Seroprevalence of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis in Agropastoralist livestock herds and wildlife in Yankari game reserve: Public health implications

Wildlife, livestock, people and particularly communities  surrounding Yankari Game Reserve of Bauchi State, Nigeria compete for spaces and available resources .This study was therefore designed to determine the seroprevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and brucellosis which are zoonotic. Serum samples were collected from 300 cattle located at the fringes of the game parks and also from 47 zebra, 12 waterbuck, 12 wildebeest, 24 eland, 1 kudu and 1 hartebeest during the study. The samples were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin antibodies against Mycobacterium bovis, Brucella abortus and B. melitensis using immunochromatography rapid test kits (Bionote Incorporated, South Korea).The percentage of positive bTB reactors were 30(10%) in cattle 5(10.6%) zebra, 1(8.3%) waterbuck, 4(33.3%) wildebeest and 3(12.5%) Eland. The sex distribution of bTB among cattle showed that of the 104 males sampled 12(11.5%) were positive and of the 196 females sampled 18(9.2%) were positive. The sex distribution of bTB among the diversity of wildlife species sampled indicated higher prevalence in female zebra 18.8%, waterbuck 14.3% and eland 16.7% compared to male zebra 6.5%, waterbuck 0%, and eland 8.3%. Positive reactors to B. abortus were seen in cattle 27(9%), hartebeest 1(100%), eland 4(16.7%), waterbuck 3(25%) and eland 4(16.7%). Sex distribution of B. abortus and B. melitensis among cattle showed that of the 104 males sampled, 10(9.6%) cattle were positive for B. abortus and the 196 females sampled 17(8.7%) were positive for B. abortus. The high prevalence of B. abortus in male Eland (25%) and waterbuck (40%) portends danger to the herds. The presence of antibodies of bTB and B.abortus in both cattle and wildlife species and B. melitensis in wildlife species showed that the diseases are likely to pose significant threat to public health. There is the need for enlightenment of the herders and communities of the dangers of these important diseases.Keywords: Bauchi state, Bovine, Brucellosis, Cattle,  Tuberculosis, Wildlif

Generation of empirical correlation for predicting drag reduction of oil-water flows with natural polymers

There is an increasing need to accurately predict the behaviour of fluid in the different flow geometry as applicable in the industries. The prediction of drag reduction phenomenon observed during the two-phase oil-water flow with drag reducing polymers in horizontal pipes was investigated. The Power law model was adopted inthis study to empirically correlate the data acquired from our earlier experimental works in a 12-mm ID and 20-mm ID pipes. The model accurately predicts the drag reduction across the horizontal pipes. The agreement between the predicted and experimental drag reductions was better in the 12-mm ID pipe than in the 20-mm ID pipe. More work and data is needed to enhance the predictive accuracy of applicable models.Keywords: Drag reduction; polymers; horizontal pipes, oil-water flow, modellin

The effect of water solubles on Kelvin effects of the Maritime Polluted aerosols

In this work microphysical properties of Maritime Polluted aerosols wereextracted from Optical Properties of Aerosols and Clouds (OPAC) after varying the concentrations of water soluble at five different levels. The analytical expressions for the changes in the equilibrium relative humidity (RH), effective radii, effective hygroscopic growth, their magnitudes and fractional changes on the  effects of surface tension (the Kelvin effect) on the ambient aerosols were numerically  analyzed. The expressions were applied to two - one parameter models. It was  discovered that the increase in water soluble concentration caused decreased in the Kelvin effects which implies decrease in surface tension. The numerical analysis of the data showed that to the lowest order error.   Increase in the overestimation of the effective hygroscopic growth and decrease in the overestimation of the effective radii. On  the two models applied, we discovered that the fractional changes in hygroscopic growth increase in overestimation while there is decrease in  overestimation of fractional changes in effective radii. Finally, decrease in the underestimation of the fractional  changes in the equilibrium pressure it was discovered.Keywords: Kelvin effect, effective radius, effective hygroscopic growth, water soluble, ambient Relative Humidity, overestimation

