Geo-spatial analysis of crime in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Criminal activities are important concerns for public safety of our contemporary society. Clarifying where different types of crimes occur is one of the many important functions of crime analyses. This research aimed to map and analyse crime in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, applying Geo-Spatial Technique. The attribute data were obtained from the Police Divisional Head Quarters in Kaduna. An administrative map of the study area was used to delineate the police districts according to the Divisional Police Headquarters Jurisdiction in Kaduna Metropolis. The study identified and mapped a total of 11 crime types in the study area. The coordinates of each crime incidence were obtained from Google Earth Pro 4.2, this is because the exact location were not captured when the crimes were committed. An overlay analysis was performed and all the acquired coordinates of the crimes were displayed on the composite map. Finally, a GIS database was created where the spatial and attribute data were encoded and query analysis was performed. The study revealed that Theft/Stealing and Hurting/Fight ranks highest with 19.29% and 16.82% respectively. The study also discovered that crime incidence is highest in Tudun Wada with (15.05%), followed by Sabon Tasha and Rigachikun with 10.24% and 10.16% respectively. The study also revealed that Tudunwada, Sabon Tasha, Rigachikun and Rigasa are the major crime hotspots in the metropolis. This research, therefore recommends more effort should be put towards fighting crime especially in the months of December and January as the two months have the highest number of crimes committed. Also, crime cases should be recorded in details alongside their geographical coordinates by the Nigerian police.Keywords: GIS, Mapping, Spatial distribution, Crim

PREVALENCE OF CTX-M-PRODUCING GRAM-NEGATIVE UROPATHOGENS IN SOKOTO, NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Objective: Infections of the urinary tract remains one of the most common bacterial infections with many implicated organisms being Gram-negative, which are increasingly resistant to antimicrobial agents. The aim of the study was to evaluate the resistance of ESBL producing Gram-negative enterobacteriaceae to commonly prescribed antibiotics and the prevalence of CTX-M genes from these isolates using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: The isolates were collected from urine over a period of 4 mo and studied, and were identified using Microgen Identification Kit (GN-ID). Susceptibility testing was performed by the modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method, and results were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production was detected by the double-disc synergy test (DDST). Molecular characterization was based on the isolates that were positive for the phenotypic detection of ESBL. Results: Sixty one (61) isolates of Gram-negative uropathogens were identified. Of these, 19 (31.2%) were E. coli, 15 (24.6%) were Salmonella arizonae, Klebsiella pneumoniae were 7 (11.5%), Klebsiella oxytoca were 3 (4.9%), Enterobacter gergoviae were 6 (9.8%), 4 (6.6%) were Citrobacter freundii, 4 (6.6%) were Serratia marscence, and 1 (1.6%) were Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, and Edwardsiella tarda each. Analysis of the bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics revealed most of them to be generally resistant to cotrimoxazole (73.3%), nalidixic acid (66.7%), norfloxacin (53.5%), ciprofloxacin (50.5%), gentamicin (48.6%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (45%), and the least resistant was displayed in nitrofurantoin (30%). Of the 15 ESBL producers, 11 (73.3%) were harbouring bla CTX-M genes. Conclusion: The study revealed a high susceptibility to nitrofurantoin, whereas susceptibility to cotrimoxazole was lowest. It further portrays a high prevalence of enterobacteriaceae isolates harbouring bla CTX-M genes in Sokoto metropolis

Harmonic load modeling: a case study of 33 kV Abuja Steel Mill Feeder

An in-depth study of the harmonic orders inherent in a power system network is required before mitigation techniques are adopted. This paper studied the harmonic orders of the 33 kV Abuja Steel Feeder modeled as a harmonic source using measured data. Readings of kW, kVar, kV and Hz were obtained using power quality analyzer (PQube) to identify the trend and the harmonic unbalance on the feeder. Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) software package was deployed to perform Discrete Fast Transform (DFT) while the input parameters were the resultant relative amplitudes and phase angles for both the current and voltage source models. The current source model spectrum of the feeder under study revealed that the 11th and 13th harmonic orders have the highest percentage of amplitude relative to the fundamental compared to the other harmonics. On the other hand, the voltage source model spectrum showed that the 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 32nd, 33rd and 34th harmonic orders have higher percentage of relative amplitude. However, only the 3rd and 5th harmonic orders were found to cause severe harmonic distortion of voltage and current after harmonic analysis and frequency scan were performed on the ETAP platform.Keywords: Harmonic order; Power quality; Transmission grid; ETAP; Tuned filter

