Potentials of Cement Kiln Dust in Sub-Grade Improvement

The ever increasing cost of construction materials in Nigeria and other developing countries has created the need for research into locally and readily available materials and also on how to convert materials considered to be waste by-product such as cement kiln dust (CKD) for use in construction and soil improvement. To achieve this, soil samples collected from Sankwalla - Busiri road, Obanliku, Cross River State classi ed as an A-2-7 soil on AASHTO classi cation were stabilized with 2-24% cement kiln dust (CKD) by weight of the dry soil. The investigation includes evaluation of properties such as compaction, consistency limits and strength of the soil. The results obtained show that the increase in CKD content increases the Optimum moisture content (OMC) with a reduction in plasticity. There was also improvement in the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Uncon ned Compressive strength (UCS) with increase in the CKD content. A predictive model was developed and found to reasonably predict the relationship between properties of soil and the proportion of CKD used. The coecients of correlation were high showing a strong relationship between the measured and predicted values. The study concluded that CKD can be used to improve the properties of soil for construction purposes and 24% CKD content was observed to yield maximum improvement for CBR and UCS.Keywords: cement kiln dust (CKD), compaction, consistency, California bearing ratio, uncon ned compressive strength, subgrad

The relationship between vertical cup‑disc ratio and body mass index in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world and risk factors to developing glaucoma must be determined early to prevent blindness from the disease. Aim: To determine the relationship between vertical cup disc ratio (VCDR) and body mass index (BMI) in a population screened for glaucoma in Port Harcourt, NigeriaMaterials and Method: This study was part of a one-day screening exercise for glaucoma at the University of Port Harcourt. Demographic data included age, sex, race and occupation. Height was measured with a wall-mounted tape and weight with a bathroom scale. Intraocular pressure was measured with Perkins applanation tonometer and funduscopy was with direct ophthalmoscope. BMI was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (Weight/Height2).Results: A total of 491 subjects were screened; consisting of 230 males (46.8%) and 261 females (53.2%). The mean age was 35±13.29 years. About 28%(n=141) of the participants were overweight while 17.7%(n=87) were obese. The mean BMI was 25.39 ± 4.82 kg/m2 and the mean VCDR for both eyes was 0.38±0.13mmHgratios have no units. Most participants (n=864; 89.4%) had normal VCDR. Only 102 (10.6%) had cupped discs. There was no statistically significant relationship between BMI and VCDR (P= 0.947; R2 = 0.01).Conclusion: Obesity was not associated with a larger VCDR.Keywords: Body mass index, relationship, vertical cup/disc ratioNigerian Journal of Clinical Practice • Oct-Dec 2013 • Vol 16 • Issue

EVALUATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GAKEM AND ABOUCHICHE CLAY SAMPLES IN BEKWARRA LGA OF CROSS RIVER STATE FOR USE AS REFRACTORY MATERIALS

The characterization of some clay as refractory materials for furnace lining has become relevant to find solutions to the cost involved in the purchase and importation of these refractory materials. This work investigated the refractory properties of clay samples for their suitability for use in the industries. Clay samples were collected from Gakem and Abouchiche areas and analysed for physical and chemical properties to determine the suitability of the clays as refractory materials. The results showed cold crushing strength (21.46MN/m2), thermal shock resistance (27 cycles), bulk density (3.52g/cm3), linear shrinkage(3.80%), apparent porosity (28.84%) and permeability (80%) for Gakem; and cold cold crushing strength (18.40MN/m2), thermal shock resistance (25 cycles), bulk density(2.81g/cm3), linear shrinkage (3.70%), apparent porosity (25.86%) and permeability (77%) for Abouchiche respectively. The chemical compositions of these clay samples were also investigated. The results showed that the samples fall under Aluminosilicate type of clay because of their high values of Aluminium Oxide and Silicon Oxide. Tests showed that clay from these areas can be used to produce refractory materials that can withstand a furnace temperature of about 1600°C. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i3.2

