Relationship between Hydraulic Conductivity of Rock and Rock Quality Designation of Itisi Multi-Purpose Dam

The relationship between hydraulic conductivity/permeability of rocks and rock quality designation (RQD) index of cored rock specimens from the dam axis of the proposed Itisi Multipurpose Dam in Kaduna State was established in this work. The research involved conducting packer/lugeon test in ten (10) borehole locations at two (2) different depths in the 30 m deep boreholes and at 3 different depths in the 60 m deep boreholes. RQD index of the tested zone was measured and ranged from 0 to 100 %. In situ permeability of the site ranged from 0 -5.69 LU. Non-linear analysis approach was adopted to determine the relationship between the variables. The result of the correlation coefficient was -0.77. There was an inverse relationship between all the variables considered. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination was 0.61 for the RQD versus lugeon, which suggests that there is a moderate relationship among the variables

Acute effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces on postprandial blood pressure, vascular function, blood lipids, biomarkers of insulin resistance and inflammation in humans

The acute impact of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces (HSC) extract on postprandial vascular function and other cardiometabolic risk factors have not been studied previously. This study investigated the acute impact of HSC extract consumption on blood pressure (BP), vascular function and other cardiometabolic risk markers. Twenty-five men with 1% to 10% cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (determined by QRISK 2) were randomised to consume either 250 mL of the aqueous extract of HSC or water with breakfast in a randomised, controlled, single-blinded, 2-meal cross-over study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NTC02165553) with a two weeks washout period between study days. BP was measured at baseline and hourly for 4 h. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the branchial artery was measured at baseline, 2 and 4 h post intervention drink consumption. Acute consumption of aqueous extract of HSC caused a significant increase in % FMD ( < 0.001), a non-significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP); non-significant increase in urinary and plasma nitric oxide (NOx) and reduced response of serum glucose, plasma insulin, serum triacylglycerol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; significant ( = 0.026) improvement in the area under systemic antioxidant response curve (0 to 2 h); no significant changes in arterial stiffness following the acute consumption of the extract of HSC. Gallic acid, 4-O-methylgallic acid, 3-O-methylgallic acid and hippuric acid reached a maximum plasma concentration at 1 to 2 h post consumption of the extract of HSC. The extract of HSC improved postprandial vascular function and may be a useful dietary strategy to reduce endothelial dysfunction and CVD risk, although this requires confirmation

Synthesis and characterization of some transition metal complexes of N'- [(E)-(1H-indol-2-yl) methylidene]pyridine-4-carbohydrazide

N'-[(E)-(1H-indol-2-yl)methylidene]pyridine-4-carbohydrazide was prepared by refluxing indole-2- carbaldehyde and isonicotinic hydrazide in ethanol for 4 hrs. Fe3+, Co2+ and Cu2+ complexes of the hydrazone ligand were similarly prepared and the compounds characterized spectrophotometrically. The melting point and conductivities of the ligand and complexes were recorded. The asymmetric hydrazone and the metal complexes obtained showed melting points/ decomposition temperature range 156 - &gt;300 oC. Two ligands was found to coordinate to the metal centre via the carbonyl O and azomethine N along with two chloride ions giving rise to octahedral geometry. Ligand and complexes are insoluble in water, ethanol and other common organic solvents but soluble in DMSO and DMF. Molar conductivity values obtained (2.55-7.23 cm-2mol-1) shows they are nonelectrolytes in solution.Keywords: Asymmetric, Bioactive, Hydrazone, indole, Isoniazi

Seasonal Variation of Power Distribution in Niger State of Nigeria using Markov Model with Non-Stationary Transition Probabilities

This paper presents the application of Markov chain model with non-stationary transition probabilities to study the monthly data of the power distribution in Niger state in the wet, Dry-Hot and Hamatten/Dry- Hot seasons. The result indicates an optimal power distribution of over 150,000MWwith probability 0.49 during the wet season, 0.25 during the hot-dry season and 0.19 in the hot-cold season respectively. The variation of power distribution directly affects the electricity consumers. Markov chain model could be used as a predictive tool for determining the power distribution pattern at different seasons in the Study area. These predictions might be used for the management of (NCC) for effective distribution of megawatts.Keywords: Markov Chain, Transition probability, Non-stationary, Power Distributio

Preliminary Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Treatment of Animal Trypanosomosis in Kaduna State, Nigeria

A preliminary survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of animal trypanosomiasis in Kaduna State, Nigeria, was carried out. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed and interviews were conducted with livestock owners, livestock traders, herb sellers, herdsmen and agricultural extension workers in six local government areas namely, Birnin Gwari, Kachia, Kafanchan, Makarfi, Saminaka and Soba - Zaria. Plants commonly used included Khaya senegalensis 23.3% (70), Terminalia avicennioides 16.3% (49), Ximenia americana 12.7% (38), Anona senegalensis 10.7% (32) and Azadirachta indica 9.3% (28). The parts of the plants used included leaves, fresh bark, and roots prepared by either soaking or boiling in water. The investigation provides a baseline data for future research into these plants