Physiological evaluations of maize hybrids under low nitrogen

Open Access JournalAbstract A field experiment was conducted during 2014 and 2016 rainy season at Tudun Wada, Kano and Shika, Zaria in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria in order to study the physiological responses of maize hybrids under low nitrogen. The experiment consisted of two nitrogen levels 0 and 120 N kg ha−1 as main plot and 8 drought-tolerant maize hybrids and 2 controls as subplot laid out in a randomized split plot design and replicated three times. Physiological parameters of hybrids were significantly affected by low nitrogen at both locations. Interaction between hybrids and nitrogen was significantly affected at both locations. Based on these results, application of nitrogen significantly increased the physiological growth indices of maize hybrids. The extent of increment in physiological reactions was additionally higher in Zaria in view of higher soil natural carbon and nitrogen and higher precipitation was better dispersed at this area. However recent hybrids were more tolerant to nitrogen stress and out-yielded the older hybrids. Therefore the recently released hybrids were more adapted to abiotic stresses

The Effect of Kelvin Effect on the Equilibrium Effective Radii and Hygroscopic Growth of Atmospheric Aerosols

In this paper we extracted microphysical properties of six types of atmospheric aerosols from Optical Properties of Aerosols and Clouds (OPAC) and numerically analyzed the analytical expressions for the changes in the equilibrium relative humidity (RH), effective radius, effective hygroscopic growth, the magnitudes and fractional changes in the effective radii  and the effective hygroscopic growth on the effects of surface tension (the Kelvin effect) on ambient atmospheric aerosols. The expressions were applied to two - one parameter models. We discovered from the analysis of the data extracted that, to the lowest order error, the change in the equilibrium RH, effective radii and effective hygroscopic growth depend on the compositions of the aerosols. From the two models used, we also discovered that the fractional changes in the ambient RH, effective radii and effective hygrosocopic growth, also depend on the aerosols compositions. Finally, we discovered that the magnitude of the Kelvin effect and its consequences on the atmospheric aerosols depend on the hygroscopicity of the aerosols. Keywords: Kelvin effect, effective radius, effective hygroscopic growth, atmospheric aerosols, ambient Relative Humidity

3d graphics visualization for interactive mobile users navigation

3D map visual navigation comes into being as a result of the drawbacks in two-dimensional mapexhibit navigation approaches, which are the most commonly available. The information provided for user in 2D are mostly limited with insufficient presentation and lack of interaction. However, applying 3D techniques surely yield realistic navigation fields. At first glance, it may seem like dealing with 3D map in mobile devices for navigation only present a single particular context (that is user's location). This initial perception fails to take into account other context like visualization, navigation and interactive technological capabilities. Thus, previous attempts at implementing realistic solutions to the visualization of complex 3D scene in mobile devices' interactivity of more than two user's navigation within a scene at the same time were faced with so many obstacles, which unfortunately were left unsolved, despite the enormous ongoing research. This paper aimed at providing solutions to the functional mobile 3D visual navigation system, in particular, one in which mobile devices' users will navigate within an environment and interact among themselves while tracking their position in real-time. The solutions will be provided through implementing an efficient, scalable dynamic entity navigation solution by means of Bi-A* pathfinding algorithm. As a result, a 3D model of a real place in a mobile device will be produced, for user's navigation which will makes it easier to perceive proportions, distances, and recognize landmarks, at the same time interacting with other users

Acceptance of smartphone technology as mobile learning tool among colleges of education students in Nigeria

This study investigates “Acceptance of Smartphone Technology as Mobile Learning Tool among Colleges of education Students in Nigeria”. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. A sample size of 376 was selected from the population using simple random sampling techniques. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaires which consist of twenty questions. It was validated by three experts; pilot tested at college of education Azare and subjected to reliability test using split half method. A reliability coefficient of 0.75 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha. Data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions accordingly. The findings revels that, College students utilized their smartphones as mobile learning tool. They mostly do assignments, search relevant educational materials, send and receive educational mails from teachers and experts using their smartphones. Similarly, college students also find it very simple and easier to operate smartphone as mobile learning tool. It was recommended that government should provide reliable and affordable internet connection in the school premises and also control the price of data from private telecommunication companies. Schools should block all pornographic sites to prevent students from accessing these sites. Teachers should be train and encourage to put-in-place what they have learned on the use of smartphone in teaching and learning proces

