The Influence of pH on the Combustion Properties of Bio-Coal Following Hydrothermal Treatment of Swine Manure

The application of excessive amounts of manure to soil prompted interest in using alternative approaches for treating slurry. One promising technology is hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) which can recover nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen while simultaneously making a solid fuel. Processing manure under acidic conditions can facilitate nutrient recovery; however, very few studies considered the implications of operating at low pH on the combustion properties of the resulting bio-coal. In this work, swine manure was hydrothermally treated at temperatures ranging from 120 to 250 °C in either water alone or reagents including 0.1 M NaOH, 0.1 M H2SO4, and finally 0.1 M organic acid (CH3COOH and HCOOH). The influence of pH on the HTC process and the combustion properties of the resulting bio-coals was assessed. The results indicate that pH has a strong influence on ash chemistry, with decreasing pH resulting in an increased removal of ash. The reduction in mineral matter influences the volatile content of the bio-coal and its energy content. As the ash content in the final bio-coal reduces, the energy density increases. Treatment at 250 °C results in a more “coal like” bio-coal with fuel properties similar to that of lignite coal and a higher heating value (HHV) ranging between 21 and 23 MJ/kg depending on pH. Processing at low pH results in favourable ash chemistry in terms of slagging and fouling. Operating at low pH also appears to influence the level of dehydration during HTC. The level of dehydration increases with decreasing pH, although this effect is reduced at higher temperatures. At higher-temperature processing (250 °C), operating at lower pH increases the yield of bio-coal; however, at lower temperatures (below 200 °C), the reverse is true. The lower yields obtained below 200 °C in the presence of acid may be due to acid hydrolysis of carbohydrate in the manure, whereas, at the higher temperatures, it may be due to the acid promoting polymerisation

International Joint Venture (IJV) Control Design: A Case Study of an Emerging Market IJV

This study aims to explore the various factors that influence the international joint venture (IJV) parent firms to use a specific control mechanism in an emerging market (EM). The study adopted a single case study design involving an IJV between a Nigerian firm as the local partner and a Chinese firm as the foreign partner. Data was collected through twenty semi structured interviews from both the parent firms and the IJV; and complemented by observations of the IJV activities, relevant information from newspapers; magazines; company brochures and newsletters; and website of the parent firms, IJV and the government regulating body. The study revealed that the design of formal and social control is influenced by a range of factors identified in the literature. This includes resource contribution and bargaining power, previous experience of the IJV managers, knowledge transfer, trust-building, environmental uncertainty, and institutional forces. In contrast to findings from existing studies, this study also reveals that a combination of factors can influence the use of a particular control mechanism. By examining the types of control exercised by each partner and the antecedent of each control type, this study complements prior research by incorporating insights from transaction cost theory, resource dependency theory, social exchange theory, institutional theory and organisational lerning perspective to provide a more integrative explanation of IJV control design. Specifically, it explains how one partner develops certain types of formal and social control according to its individual resource contribution and dependency and can adjust controls to achieve its various objectives

Compressive strength and workability of laterized quarry sand concrete

This paper presents an experimental study on workability and compressive strength of concrete using various combinations of lateritic sand and quarry sand as complete replacement for conventional river sand fine aggregate. Quantity of lateritic sand varied from 0 to 50% against quarry dust at interval of 10%. Concrete cubes were prepared for two mix ratios: 1:1.5:3 and 1:2:4 and three water/cement ratios: 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7 and were cured and tested in the laboratory for compressive strength. Slump tests were also carried out for each mix. For each mix and water/cement ratios, control samples were also prepared using river sand as fine aggregate. The resulting concrete cubes fall within the range for normal weight concrete and although laterized quarry dust concrete had poorer workability, their compressive strength compare favourably with those of conventional concrete. The use of laterized quarry sand concrete for structural members is therefore recommended when laterite content is not more than 50%.Keywords: Compressive Strength, Concrete, Lateritic Sand, Quarry Sand, Workabilit

Effects of akidi (Vigna unguiculata sub spp. Sesquipedalis) planting density on growth, yields and land use efficiency of akidi/cassava intercrop