Preparation and characterization of nanocrystalline Ba(Ti0.96SnxZr0.04-x)O3 ceramic

Nanocrystalline powders of Barium titanate (BaTiO3 or BT) and Ba(Ti0.96SnxZr0.04-x)O3 (BTSZ1, BTSZ2, and BTSZ3) [x=0.02, 0.03 and 0.04] have been synthesized by a combination of solid-state reaction and high energy ball- milling technique (HBM). The effect of increasing Sn content on the microstructure and dielectric properties of the ceramics were studied. X-ray diffraction patterns show cubic and tetragonal symmetry without secondary phase. Sn4+ and Zr4+ ions entered the perovskite-type cubic structure and led to an increase in the lattice parameters. The average crystallite size has been calculated using Scherrer formula. Using Scherrer, the crystallite size of the (110) peaks of the pure BT is 31.2 nm and that of BTSZ1, BTSZ2, and BTSZ3 are 42.7, 37.9 and 42.3 nm respectively. The FESEM results indicated a variation of grain size from 144.53, to 89.28 nm for the pure BT, BTSZ1, BTSZ2, and BTSZ3, which show a decrease in grain size as Sn doping increases. Frequency dependence of dielectric permittivity and loss studied in the range temperature and frequency range 30-400oC and 40 Hz–1 MHz, respectively, for BT, BTSZ1, BTSZ2, and BTSZ3 show a normal ferroelectric phase transition behavior. The corresponding dielectric constant and loss at room temperature show that BTSZ2 has the highest dielectric constant and loss of 1671 and 1.6 respectively. The high dielectric constants and relatively lower loss tangent values meet the current demand for device miniaturization in the electronics industry.Keywords: BT-BTSZ ceramics; high energy ball milling; XRD; FESEM; dielectric propertie

Pesticides and Fertilizers Use in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchments, North Central, Nigeria

Pesticides and fertilizers use in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna catchments, north central, Nigeria was investigated. Contamination of the rivers and their resources due to unsustainable use of pesticides and fertilizers by local farmers are a major problem in the study area. Also, data from the study of pesticides and fertilizer use remain scanty and therefore needed. The objective is to find the opportunity for all stakeholders to improve on the overall environmental performance. Extensive field survey was conducted using various participatory appraisals techniques involving key stakeholders in the area. Collated data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods (frequency percentage). The results of findings identify unsustainable use of fertilizers and pesticides by farmers in the study area. It further shows respondents in the study area applied high rate of fertilizers and pesticides during farming activities which obviously improved crop yield but in turn lead to water quality degradation. Virtually, majority of the farmers have little or no measures towards ensuring protection of water and biota from the potential danger of pesticides and fertilizers use in the study area. These attitudes discovered could lead to water quality degradation, biodiversity disruption and subsequent negative impact on economic development in the study area. In view of the above, it is recommended that visible and effective environmental management policies in respect of agrochemicals use in the study area be put in place to guarantee cleaner and healthier environment for all

Spatial Analysis of Water Quality in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchments, North Central, Nigeria

It is understood that human activities have continue to alter the physico-chemical patterns of water and it’s resources, which has resulted into poor water quality in the study area. As comprehensive distribution of water quality parameters in the study area is of great interest, there exist a golden opportunity to consider a study with GIS aided spatial coverage beyond laboratory analytical dimensions. Thus, a total of thirty two (32) samples of water and sediment were collected during rainy and dry season for physico-chemical analysis. Water samples collected were analysed in situ for seven (7) parameters using HANNA multiparameter analyser and eight (8) other parameters were analysed in the analytical laboratory following standard methods. The finding revealed a significant number of parameters analysed were beyond regulatory limits. It is hence recommended that visible policies aimed at ensuring good water quality in the study area are critical for sustainability

Design and construction of 4.27M (LOA) rowing transport boat (punt) for inland water bodies

Flat bottom boat (Rowing Punt) 4.27M length overall (LOA) was designed and constructed using plywood and fiber glass materials. The boat posses features like easy construction stability and high capacity to carry load. Other features include least cost light weight, shallow draft of 9cm easy maneuverability. The light displacement (weight empty) is 96.6kg which is similar to local boat of same size. The capacity of the boat 544kg (8 person) and total cost of production was N41,150.00 which is not beyond the reach of an average fisherman. The Rowing Punt easily propelled by oaring which makes it adequate for fishing activities on shallow water bodies. Such easily maneuvered craft can also be used for recreation which include, sport fishing, and boating