Entrepreneurial and Functional Building Technology Education as a Means of Achieving Vision 2020 in Nigeria

Entrepreneurial and functional building technology education, if well positioned has the potentials of launching Nigeria into the first 20 world economies by the year 2020. This paper integrates the industrial, educational and entrepreneurial activities that results in increased productivity. Functional building technology career broadly categorised into professional and non-professional. The paper reviewed the entrepreneurial prospects open to the non-professional builders trained in the technical institutions equipped with the knowledge and skills to competently perform in the building construction sites as craftsmen, technicians and technologist. Also, other entrepreneurial activities in the public and private sectors at both small and medium scale capacity. The review presented inadequate budgetary allocation to the education sector, dearth of infrastructural facilities, also, the gap existing between the construction industry and the technical institutions. It recommended, increased funding and acquisition of modern equipment/machine and adequate infrastructural facilities. Also, establish a sustainable linkage between the construction industry and technical institutions. Implementation of these will result in increased productivity, robust economy and actualization of the nation’s vision 2020

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Blackberry Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) Leaf on Carbonated Alcoholic Herbal Beverage (CAHB)-Induced Cerebellar Damage and Behavioural Changes in Adult Wistar Rats

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum leaf on carbonated alcoholic herbal beverage-induced cerebellar damage and behavioural changes. Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats weighing between 150g and 220g were allotted into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Animals in group A (control) were placed on normal diet for 56 days. Group B were further subdivided into B1 and B2. Group B1 received 9.4ml/kg of CAHB for 42days, Group B2 received 9.4ml/kg of CAHB for 42 days and were left to recover for the next 14 days. Group C received 400ml/kg (high dose) of S. nigrum only for 56 days. Group D received 9.4ml/kg of CAHB for 42 days and 200m/kg of S. nigrum for the next 14 days. Group E received 9.4ml/kg of CAHB for 42 days and 400mg/kg of S. nigrum for the next 14 days. The result showed that oral administration of CAHB at a dose of 9.4ml/kg body weight daily for 42 days when given to rats, and when they were left to recover for 14 days significantly induced: cerebellar oedema, degeneration of Purkinje cells, vascular stenosis and ulceration, as revealed by reduction in the activity of locomotive, exploratory and anxiety levels of the rats using open field locomotor test. Groups treated with the extract revealed normal cerebellar microstructure. This study has shown that the aqueous extract of S. nigrum leaf has an ameliorative effect on CAHB induced cerebellar damage and behavioural changes.Keywords: CAHB, Behavioural, Cerebellum, Wistar Rat

Geoelectrical Assessment of a Proposed Dam Site around Ehuhe area of Oji River, Southeastern Nigeria.

The current study involves applying the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) by using the symmetrical Schlumberger configuration to evaluate the suitability of the soil underlying Ehuhe area of Oji River Southeastern Nigeria for dam construction. The survey was conducted along the proposed dam axis (about 477 m long) and its vicinity with the view to determining the presence or otherwise of deleterious matter along the dam axis down to a depth of 35m below the surface, evaluate the geo-structural setting of the concealed bedrock, the fracture pattern and possible dam seepage along the dam axis and its banks as well as give suggestions on any other measures/studies that may be needed for a proper engineering design. Twelve (VES) sounding stations at between 40m (VES 1 – VES 10) and 60m (VES 10 – VES 12 and VES 2 – VES 11) were located and fully occupied along the dam axis. The data obtained were subjected to 1-D inversion algorithm to determine the layer parameters. The results show that the subsurface is remarkably inhomogeneous in geological composition. The geoelectric section revealed three (3) lithologic units defined by top loose dry sandstone, hard but jointed iron oxide-cemented sandstone and porous sandstone, with shales being totally absent. Resistivity values range from 9200-66100, 1440-161000 and 555-21300 ohm-m in the topsoil, ironstone and porous sandstone respectively. Depth to each layer varies from 0.5-12.0 m in the topsoil, 3.6-22.1m in the ironstone rich zone and greater than 40m in the porous sandstone region. No structures that will be of deleterious effect were observed in all the VES points down to about 40m. From the results and field observations it is concluded that the proposed dam axis is underlain by high sandy/ arenaceous matter usually brought in from both Ehuhe and Udi areas with high porosity and potentially rife for great infiltration. It is expected that high bearing capacity shall characterize the rock units. However the absence of shales means high infiltration in a sandy environment. Efforts should be made to provide some suitable blanket materials for the dam and mechanism for desilting when the dam is put in place. Keywords: Geoelectric Section, Geometric factor, Lithology, Oji River, Seepage