Field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria to determine the effects of akidi (vegetable cowpea) planting density on growth, yields and productivity of akidi /cassava intercropping system in 2008 and 2009 planting seasons. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments were seven akidi populations of 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, 60,000, 70,000 plants/ha and a sole cassava. Akidi was also planted sole and in intercropped with cassava. Results indicated that the average plant height of 180.66 and 180.74 cm obtained from the akidi plots at 60,000 and 70,000 plants/ha was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the average of 170.12cm obtained from sole cassava. Similar trend was also observed in cassava leaf area index. A significantly (P<0.05) lowest number of pods/plant (7.37) was obtained from the intercropped plots of akidi (70,000 plants/ha). Dry seed yield of 313.00 kg/ha obtained from the sole plots of akidi (60,000 plants/ha) was significantly higher than 284.97 kg/ha obtained from intercropping akidi at the same planting density. Akidi plots at 60,000 and 70,000 plants/ha produced significantly higher cassava tuberous root yields than the yields obtained from sole cassava and from the plots of other akidi densities in the intercrop. Although akidi at 70,000 plants/ha produced the highest cassava tuberous root yield advantage by 30.1 % over sole cassava; the highest land equivalent ratio (2.34) was however obtained from akidi plots at 60,000 plants/ha. From this study, it appears that integration of optimum akidi density (60,000 plants/ha) in cassava intercrop can enhance cassava growth, tuberous root yield and increased land use efficiency. Keywords: Akidi, Cassava, Intercrop, planting density, yields, land use efficiency

A survey of club foot cases in southern Nigeria using radiographic request forms

Background: Clubfoot is a birth defect where the foot is inverted andtwisted inwards. If not corrected, affected individuals usually walkwith the side of their feet or ankles.Methods: A survey of cases of clubfeet (Talipes equinovarus) wascarried out in two orthopedic hospitals and one rehabilitation centercoded NOHI, NOHE and SJRC in three cities (Lagos, Enugu andEssien-Udim) each representing a zone in Southern Nigeria. Patients’clinical history and biodata were collected from their radiologicalrequest forms between years 2000 – 2005. Number of cases in eachzone, age at presentation for correction, patients’ gender, foot andnumber of feet affected were recorded.Results: A total of 1202 clubfeet cases were recorded. About713(59.3%) were males and 489 (40.7%) were females. Highestnumber of cases was in Lagos (56.5%) followed by Essien Udim(21.8%). Majority 599(49.8%) of the children were presented between1 – 6 months after birth. About of 97(76%) of patients who werepresented after 30 weeks were from the South-South region ofSouthern Nigeria. Bilateral involvement was predominant (59.2%)followed by unilateral right sided involvement (23.2%). A ratio of1.5:1 was found between males and female patients.Conclusion: The highest number of cases recorded was in denselypopulated areas with a greater male to female ratio. Bilateralinvolvement is common and a greater proportion of children arepresented within the first six months of birth. Late presentation fortreatment in South-South Nigeria may be due to ignorance, povertyand lack of orthopedic hospitals and specialists to provide qualityservice

A Preliminary Survey on the Parasites of Free Range Chicken in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

A preliminary study was carried out to assess the parasitic burden of domesticated and free range chicken in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of twenty birds where purchased from five popular markets in Abeokuta namely, Itoku, Kuto, Lafenwa and Osiele and examined for presence of parasites. The skin and feathers of the birds were also combed to check for ectoparasites. Afterward, the birds were slaughtered and the intact gastro-intestinal tract were then separated and opened to check for endoparasites. All parasites found were collected into petri-dishes and examined under microscope for identification. Two species of ectoparasites Menacanthus stramineus with a prevalence of 90.0% and Lipeurus caponis with a prevalence of 60.0% were recovered. Three species of endoparasites found consisted of two nematodes (Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum) and one cestode (Raillietina echinobothridia). Ascaridia galli and Raillietina echinobothridia were seen in the small intestine and Heterakis gallinarum in the caecum.&nbsp; Raillietina echinobothridia had the highest prevalence of 80.0% followed by Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum each with 60.0% prevalence. The results show that free-range chickens in Abeokuta carry high parasitic burden which could be a big constraint to their productivity and commercial value

Comparative evaluation of carcass quality and sensory characteristics of meat of rabbits fed Vernonia amygdalina and Mucuna pruriens

