an average removal of 229 g, 270 g and 250 g of paraffin across the respective jet positions and nozzle configurations. This result provides a practical approach to the removal of organic scales deposits at varying descaling conditions of injection pressure, standoff distance and nozzle arrangement

Digital and Home Healthcare Survey among Nigerians: Assessing Awareness, Preferences, and Willingness to Pay for an Integrated Healthcare Ecosystem to achieve Universal Health Coverage

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for evolving an integrated healthcare ecosystem that will connect patients to digital and home healthcare to achieve universal health coverage. The survey aims to assess perceptions and preferences about digital and home healthcare services and develop an integrated healthcare ecosystem. Methods: A survey of 254 Nigerians was conducted to assess their awareness, preferences, and willingness to pay for digital and home healthcare services using electronic questionnaires, and the data were analysed using SPSS 16.0. Results: Males constituted 70.9%, and 61.4% were aged ≤35 years. Two-third were clients, and a third were healthcare providers. Although about 71% patronized public hospitals, there was poor satisfaction (31.7%) than those attending private hospitals that were more satisfied. The male gender, private hospital utilization, and age of ≤35 years were associated with the satisfaction with OR 1.19 (95% CI 0.69-2.05), OR 1.22 (95% CI 0.73-2.04), and OR 2.41 (95% CI 1.38-4.20) respectively. Thirty minutes was the acceptable delay in receiving care by most respondents.  Only 39.4% were aware of digital health, and 52.8% were aware of home healthcare.  Male gender was associated with DH awareness, while being a healthcare provider was associated with both DH and home healthcare awareness. The respondents' median amount was willing to pay for DH and HH respondents is $1.64 -$6.56 and $3.28 –$6.56, respectively. Conclusion: In response to the survey result, we designed an integrated hospital, digital, and home healthcare project named eDokta, to leapfrog the attainment of universal health coverage in Nigeria

Digital and Home Healthcare Survey among Nigerians: Assessing Awareness, Preferences, and Willingness to Pay for an Integrated Healthcare Ecosystem to achieve Universal Health Coverage

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for evolving an integrated healthcare ecosystem that will connect patients to digital and home healthcare to achieve universal health coverage. The survey aims to assess perceptions and preferences about digital and home healthcare services and develop an integrated healthcare ecosystem. Methods: A survey of 254 Nigerians was conducted to assess their awareness, preferences, and willingness to pay for digital and home healthcare services using electronic questionnaires, and the data were analysed using SPSS 16.0. Results: Males constituted 70.9%, and 61.4% were aged ≤35 years. Two-third were clients, and a third were healthcare providers. Although about 71% patronized public hospitals, there was poor satisfaction (31.7%) than those attending private hospitals that were more satisfied. The male gender, private hospital utilization, and age of ≤35 years were associated with the satisfaction with OR 1.19 (95% CI 0.69-2.05), OR 1.22 (95% CI 0.73-2.04), and OR 2.41 (95% CI 1.38-4.20) respectively. Thirty minutes was the acceptable delay in receiving care by most respondents.  Only 39.4% were aware of digital health, and 52.8% were aware of home healthcare.  Male gender was associated with DH awareness, while being a healthcare provider was associated with both DH and home healthcare awareness. The respondents' median amount was willing to pay for DH and HH respondents is $1.64 -$6.56 and $3.28 –$6.56, respectively. Conclusion: In response to the survey result, we designed an integrated hospital, digital, and home healthcare project named eDokta, to leapfrog the attainment of universal health coverage in Nigeria

Digital and Home Healthcare Survey among Nigerians: Assessing Awareness, Preferences, and Willingness to Pay for an Integrated Healthcare Ecosystem to achieve Universal Health Coverage