Influence of Intra row spacing on growth and fodder yield of Lablab (Lablab purpureus [L]) in Semi – Arid Sokoto Nigeria

A Field experiment was conducted in 2010 and repeated in 2011 cropping seasons at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Farm, Dabagi to determine the effect of intra row spacing on growth and yield of Lablab purpureus. Treatments consisted three intra row spacings (20, 30 and 40cm) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. The results of the trial showed that intra row spacing significantly (P < 0.05) affected stand establishment count with 20cm producing the highest (43.3)number of stands and plant height at week 3 after sowing in 2011 cropping season. Tallest plants (42.2 cm) were produced by 20cm intra row spacing. Leaf number was significant (P< 0.05) at 9 weeks after sowing in 2010 cropping season. Thirty (30) cm intra row spacing produced the highest no. of leaves (25). Leaf length was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by intra row spacing. The longest leaf (9.9 cm) was produced by 30 cm intra row spacing. Leaf width was also not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by intra row spacing with 30 cm intra row spacing producing the widest leaf (8.9 cm). Dry matter yield was not affected (P > 0.05) by intra row spacing however, 30 cm intra row spacing produced the highest dry matter yield of 1707.7 kg/ha. It was concluded from this research that 30 cm intra row spacing produced the highest dry matter yield of Lablab purpureus (L) and is recommended for semi arid Sokoto environment.Keywords: Row spacing, Fodder yield, Lablab purpureu

Effect of Weeding Regimes on Chemical Composition of Lablab Purpureus in Semi-Arid Sokoto, Nigeria

A Field experiment was conducted in 2010 and repeated in 2011 cropping seasons to determine effects of weeding regime on chemical composition of Lablab purpureus. It was planted and weeded at four weeding regimes (weedy check, weeding once, weeding twice and weed free) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated thrice. Results revealed that weed free regime produced the highest crude protein (24.8%) while weedy check produced the highest carbohydrate content of 55.9% and the highest lipid content of 24.8%. For 2010 and 2011 seasons and the combined analysis, weeding regime did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05) in all parameters except in crude fibre and weed dry weight. Keywords: Weeding, Chemical Composition, Labla

EVALUATION OF CHEMICAL NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF AFRICAN ELEMI PULP AND SEEDS

The aim of this study is to evaluate chemical nutritional constituents of the pulp and seed of African elemi. The evaluation of chemical compositions of pulp and seed of African elemi was obtained from Mararaba Jamma Market Jos, Plateau State in North Central Nigeria were determined using standard analytical methods. The parameters determined of proximate were protein, moisture, fat, ash as well as fibre of the seed were 6.90±0.60, 6.00±0.11, 61.00±0.33, 3.40±0.00 as well as 7.90±0.21 % respectively, in other hand the respective values of protein, moisture, fat, ash as well as fibre of the pulp were 6.80±0.10, 22.20±0.24, 44.50±0.31, 8.20±0.01 as well as 12.00±0.10 %. The carbohydrate content was lowest in the pulp (6.30±0.41%) and highest in the seed (14.80±0.22%). Energy values analyzed in this study were 2625.90±0.25 and 1869.20±0.01 KJ/100g for the samples seed and pulp respectively. These samples contained reasonable amounts of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, calcium as well as magnesium. The anti-nutritional analysis revealed the presence of oxalate, phytate, saponins, alkaloids, and cyanide which were within the permissible limits. The pulp and seed of African elemi could, therefore, serve as an additional promising source of protein and mineral contents for human and animal feeds formulations

The effect of heat stress on the oxidative status of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) infected with Streptococcus Agalactiae

A commercial red hybrid tilapia was experimented with S. agalactiae infection under influences of heat stress which indicated by plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) as biomarkers of stress. To achieve these objectives, 110 red hybrid tilapia in good health were divided into five groups of 22 fish each. Group A was challenged with 2.3 109 CFU of S. agalactiae and exposed to heat stress at 33 ± 0.5C on day 1. Group B was challenged on day 1 as in Group A but heat stress was introduced on day 7 post challenge (pc). Group C was exposed to heat stress on day 1 and challenged on day 7 pc while groups D and E served as a positive and negative controls respectively. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 for MDA and SOD analysis. Groups A and B recorded high mortality following exposure to heat stress and bacteria inoculation, with group A reaching 100% mortality at day 7 post inoculation. Overall, Groups A, B, C and Group D showed pattern of increase in MDA level as early as day 3 and decrease pattern for SOD activity. Group E did not show any significant difference in MDA level throughout the study period. Clinical signs such as erratic swimming, exopthalmia, skin haemorrhage and cloudy eye were predominantly observed in group A 24 h post inoculation. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that heat stress plays crucial role in the pathogenesis of S. agalactiae, via alteration of the oxidant defence system