Reduction of total fat and cholesterol contents as well as alteration of lipid profile to a more unsaturated kind are some methods for improving quality of meat. One of the safest strategies for achieving this is through dietary inclusion of natural occuring herbs. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Vernonia amygdalina meal (VALM) and Mucuna pruriens meal (MPM) on performance, carcass and sensory quality of rabbits. Seventy-two weaned rabbits were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments, each replicated 3 times with 8 rabbits per replicate. Diet 1 was the control, diets 2 and 3 comprised of 15% each of VALM and MPM respectively each representing a treatment. At the end of 12th week, carcass evaluation, meat lipid profile and sensory evaluation were carried out. Results showed significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in feed intake and daily weight gain for rabbits fed diets 2 and 3 as well as lower feed conversion ratio for rabbits fed diet 3 compared to the control. Rabbits on diet 3 indicated significan (P&lt;0.05) increase in pre-slaughter weight, dressed weight as well as prime cuts (forelegs, thoracic cage, loin and hind legs). Meat lipid profile showed significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL while HDL increased for T3 and T2. Meat protein values showed significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in T3 followed by T2 while abdominal fat decreased as against the control. Sensory evaluation showed significant (P&lt;0.05) decline in tenderness from T3 to T2 without adverse effect on overall acceptability. Inclusion of the VALM and MPM in rabbit diets therefore improved performance, carcass quality and sensory characteristics

Extracts of Pterocarpus osun as a histological stain for collagen fibres

The staining ability of Pterocarpus osun extract on tissue sections was determined. 2 kg of P. osun stem was dried, milled to obtain a fine powder and a red pigment extracted from the powder with 1 L of 70% ethanol at 78°C for 24 h. The alcoholic and acidic extracts were used to stain tissue sections. Collagen fibres, red blood cells and muscles were stained in shades of reddish brown. Preliminary phytochemical screening of this extract revealed that it contained alkaloids, steroid ring, cardiac glycosides and reducing sugar.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (5), pp. 460-462, 200

Salivary gland tumour of the lip: report of two cases and literature review

A research article on rare tumors affecting the salivary gland (SGTS).Salivary gland tumours (SGT'S) are uncommon; they represent 2.4% of head and neck neoplasm and include tumours affecting both major and minor salivary glands. The glands are divided into major and minor salivary gland categories. The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. The minor glands are dispersed throughout the upper aerodigestive submucosa (palate, tongue, lip, pharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, parapharyngeal space) and anatomical parts; skin, muscle and mucous membrane with numerous salivary glands in the submucosa. Pleomorphic adenomas (benign mixed tumours) are the most common benign SGT and comprise 85% of all salivary gland neoplasms. However, the incidence of SGT'S is claimed to be influenced by geographic and racial factors. African reports suggest a pattern that significantly differs from that of western countries. The ubiquitous deposits of the minor salivary glands complicate the diagnosis and management

PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG INFANTS AND PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN SETTLEMENTS AROUND OYAN RESERVOIR IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The need for more information on the risk factors for schistosomiasis among infants and preschool-aged children as become important for the development of health education programme since this age group is currently excluded in preventive chemotherapy programmes.  Therefore, the prevalence and intensity of, and risk factors for, infant and preschool-aged children infection with Schistosoma haematobium were explored in two endemic settlements around Oyan Reservior in Ogun State, Nigeria. Mothers and caregivers’ knowledge of the disease, water contact activities of their preschooler, age at first exposure and control measures were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Of the 86 preschooler screened from the two settlements 46 (53.5%) were infected, with an overall geometric mean intensity of 0.36 eggs/10 ml urine. The prevalence of egg-patent S. haematobium infection was 27.8% in Ibaro and 72.0% in Imala-Odo respectively. There were significant differences in prevalence (P=0.0005) and intensity (P=0.0006) of infection between the two communities, however, these did not increase significantly with age in both communities.  Interviews revealed that preschoolers were exposed to infected reservoir water as early as after birth, while older preschoolers frequently visited water bodies on their own to play, bath and wash cloth. There was significant reduction in prevalence of schistosomiasis among preschool-aged children in Ibaro community compared to Imala-Odo community; this could be attributed to awareness about the disease, and its mode of transmission.  Intensive health education still remains the alternative for reducing transmission in preschoolers in the absence of standardized treatment dosage for them.Â