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for evolving an integrated healthcare ecosystem that will connect patients to digital and home healthcare to achieve universal health coverage. The survey aims to assess perceptions and preferences about digital and home healthcare services and develop an integrated healthcare ecosystem. Methods: A survey of 254 Nigerians was conducted to assess their awareness, preferences, and willingness to pay for digital and home healthcare services using electronic questionnaires, and the data were analysed using SPSS 16.0. Results: Males constituted 70.9%, and 61.4% were aged ≤35 years. Two-third were clients, and a third were healthcare providers. Although about 71% patronized public hospitals, there was poor satisfaction (31.7%) than those attending private hospitals that were more satisfied. The male gender, private hospital utilization, and age of ≤35 years were associated with the satisfaction with OR 1.19 (95% CI 0.69-2.05), OR 1.22 (95% CI 0.73-2.04), and OR 2.41 (95% CI 1.38-4.20) respectively. Thirty minutes was the acceptable delay in receiving care by most respondents.  Only 39.4% were aware of digital health, and 52.8% were aware of home healthcare.  Male gender was associated with DH awareness, while being a healthcare provider was associated with both DH and home healthcare awareness. The respondents' median amount was willing to pay for DH and HH respondents is $1.64 -$6.56 and $3.28 –$6.56, respectively. Conclusion: In response to the survey result, we designed an integrated hospital, digital, and home healthcare project named eDokta, to leapfrog the attainment of universal health coverage in Nigeria

Nickel nanoparticles-modified electrode for the electrochemical sensory detection of Penicillin G in bovine milk samples

The monitoring of chemical and antibiotic residues like amoxicillin, penicillin, tetracycline, and vancomycin in the food originating from the animal and plant sources can prevent the humans from getting exposed to the antibiotic-induced allergic reactions and also decreased immunity towards the microbial population. By taking into consideration the necessity of developing effective and sensitive techniques for milk containing Penicillin G antibiotics in an easy and cost-effective mode, the present work deals with the electrochemical sensor made up of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs). In order to enhance the chemical stability and biocompatibility, the NiNPs were crosslinked with (3 aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and the formed composite was thoroughly characterized using the physical characterization techniques. In addition, the qualitative analysis results confirmed the nanocomposite’s synergetic effect towards the oxidation of Penicillin G. Further, the quantitative analysis towards the use of a nanocomposite electrode due to the changes in pH, scan rate, accumulation time and potential, nanoparticle (NP) amount, etc. was optimized. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation of Penicillin G with this composite were detected to be 0.00031 μM and 0.00100 μM, respectively. Overall, from the results, it can be indicated that the fabricated NiNP sensor can find its applications as a potential electrode material for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Penicillin G in liquid samples

Assessing Research Engagement of Resident Doctors in Training in Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Residency training develops trainees to practice evidence-based medicine using knowledge acquired through researches. Resident doctors are not just expected to be consumers of good researches but are also expected to build their competencies in conducting researches in their fields of specialization. They are expected to engage in journal clubs as well as scientific paper presentations in local and international conferences under the mentorship and guidance of their trainers. In addition, trainers in residency training supervise the compulsory dissertation of senior residents under them. Objectives: We aimed to assess research engagement of resident doctors in training and pattern of submission and approval of their dissertation proposal. Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional descriptive study involving resident doctors in accredited hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to respondents via their verified electronic media contacts. Data were collected within a period of 1 month from July 10 to August 6, 2020. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, simple tables as well as Z‐test and Chi‐square test. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for decision purposes. Results: A total of 120 questionnaires were completed. The mean age of respondents was 38.0 ± 3.8 years, with majority being males 88 (83.3%), and 107 (89.2%) being married. Only 12 (10%) and 44 (36.7%) respondents had published manuscript before and since commencement of residency training, respectively. There was a significant difference between manuscript publication before and since commencement of residency training (P = 0.012). Only 32% of the respondents who submitted their dissertation proposal to the colleges did so within 12 months of success in their Part 1 fellowship examination. There was no association between the publication of manuscript during residency training and submission of dissertation to either National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (P = 0.190), West African College of Surgeons (P = 0.686), or West African College of Physicians (P = 0.317). Conclusion: Research engagement by resident doctors from this study was not satisfactory. Publication of manuscript by resident doctors was associated with prior publication before commencement of residency training and type of training hospital