Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts of Acacia nilotica Against Selected Pathogens

Traditional medicine systems plants are the major sources of substances used in managing and/or treating many diseases conditions. This study was aimed at screening the phytochemicals present in the seed and pod of Acacia nilotica using different solvents (n-hexane and methanol) and to determine the anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activity of the plants extracts using some selected pathogens. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoids, glycosides and tannins in both extract of Acacia nilotica seed while flavonoids was however only present in methanol extract, the results further revealed that Saponins was absent in all the seed extracts. For the pod extract, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and glycosides were present while alkaloid was absent in all the extracts. In vitro antioxidant studies shows both seed and pod extracts to possess strong antioxidant activity as they compare favorably with standard antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid). Anti-microbial studies shows the extract to be very effective against S. aureus P. aeruginosa, S. pyogenes, S. typhi and C. albica pathogens. Thus this study demonstrated Acacia nilotica seed and pods to possess strong anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties which might be as a result of presence of some bioactive compounds. Keywords: Acacia nilotica; Anti-oxidant; Anti-microbial; Phytochemicals; Pods and Seeds. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-16-03 Publication date:August 31st 202

Structural performance of cold-formed steel with self-compacting concrete in a composite beam system

The use of composite systems comprising of concrete and hot-rolled steel (HRS) sections is well established as observed in current design codes. But, there is limited technical information available about the use of composite systems that incorporates the use of light gauge steel sections, despite the potentials of the system in residential and light industrial constructions. Therefore, this research work investigated the structural performance of cold-formed steel (CFS) section with Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) as a composite beam system, by means of shear connection mechanism of bolted shear connectors. The study comprised two components; experimental and theoretical works. The experimental work consisted of two phases; push-out and full-scale experimental tests. The push-out specimens were of the same dimension (800 mm x 600 mm x 75 mm). In push-out test, strength capability and ductility of the proposed bolted shear connectors were determined. Bolted shear connectors of M16, M14 and M12 of grade 8.8 were installed on the flanges of I-beam section of CFS using single nut and washer above and beneath through bolt holes of 17 mm, 15 mm and 13 mm diameters at a designated longitudinal interval of 150 mm, 250 mm and 300 mm respectively, and spaced laterally at 75 mm. The specimens were cast with SCC of grade 40 N/ mm2. Shear connector size and longitudinal spacing were the varied parameters, and their influence on the ultimate load capacity was investigated. The results showed that the size and the longitudinal spacing of the shear connectors had significantly influenced the ultimate load capacity. Ductility of the shear connectors was determined to be acceptable as an average characteristic slip capacity above 6 mm as recommended by Eurocode 4 was achieved by all shear connectors. Close agreement was recorded between experimental and theoretical values based on Eurocode 4 equations. In full-scale test program, longitudinal spacing employed was 250 mm and 300 mm excluding 150 mm spacing due to overlapping of stress fields as established in push-out test that led to strength reduction. The full-scale specimens were of the same dimension (4500 mm x 1500 mm x 75 mm) and were tested using a four-point bending test. The results showed that the ultimate load and ultimate moment capacities were influenced by the studied parameters as established in push-out test. Results of comparison between experimental and theoretical values revealed good agreement. In conclusion, the CFS-SCC composite beam system can be employed in small and medium size buildings, and in light weight construction industry

Effect of Moisture Content on some Engineering properties of Groundnut Pods and Kernels

Effect of moisture content on some engineering properties of groundnut pods and kernels were investigated. Two groundnut varieties were used namely; Manipintar and Ex-Dakar. The properties investigated were principal dimensions, porosity, bulk density, true density, angle of repose and static coefficient of friction as dependent variables while moisture content is the independent variable. At an increasing moisture content of 7.3 – 25.2 % d.b., the mean length, thickness, width, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter and surface area for Ex-Dakar pods were 30.6 - 33.46, 12.55 - 14.89, 12.8 - 14.03, 16.88 – 18.71, 18.61 - 20.75 mm and 904.86 – 1099.73 cm2, respectively. The corresponding mean values for the Manipintar pods were 18.60 – 30.89, 11.62 – 15.01, 11.72 – 14.05, 13.63 – 18.68, 13.98 - 19.98 mm and 583.78 – 1095.80 cm2, respectively. However, for Ex-Dakar kernels, the mean length, thickness, width, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter and surface area recorded within moisture range of 8.5 – 28.1 % were 12.92 – 13.01, 8.81 – 9.35, 10.73 – 11.71, 10.72 – 11.14, 10.82 – 11.36 mm and 360.96 – 389.68 cm2, respectively. Similarly, mean values for the Manipintar kernels were 18.60 – 30.89, 11.62 – 15.01, 11.72 – 14.05, 8.97 – 11.03, 9.19 – 11.38 mm, and 252.89 – 382.16 cm2, respectively. The porosity for Ex-Dakar pods increases from 30.23 – 61.77 % and from 11.65 – 18.63 % for the kernels, from 31.37 – 59.41 % and 11.65 – 33.82 % for Manipintar pods and kernels. True density increases from 0.35 – 0.72 and 0.84 – 1.13 g/cm3 for Ex-Dakar pods and kernels, from 0.39 – 0.62 and 0.98 – 1.29 g/cm3 for Manipintar pods and kernels. However, the bulk density shows a decrease from 0.33 – 0.24 and 0.92 – 0.55 g/cm3 for Ex-Dakar pods and kernels, and from 0.53 – 0.21 and 1.12 – 0.75 g/cm3 for Manipintar pods and kernels. Angle of repose increases from 25.1 – 28.9o and 24.7 – 27.1o for Ex-Dakar pods and kernels, and for Manipintar pod and kernels, it increases from 26.3 – 29.5o and 25.0 – 29.0o. The mean static coefficient of friction on plywood, galvanize sheet and glass increased at varying moisture content for both pods and kernels. The establishment of these parameters would serve as reference that is required to achieve the desired results in successful design and operation of groundnut processing equipment