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AD 20 and Bacillus altitudinis AD 14 Isolated from a Dye Pond Decolorize Synthetic Textile Reactive Dyes

A screen of textile effluents, receiving waterbodies, and waste sites near a textile factory was undertaken to isolate new bacteria strains capable of dye degradation. Out of the 45 isolates, two dye decolorizers, Bacillus altitudinis AD14 and B. amyloliquefaciens AD20, obtained from the sediment samples were identified by cultivation and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Decolorization testing was performed under static aerobic conditions in the laboratory. The two Bacillus species showed dye decolorization capabilities on media containing each of these four commercial textile azo dyes- Reactive Blue 4 Red (RBFR), Cibacron Brilliant Orange 4 Red (COFR), Cibacron Brilliant Yellow 6 Percent Green (CYPGS), and Turquoise Cibacron Green (TCG). At the end of a ten-day incubation period, B. amyloliquefaciens AD20 was more efficient in dye reduction than B. altitudinis AD14 on CYPGS and COFR at a magnitude of four-fold and two-fold, respectively, while B. altitudinis AD14 only outperformed it in the TCG dye media. The isolates performed best on medium containing RBFR; the principal dye used by the textile factory. Genome annotation revealed the absence of plasmids and the presence of putative genes associated with dye decolorization, such as laccase and azoreductases

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AD 20 and Bacillus altitudinis AD14 Isolated from a Dye Pond Decolorize Synthetic Textile Reactive Dyes

A screen of textile effluents, receiving waterbodies, and waste sites near a textile factory was undertaken to isolate new bacteria strains capable of dye degradation. Out of the 45 isolates, two dye decolorizers, Bacillus altitudinis AD14 and B. amyloliquefaciens AD20, obtained from the sediment samples were identified by cultivation and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Decolorization testing was performed under static aerobic conditions in the laboratory. The two Bacillus species showed dye decolorization capabilities on media containing each of these four commercial textile azo dyes- Reactive Blue 4 Red (RBFR), Cibacron Brilliant Orange 4 Red (COFR), Cibacron Brilliant Yellow 6 Percent Green (CYPGS), and Turquoise Cibacron Green (TCG). At the end of a ten-day incubation period, B. amyloliquefaciens AD20 was more efficient in dye reduction than B. altitudinis AD14 on CYPGS and COFR at a magnitude of four-fold and two-fold, respectively, while B. altitudinis AD14 only outperformed it in the TCG dye media. The isolates performed best on medium containing RBFR; the principal dye used by the textile factory. Genome annotation revealed the absence of plasmids and the presence of putative genes associated with dye decolorization, such as laccase and azoreductase

The complications of wound healing on two laparotomy closure techniques in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats undergoing omentopexy

Researchers differ on the complications of wound healing using different laparotomy closure techniques. This study investigated the complications of wound healing when peritoneum was and when it was not incorporated in laparotomy closure in omentopexed WAD goats. Twenty WAD bucks were assigned into four groups. Left-flank-oblique-laparotomy was performed in all the goats. In group A goats, the peritoneum was incorporated in the internal abdominal oblique muscle sutures during laparotomy closure. In group B goats, the peritoneum was not incorporated in the muscle sutures during laparotomy closure. In groups C and D, omentopexy was performed and the laparotomy incision closed as in groups A and B respectively. On post-surgery- day (psd) 14, laparotomy was performed in 4 goats from each group, caudal to the initial left oblique-laparotomy, for examination of the sites for tissue adhesions. Serosanguinous exudation observed in goats in groups A and C stopped on psd 6 while that of groups B and D stopped on psd 8. The severity of behavioural signs of pain in each group was recorded using Numerical Rating Scale. Peritoneum-omentum and muscle-omentum adhesions were observed in 50% of goats in group B. 100% and 25% of goats in group C had peritoneum-omentum and rumen-peritoneum adhesion respectively. In group D, 100% of the goats showed peritoneum-omentum adhesion while 50% exhibited other complicated rumen adhesions. In conclusion, incorporating peritoneum into muscle sutures during laparotomy closure in omentopexed WAD bucks has less complications of wound healing than when the peritoneum is not incorporated in the muscle sutures.Keywords: Laparotomy closure; wound complication; peritoneum suture; West African Dwarf Goa

Building information modelling adoption for construction waste reduction in the construction industry of a developing country.

