Effect of drying on the nutrient composition of Vernonia amygdalina leaves

Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) is a common and popular vegetable among the people of Nigeria used as a spice in many delicacies. In this study, the effect of solar, sun and oven drying methods on the proximate and mineral contents of its leaves was evaluated using standard analytical procedures. Drying increased significantly (

Heavy metals phytoremediation using Typha domingensis Flourishing in an industrial effluent drainage in Kano, Nigeria

Phytoremediation as a tool employs aquatic macrophytes as a principal and inexpensive strategy for controlling environmental pollution. It is achieved through various mechanisms such as phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and phytovolatilization. In this study, heavy metal content of a contaminated drainage that empties into the Kano River was investigated by assessing the uptake of heavy metal contaminants by a notorious aquatic weed, “Typha domingensis”. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the concentration of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr and Fe in the effluent, sediment and T. domingensis in the months of January, April and July 2013, covering the seasonal weather pattern in the area. In addition, the Bioconcentration factor (BCF) of these metal pollutants in T. domingensis, were calculated as the ratio of their concentration in Typha domingensis to the effluent while the Transfer factor (TF), as the ratio of these substances in T. domingensis to the sediment. From the results, Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations were statistically different (p<0.05) in the effluent as well as in the sediment across the sampling months, while Pb and Cr were significant only in the sediment. The BCF values obtained for these metals in the test plant were >1 except for Fe in April, which indicates the plant capacity for phytoextraction. Similarly, TF values obtained were >1 except for Pb, Fe and Cu in the months of January, April and July respectively. This also indicates the potentiality of T. domingensis as a nutrient and metalaccumulating plant through the process of sequestration. The findings of this work have demonstrated the capacity of T. domingensis in the effluent drainage, not only playing an ecological role in the environment, but also to remove heavy metal pollutants. Therefore, the plant species could be used for phytoremediation of industrial effluent contaminating ecosystems.Keywords; T. domingensis, phytoremediation, Heavy metals, industrial effluen

Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Evaluations of the Schiff Base 2-(1-(2-(Piperazin-1-yl)ethylimino)ethyl)Phenol and its Complexes of Mn(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)

Schiff base 2-(1-(2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethylimino)ethyl)phenol and its complexes of Mn(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) were synthesized and characterized by molar conductance, FTIR, NMR, UV-Visible and elemental analysis. The complexes showed 1:1 metal to ligand (M:L) ratio according to the result obtained from Job’s method analysis. Elemental analysis and IR spectral data are in good agreement with the proposed structure of the ligand and the complexes. Both the ligand and its complexes were screened for in-vitro antibacterial activity against two gram negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsella) and two gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyrogenes) bacterial strains. The result of antibacterial activity showed that both the ligand and its complexes have activity more than the referenced drug and that the complexes are more active than free ligand.Keywords: Antibacterial studies, Characterization, Continuous variation, Synthesi

Supported Molybdenum Carbide as n-Hexane Upgrading Catalyst

Catalytic upgrading of n-hexane to corresponding isomers was successfully achieved at 1 atm using molybdenum carbide supported sulphated zirconia as hydroisomerisation catalyst. The characterization data generally indicated the formation of the carbide phase from molybdenum oxide precursor to proceeds stepwise at high temperatures, with increase in crystallinity after carburization. There was also limited destruction to the structural composition of the sulphated zirconia support. Production of isomerised hexanes increased with increase in space velocity but decreased significantly with increase in either hydroisomerisation temperature or contact time. Overall, the catalyst shows good upgrading properties towards n-hexane, suggesting its potentials as gasoline upgrading catalyst. Keywords: Molybdenum carbide, sulphated zirconia, n-hexane, upgrading, potentials

Development of Digital Resistivity Meter

A digital resistivity meter was designed and constructed using microcontroller (PIC16F877A) and other carefully selected components. The meter was developed, using the state of the art technology, to measure the earth’s electrical resistivity through application of direct current electrical resistivity method. It was designed as a system with various subunits implemented as modules, to help greatly in trouble shooting the system in case of system failure. This meter injected currents of 0.1mA, 1mA and 10mA and two, 6V batteries connected in series powered it. Its capability of accepting analog input and displaying digital output gives it advantage of minimizing errors associated with output display. Microcontroller operated using a configuration of hardware components and functional software written and burnt into the microcontroller’s memory. The meter was tested with a specially designed test unit and the generated results were compared with the calculated values, the two agreed. Keywords: Electrical resistivity, microcontroller, analog, digita

A rare case of giant malignant phyllodes tumour and long term survival

Phyllodes tumours are rare breast neoplasm. Its clinical spectrum ranges from a benign and locally recurrent form of behaviour to malignant and metastatic forms. The age at risk is between 35 and 45 years. Giant phyllodes tumours are larger than 10cm in diameter. Case Report: Herewith, we present a rare case of giant malignant phyllodes tumour (40x30x20cm) in a young lady who survived 10 years post- treatment in which most literature reported 10-year survival of 23% to 42%. The patient had mastectomy and radiotherapy to the anterior chest wall. Conclusion: A young lady with a giant malignant phyllodes tumour survived 10 years following treatment

Upgrading n-Heptane via Catalytic Hydroisomerisation

An atmospheric pressure upgrading of n-heptane was carried out in a temperature range of 300 to 450oC over an in situ developed molybdenum carbide phase supported over sulphated zirconia. Although a decreased in surface area with increased in pore volume were observed after carburization, the physicochemical data showed no noticeable alteration to the zirconia structure or the sulphate species. The catalyst formed a good system with high selectivity to iso-heptanes under either low temperature or high space velocity. It therefore has promising features that could offer mitigation to some of the challenges faced by the petroleum refineries with noble metals promoted zeolites. Keywords: n-heptane, hydroisomerisation, carbide catalyst, stability, sulphated zirconia

Effects of Tyre Derived Aggregate (TDA) as Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate in Concrete

The usage and reuse of waste tyre rubber in concrete production can cut down the use of raw materials which contributes to economic efficiency and sustainable development of the construction industry. This study is directed at assessing the effects of using the Tyre Derived Aggregate (TDA) as a substitute for coarse aggregate in concrete. A sum of eighty-six square cubes of 100 mm was cast and cured in fresh water for up to 28 days. Setting times, consistency and soundness tests were carried out on cement paste. However, slump, compressive strength and durability (i.e. water absorption) tests were carried out on the concrete. The results unveiled that the physical characteristics of cement considered fulfilled BS EN 196-3 (1995), and the slump of fresh concrete decreased as the percentage of TDA content stepped up. The water absorption raised, while the density of concrete made with TDA decreased as the percentage of TDA content stepped up. However, the strength of TDA-concrete increased as the curing age increased, and it decreased as the portion of TDA content raised. Nevertheless, the strength at 0%, 5% and 10% were 23, 21.67 and 18.33 N/mm2 respectively. However, the strength of TDA-concrete made with 0 % TDA and 5 % TDA subjected to different temperatures decreased as the temperature increased, however, even at 500C the strength of concrete made with 5% TDA was found to be 20.5 N/mm2 which is within the target compressive strength. It was concluded that the usage of TDA content in the production of concrete should not be greater than 5 % for better performance

Polynomial Regression Model of Making Cost Prediction In Mixed Cost Analysis

Regression analysis is used across business fields for tasks as diverse as systematic risk estimation, production and operations management, and statistical inference. This paper presents the cubic polynomial least square regression as a robust alternative method of making cost prediction in business rather than the usual linear regression.The study reveals that polynomial regression is a better alternative with a very high coefficient of determination. Keywords: Polynomial regression, linear regression, high-low method, cost prediction, mixed cost