A Review of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Based on Wind and Solar Energy: Modeling, Design and Optimization

In this chapter, an attempt is made to thoroughly review previous research work conducted on wind energy systems that are hybridized with a PV system. The chapter explores the most technical issues on wind drive hybrid systems and proposes possible solutions that can arise as a result of process integration in off-grid and grid-connected modes. A general introduction to wind energy, including how wind energy can be harvested, as well as recent progress and development of wind energy are discussed. With the special attention given to the issues related to the wind and photovoltaic (Wind-PV) systems. Throughout the chapter emphasis was made on modeling, design, and optimization and sensitivity analysis issues, and control strategies used to minimize risk as well as energy wastage. The reported reviewed results in this chapter will be a valuable researchers and practicing engineers involved in the design and development of wind energy systems

Ergonomic evaluation of subjects involved in orange (Citrus sinensis) handling operations in Yanlemo Market Kano State

Ergonomic evaluation of subjects involved in orange handling operation in Kano State was conducted. Anthropometric parameters were evaluated, where they were found to vary with age amongst the subjects selected. 20th and 80th percentiles of the dimensions were computed and recommended for usage in design of the relevant orange handling equipment. To evaluate the Physiological parameters, sorting/grading operations and washing operations were selected for this study. Results obtained revealed that, heart beat rate, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure varied amongst the subjects with age. Muscular stress and postural disorder were also studied. Comparing the parameters obtained during sorting/grading operation and that obtained during washing operations revealed that orange operations resulted to superior drudgery and musculoskeletal disorders.Keywords: Anthropometrics, Energy expenditure, Drudgery, Operations and Musculoskeletal disorde

Tuning Superconductivity and Charge Density Wave Order in 2H-TaSe2 by Modulating the Van Hove Singularity

Tantalum diselenide (TaSe2) is an exciting material that hosts charge density wave order (CDW) and superconductivity. Thus, providing a playing field for examining the interactions of fundamental electronic quantum states in materials. Recent research has proposed that the intrinsic quantum electronic state in the TaSe2 lattice could be improved by aligning the Van Hove singularity (VHs) with the Fermi level. In this study, we attempt to tune the VHs in TaSe2 to align them within the vicinity of the Fermi level via electron doping by chemically substituting Pt for Ta atoms. On investigating the band structure of Pt0.2Ta0.8Se2, the electron doping brought the VHs closer to the Fermi level vicinity around the K high symmetry point. As a result, the CDW state in pristine TaSe2 is suppressed in the TaSe2 doped system while also hosting an enhanced superconducting temperature (Tc) of ~2.7 K. These observations provide insight into ways to leverage the VHs in materials to tune their electronic properties.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figure

The Benefit and Importance of Mobile Satellite Signal in Northern Nigeria: GPS Approach

A Handheld GPS receiver as tool for training college students on mobile satellite signal propagation was designed using Global Positioning System (GPS) approach. These refer to the experimental setup of the equipment that is the connection done between the GPS receiver with a computer. The satellite propagation data received from the GPS satellite can be recorded continuously with an updates rate of 2 seconds. The experiment was carried out in an open space environment at predetermine locations using simple setup, where a cheap, readily and available portable GPS receiver were connected to the computer to acquire propagation data. The computer was equipped with a self-developed package graphical user interface (GUI) monitoring the propagation information from the GPS satellites and saving the data. The developed system can be set up anywhere at any location.  The sate-up will serve as a database for view and analysis of mobile satellite orbiting the sky of Northern part of Nigeria. Cost effective referring to a low-cost and readily available GPS receiver that can be easily set-up as compared to equipment designed specifically for an experimental purpose that is normally very expensive

Effect of locally sourced Nigerian gypsum on the strength and microstructure of Portland cement mortar

The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of Nigerian, sourced Gypsum for the manufacture of Portland cement. Gypsum samples were obtained from eighteen deposits across Nigeria. These were classified into five purity groups based on their calcium sulphate content.Foreign Gypsum, imported from Morocco, was used as control. Six cement samples where produced for each of the five Gypsum purity groups by grounding and blending cement clinker with 3%, 4%, 5%, 6% and 7% Gypsum content. The group 1 cement mix (having not more than 65% calcium sulphate content) has displayed flash set and could not be moulded and therefore not used for further analysis. Cement mortar prisms were produced for the groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 cement mixes, and subjected to flexural and compressive strength tests at 7, 14, 21 and 28 day curing periods. The cement mortar prisms were also subjected microstructure analysis at 7 and 28 days curing period. The spongy, gel and whitish colouration observed from the  microstructure of the specimens indicated silicates enriched regions which have proven the strength increase from 7 to 28 day curing period. The optimum gypsum content of 5.5% was recommended. The results show that all but the class one gypsum with less than 65% purity content are suitable for cement manufacture. Keywords: Gypsum, clinker, mortar, microstructure, compressive strength, flexural strengt