Phytoplankton diversity and abundance in Ndop wetland plain, Cameroon

Phytoplankton is very sensitive to nutrient changes. Very little work has been carried out on the effect of these changes on the phytoplankton community in the Ndop wetland. Four paddy-field sites were studied to evaluate the effect of some abiotic factors on their occurrence and abundance of phytoplankton. Water samples were collected from the paddy-fields sites following age gradient 34, 32, 22 and 5 years old fields. Potassium, sodium, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus, conductivity and pH were the factors that contributed to phytoplankton diversity and density. There was a positive significant correlation between pH and potassium (r = 0.99, P ≤ 0.01), and pH and sodium (r = 0.977, P ≤ 0.05). A negative correlation (r = -0.992, P ≤ 0.01) was observed between pH and evenness. Eight divisions of phytoplankton were  recorded: Chlorophyta (26.42%), Bacillariophyta (20.76%), Pyrrhophyta (20.76%), Cyanophyta  (15.09%), Chrysophyta (1.87%), Xanthophyta (3.77%), Rhodophyta (1.87%), and Euglenophyta (7.55%). The most abundant species included Microcystis aeruginosa, Anacystis sp., Chlorococcus disperses and Peridinum sp. These may be used as bioindicator of the water quality. Diversity index increased with increase in the age of paddy-fields sites. 43% of the species indicated eutrophic status, 16.9%  mesotrophic, and 20.8% oligotrophic. Eutrophic species were more in the older paddy sites while the young paddy sites had more oligotrophic species.Key words: Phytoplankton, diversity, abundance, pollution, Ndop wetland

Promotion, prevention and protection: interventions at the population- and community-levels for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in low- and middle-income countries

Background In addition to services within the health system, interventions at the population and community levels are also important for the promotion of mental health, primary prevention of mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders, identification and case detection of MNS disorders; and to a lesser degree treatment, care and rehabilitation. This study aims to identify “best practice” and “good practice” interventions that can feasibly be delivered at these population- and community-levels in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to aid the identification of resource efficiencies and allocation in LMICs. Methods A narrative review was conducted given the wide range of relevant interventions. Expert consensus was used to identify “best practice” at the population-level on the basis of existing quasi-experimental natural experiments and cost effectiveness, with small scale emerging and promising evidence comprising “good practice”. At the community-level, using expert consensus, the ACE (Assessing Cost-Effectiveness in Prevention Project) grading system was used to differentiate “best practice” interventions with sufficient evidence from “good practice” interventions with limited but promising evidence. ResultsAt the population-level, laws and regulations to control alcohol demand and restrict access to lethal means of suicide were considered “best practice”. Child protection laws, improved control of neurocysticercosis and mass awareness campaigns were identified as “good practice”. At the community level, socio-emotional learning programmes in schools and parenting programmes during infancy were identified as “best practice”. The following were all identified as “good practice”: Integrating mental health promotion strategies into workplace occupational health and safety policies; mental health information and awareness programmes as well as detection of MNS disorders in schools; early child enrichment/preschool educational programs and parenting programs for children aged 2–14 years; gender equity and/or economic empowerment programs for vulnerable groups; training of gatekeepers to identify people with MNS disorders in the community; and training non-specialist community members at a neighbourhood level to assist with community-based support and rehabilitation of people with mental disorders. Conclusion Interventions provided at the population- and community-levels have an important role to play in promoting mental health, preventing the onset, and protecting those with MNS disorders. The importance of inter-sectoral enga

Population dynamics and genetic connectivity in recent chimpanzee history

Knowledge on the population history of endangered species is critical for conservation, but whole-genome data on chimpanzees (<Pan troglodytes) is geographically sparse. Here, we produced the first non-invasive geolocalized catalog of genomic diversity by capturing chromosome 21 from 828 non-invasive samples collected at 48 sampling sites across Africa. The four recognized subspecies show clear genetic differentiation correlating with known barriers, while previously undescribed genetic exchange suggests that these have been permeable on a local scale. We obtained a detailed reconstruction of population stratification and fine-scale patterns of isolation, migration, and connectivity, including a comprehensive picture of admixture with bonobos (Pan paniscus). Unlike humans, chimpanzees did not experience extended episodes of long-distance migrations, which might have limited cultural transmission. Finally, based on local rare variation, we implement a fine-grained geolocalization approach demonstrating improved precision in determining the origin of confiscated chimpanzees