Links between cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: serum lipids or atherosclerosis per se?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Epidemiological observations suggest links between osteoporosis and risk of acute cardiovascular events and vice versa. Whether the two clinical conditions are linked by common pathogenic factors or atherosclerosis per se remains incompletely understood. We investigated whether serum lipids and polymorphism in the ApoE gene modifying serum lipids could be a biological linkage. METHODS: This was an observational study including 1176 elderly women 60–85 years old. Women were genotyped for epsilon (ɛ) allelic variants of the ApoE gene, and data concerning serum lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoA1, ApoB, Lp(a)), hip and spine BMD, aorta calcification (AC), radiographic vertebral fracture and self-reported wrist and hip fractures, cardiovascular events together with a wide array of demographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected. RESULTS: Presence of the ApoE ɛ4 allele had a significant impact on serum lipid profile, yet no association with spine/hip BMD or AC could be established. In multiple regression models, apoA1 was a significant independent contributor to the variation in AC. However, none of the lipid components were independent contributors to the variation in spine or hip BMD. When comparing the women with or without vertebral fractures, serum triglycerides showed significant differences. This finding was however not applicable to hip or wrist fractures. After adjustment for age, severe AC score (≥6) and/or manifest cardiovascular disease increased the risk of hip but not vertebral or wrist fractures. CONCLUSION: The contribution of serum lipids to the modulators of BMD does not seem to be direct but rather indirect via promotion of atherosclerosis, which in turn can affect bone metabolism locally, especially when skeletal sites supplied by end-arteries are concerned. Further studies are needed to explore the genetic or environmental risk factors underlying the association of low triglyceride levels to vertebral fractures

The "lipid accumulation product" performs better than the body mass index for recognizing cardiovascular risk: a population-based comparison

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) may not be the best marker for estimating the risk of obesity-related disease. Consistent with physiologic observations, an alternative index uses waist circumference (WC) and fasting triglycerides (TG) concentration to describe lipid overaccumulation. METHODS: The WC (estimated population minimum 65 cm for men and 58 cm for women) and TG concentration from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 9,180, statistically weighted to represent 100.05 million US adults) were used to compute a "lipid accumulation product" [LAP = (WC-65) × TG for men and (WC-58) × TG for women] and to describe the population distribution of LAP. LAP and BMI were compared as categorical variables and as log-transformed continuous variables for their ability to identify adverse levels of 11 cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Nearly half of the represented population was discordant for their quartile assignments to LAP and BMI. When 23.54 million with ordinal LAP quartile > BMI quartile were compared with 25.36 million with ordinal BMI quartile > LAP quartile (regression models adjusted for race-ethnicity and sex) the former had more adverse risk levels than the latter (p < 0.002) for seven lipid variables, uric acid concentration, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Further adjustment for age did not materially alter these comparisons except for blood pressures (p > 0.1). As continuous variables, LAP provided a consistently more adverse beta coefficient (slope) than BMI for nine cardiovascular risk variables (p < 0.01), but not for blood pressures (p > 0.2). CONCLUSION: LAP (describing lipid overaccumulation) performed better than BMI (describing weight overaccumulation) for identifying US adults at cardiovascular risk. Compared to BMI, LAP might better predict the incidence of cardiovascular disease, but this hypothesis needs prospective testing

Overturning established chemoselectivities : selective reduction of arenes over malonates and cyanoacetates by photoactivated organic electron donors

The prevalence of metal-based reducing reagents, including metals, metal complexes, and metal salts, has produced an empirical order of reactivity that governs our approach to chemical synthesis. However, this reactivity may be influenced by stabilization of transition states, intermediates, and products through substrate-metal bonding. This article reports that in the absence of such stabilizing interactions, established chemoselectivities can be overthrown. Thus, photoactivation of the recently developed neutral organic superelectron donor 5 selectively reduces alkyl-substituted benzene rings in the presence of activated esters and nitriles, in direct contrast to metal-based reductions, opening a new perspective on reactivity. The altered outcomes arising from the organic electron donors are attributed to selective interactions between the neutral organic donors and the arene rings of the substrates