A retroperitoneal extra-renal Wilms’ tumour: A case report

Wilms’ tumour originates predominantly in the renal tissue; in rare cases it can also arise from extra-renal sites accounting for 0.5-1% of cases of Wilms’ tumours seen. A diagnosis of extra-renal Wilms’ cannot be easily established with clinical and radiological features except when the histological facts are provided. Wilms’ tumours arising from extra-renal sites may not be different in clinical features, protocol of treatment and outcome from a typical intra renal Wilms’ tumour. A 2-year-old boy presented with an asymptomatic abdominal swelling for 3 months. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scans revealed an extra-renal mass. Intravenous urogram (IVU) showed prompt excretion bilaterally. Post excision histology of the tumour confirmed a Wilms’ tumour.Keywords: Extra-renal, Wilms’ tumour, retroperitoneum, triphasi

Pebble Morphometric Studies of Part of Bida Formation, Northern Bida Basin, North Central Nigeria

The Bida formation exposed in Doko locality, Bida town appeared Massive, poorly sorted with localized sedimentary structures.The formation shows three lithofacies: mf, ssf and sf respectively. The formation grades into more matured upward, the pebblesare found within the sf unit as lenses and as scattered pebbles. Vernier caliper was used to measure the Longest, intermediate and shortest axes that are mutually perpendicular for each pebble. These values were used to compute different morphometricparameters as a single variable including MPSI, OPI, FR, ER, R and CF. These parameters were also used as dependent variables in bivariate plots to characterize the depositional process. The average values of MPSI, OPI, FR, ER, and CF are: 0.64, 3.01,0.41, 0.63, 44.5 and 40.73 respectively. The ternary plot of the ratios of the three-axis showed that most samples fall within Bladed(B) field while some other few on Elongate(E) Field, the plot of MPSI versus OPI, FI versus MPSI and R versus ER. Both independent and dependent parameters showed that the Bida formation was deposited by both river and beach processes. Its therefore deduced that the fluvial deposits were later modified by marine activities, possibly during the transgression period

Potassium bromate content of some baked breads sold in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Potassium bromate is an additive used by some bakers to make the bread rise rapidly, create a good texture in the finished product and to give bulkiness to the dough.Objective: The main objective of this work was to assess the potassium bromate residues of some baked breads sold in some selected local government areas (LGAs) of Kano metropolis.Methods: One hundred and fifty (150) bread samples; (ten from each LGA) were randomly collected from various retail outlets across Dala, Gwale and Kumbotso LGAs located over a five-month period. The samples were analysed for the presence of potassium bromate residues. Spectrophotometric method was used for the detection of potassium bromate residue based on the oxidation of Congo red and crystal violet dyes in a hydrochloric acid, absorbance was read at 515nm and the result was express in Mean ± Standard deviation.Results: Samples analysed from Dala, Gwale and Kumbotso LGAs showed 72.51±50.26μg/g, 35.08±15.34μg/g and 44.79±21.35μg/g, respectively of potassium bromate. Residual bromate concentration in samples from Dala LGA was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) than those from Gwale and Kumbotso LGAs. Residual bromate concentration from Gwale and Kumbotso local government areas were not significantly different (p>0.05). Samples were found to contain concentration of potassium bromate above the permissible limit of 0.02μg/g by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Conclusion and Recommendations: This study high potassium bromate content in breads marketed in Kano metropolis. This suggests that consumers stand the risk of potassium bromate toxicity. There is therefore the need for continuous surveillance and enforcement of the ban on the use of potassium bromate in baking industry.Keywords: Potassium bromate, residue, bread, Kano, Nigeri