Brucellosis as an Emerging Threat in Developing Economies:Lessons from Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, has a large proportion of the world's poor livestock keepers, and is a hotspot for neglected zoonoses. A review of the 127 accessible publications on brucellosis in Nigeria reveals only scant and fragmented evidence on its spatial and temporal distribution in different epidemiological contexts. The few bacteriological studies conducted demonstrate the existence of Brucella abortus in cattle and sheep, but evidence for B. melitensis in small ruminants is dated and unclear. The bulk of the evidence consists of seroprevalence studies, but test standardization and validation are not always adequately described, and misinterpretations exist with regard to sensitivity and/or specificity and ability to identify the infecting Brucella species. Despite this, early studies suggest that although brucellosis was endemic in extensive nomadic systems, seroprevalence was low, and brucellosis was not perceived as a real burden; recent studies, however, may reflect a changing trend. Concerning human brucellosis, no studies have identified the Brucella species and most reports provide only serological evidence of contact with Brucella in the classical risk groups; some suggest brucellosis misdiagnoses as malaria or other febrile conditions. The investigation of a severe outbreak that occurred in the late 1970s describes the emergence of animal and human disease caused by the settling of previously nomadic populations during the Sahelian drought. There appears to be an increasing risk of re-emergence of brucellosis in sub-Saharan Africa, as a result of the co-existence of pastoralist movements and the increase of intensive management resulting from growing urbanization and food demand. Highly contagious zoonoses like brucellosis pose a threat with far-reaching social and political consequences

Clinical forms of glaucoma in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Background: Glaucoma is responsible for 16% of blindness in Nigerian adults and the foremost cause of irreversible blindness among Nigerian adults. Clinical care of glaucoma must therefore be individualized to the specific forms of the disease. Aim: To evaluate the relative frequencies of the different clinical types of glaucoma among newly diagnosed glaucoma patients in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).Methods:&#160; A retrospective study of all new patients referred to the Glaucoma Clinic of UPTH from December 2009 to December 2010. All patients had measurement of intraocular pressure, gonioscopy, slit lamp examination with +78D super field lens and central visual field analysis. Diagnosis of glaucoma was based on cupping and atrophy of the optic disc, visual field loss, with or without raised intraocular pressure. Patients so diagnosed were classified according to the European Glaucoma guidelines as Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) including Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG), Secondary Open Angle Glaucoma (SOAG), Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG), and Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma (SACG).Results:&#160; Ninety-eight patients were studied. Of this, 52% were males and 48% females; their mean age was 49.70&#177;14.06 years. The distribution of the clinical forms of glaucoma were as follows: Congenital Glaucoma (CG) 1 %( n=1), JOAG 3.1 %( n=3), PACG 3.1% (n=3), SOAG 5.1% (n=5), SACG 11.2% (n=11), NTG 14.3%(n=14) and POAG 62.2%(n=61).&#160; More than 75% of the patients were over 40 years with a peak presentation in the sixth decade.Conclusion: Primary Open Angle Glaucoma was the most prevalent subtype of the disease in this study. Peak presentation was in the sixth decade of life

Case Report: Congenital upper lid eversion and severe chemosis in a new born

The purpose of this study is to report a case of bilateral congenital eversion of the upper eyelid in an 8 h‑ old male baby. JD is an 8 h‑old male baby born by normal vaginal delivery after prolonged labor, to a 24‑year‑old primigravida. Pregnancy was said to be term but was complicated by pregnancy‑induced hypertension. A midwife delivered the baby and it was by spontaneous vertex delivery. He was said to have cried immediately after birth, but shortly afterward parents noticed a reddish fleshy swelling over the eyes and this made it difficult for them to see the eyeballs. The reddish swelling steadily increased in size necessitating their prompt referral to our center. On examination, a full term baby was seen with complete eversion of both upper eyelids and marked conjunctival chemosis. Ocular examination revealed normal globes with healthy cornea and briskly reactive pupils. The child was admitted and started on 3‑hourly chloramphenicol ointment, ciloxan eye drop (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride United States Pharmacopeia equivalent to ciprofloxacin 0.3% w/v) ‑ 8 times daily and 5% hypertonic saline patch over the chemosed conjunctiva. The pediatrician was also invited to co‑manage the patient. After 9‑days of treatment, the conjunctival chemosis fully resolved and lids reverted back to normal position. At 4‑week follow‑up, the lids continued to maintain their normal position and child could now open eyelids spontaneously. Congenital upper eyelid eversion is a rare clinical entity even though it is said to be commoner in blacks. Knowledge of its complete resolution with conservative management will help in future management of such cases thereby preventing complications that may arise from poorly treated cases.Key words: Congenital, eversion, upper eyelid