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer-reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0241Purpose – This paper aims to present the result of an assessment of the potential effect of building information modelling (BIM) adoption on the reduction of construction waste (CW) from a developing country’s perspective. This was done with a view to reducing the waste generated in construction projects particularly at the design and pre-contract stages. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a post-positivism philosophical approach, which informed the use of a quantitative research design and a questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The data gathered from construction professionals in the Nigeria construction industry were analysed using an array of statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, chi-square and exploratory factors analysis. Findings – The study revealed five major groups of factors causing CW at the design and pre-contract stages that can be avoided or minimised through BIM implementation. These are; (1) errors in design and documentation, (2) specification and quality factors, (3) estimating and site condition factors, (4) planning of work factors and (5) procurement-related factors. Practical implications – The findings of the study offer practical insight for industry participants on the need for BIM implementation to reduce CW by identifying the diverse areas responsible for these waste generation. Originality/value – While there has been significant literature on BIM implementation, contributions on the effect of this technology in reducing waste generation particularly at the design and pre-contract stages in developing countries has been almost non-existent. This study strives to fill in this gap by showcasing the major waste-generating activities that can be avoided through the use of BIM

Evaluation of microparticles based on chitosan and sodium alginate blend for enhanced delivery of ciprofloxacin against plasmid-mediated drug resistance

The study seeks to evaluate microparticles based on chitosan and sodium alginate blend for enhanced delivery of ciprofloxacin in plasmid-mediated drug resistance. Microparticles were prepared using the ionotropic-gelation method. Three different ratios were prepared for optimization. The microparticles were optimized based on encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro drug release, pH stability and bacterial susceptibility studies. The encapsulation efficiency of the three batches was higher than 40 %. The formulations showed an extended release profile over 8 h and reached a peak of about 30 % release at the 6 h. The pH of the particles was stable over a period of 6 d. The microparticles containing only 0.075 mg of ciprofloxacin dropped in an agar well plate inoculated with E. coli Flac Tn3 gave an IZD of ≥ 6 mm. The microparticulate blend of chitosan and sodium alginate holds good potentials for ciprofloxacin delivery against plasmid-mediated drug resistance. Keywords: microparticles, ciprofloxacin, chitosan, sodium alginate, plasmid, resistanc

Missing intrauterine device in the descending mesocolon: Retrieval under fluoroscopy guidance in a reference hospital in southern Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Displaced/missing intrauterinedevice (IUD) is one of the known complicationsassociated with the uses of IUD. Missing IUD, evenwhen asymptomatic, is always of concern to patientsand relatives, and could result in serious morbidity.Retrieval of missing IUD depends on location,facility/equipment, surgeon’s skill and experience,and patient’s factor. Case report: A 36 year old multipara with missing IUD(LydiaTMCU 375 sleek) following treatment forintrauterine adhesions. With imaging studies, the IUDwas localized at different anatomical positions withtime giving an impressing of “mobile” missing IUD. Itwas subsequently retrieved in a purulent mass in thedescending mesocolon via a laparotomy aided with aC-arm fluoroscopy imaging peri/intraoperatively. Conclusion: Missing IUD could be lodged in unusualanatomical locations presenting diagnostic andtreatment challenges. Imaging aids with requisiteskills and experience may be required for goodmanagement. We believe this case is one of such,and sharing our experience will add to the body ofknowledg

Consensual coital laceration of the posterior vaginal fornix with hemorrhagic shock in a teenage girl: Diagnostic and management challenges.

INTRODUCTION Life threatening injuries can result from consensualcoitus. In most parts of Africa where children areraised without adequate sex education, and sex isseen as shameful topic and taboo in extreme cases,coital injuries are unlikely to be reported or may bemisdiagnosed and mismanaged. This may result inmorbidities and mortalities. Scarcity of data on thissubject underscores the need for this case report tocreate awareness and add to the body of knowledge.Case report: Patient was 17-year old student whopresented with hemorrhagic shock to the emergencyunit of a reference hospital in Southern Nigeria with a4 hour history of torrential vaginal bleeding and 2fainting episodes following consensual coitus. Historywas misleading as patient, initially, denied anyhistory of sexual activity. However, with a moretactful and empathic approach, the patient admittedhaving consensual coitus prior to symptoms. Onexamination, she was found to have sustainedlacerations of the posterior vaginal fornix. She waspromptly resuscitated and a repair under anesthesiawas done in the theatre. She was transfused with 2units of blood and discharged in good condition after48 hours on admission. CONCLUSIONConsensual coital injuries could be life threatening,yet may be misdiagnosed and poorly managed due toshame and stigma associated with it in ourenvironment. Lack of awareness, low index ofsuspicion, poor approach to history and managementcould lead to poor outcome. High index of suspicion,tact, privacy, empathy, good clinical judgment andmultidisciplinary approach to care are essential toearly diagnosis and good management of coitalinjuries