Occupational and Dietary Exposures of Humans to Cyanide Poisoning from Large-scale Cassava Processing and Ingestion of Cassava Foods

The biochemical and toxicological effects of occupational and dietary exposure of humans to cyanide poisoning from large-scale cassava processing and ingestion of cassava foods were investigated using spectrophotometric and enzymatic methods. Analysis of urinary and serum thiocyanate (cyanide metabolite) from workers in cassava processing industries, who were 'frequent' [those who eat cassava food(s) at least once a day] and 'infrequent' [those who eat cassava food(s) only occasionally] consumers of cassava-based diets, was carried out with the aid of questionnaries. The mean urinary thiocyanate level of the cassava processors (mean+/-S.D.; 153.50+/-25.21 micromo1/l) was 2.2 and 2.6 times higher than that of frequent (70.1+/-21.8 micromo1/l) and infrequent (mean+/-S.D.; 59.30+/-17.0 micromo1/l) cassava consumers, respectively. The mean serum thiocyanate levels rose to 126.73+/-12.4 micromo1/l for the former and 68.4+/-18.3 and 54.7+/-13.2 micromo1/l, respectively, for the latter. An increase in plasma activity by 10% above normal of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was observed in 40% of the cassava processors, whereas it was within normal range in all consumers. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALK.PHOS) were within the normal value in all cases studied. The blood glucose level of 50% of the cassava processors was 100 mg/ml or above while that of the consumers was in the range of 68-85 mg/100 ml. The total protein, serum albumin and creatinine levels were in the range for normal values for the processors and consumers. The health implications of these findings are discussed

Assessment of runway excursion causal factors and mitigation strategies

Runway excursion (RE) is a significant cause of many aircraft accidents worldwide. Statistic reveals that accident associated with RE is on the increase. Although RE accident fatalities are usually lower with respect to loss of control (LOC) caused accidents, however the aircrafts involved in RE caused accidents are usually write-off. In response to the raising threat to aviation safety, the Research and Development (R&D) division of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Kaduna Nigeria was tasked to conduct a study on RE problem. The study gathered of three kinds of secondary information associated with RE accidents: 1) statistical summaries, 2) accident report that cited runway excursion accident and 3) stakeholders inputs. Using this resources, the RE causal factors were identified. This paper described the study method, stakeholder viewpoint; key identified causal factors for RE caused accidents and mitigation strategies.Keywords: Aircraft accident, causal factor, runway excursion, mitigation strategie

Sulphuric Acid Corrosion of Mild Steel in Leave Extracts of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Plant

Alkaloid and nonalkaloids extracts of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves is reported as corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in HCl. Conventional weight loss measurements and Tafel polarization techniques are employed to study the effect on mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 solutions. The weight loss result revealed that both plant extracts are excellent corrosion inhibitors. Electrochemical polarization data revealed that mixed mode of inhibition. The increase in %IE with change in concentration of the extracts suggests the strong adsorption of active molecules leading to the formation of a protective layer on the mild steel surface.  It was found that adsorption of both leaf extracts followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Keywords: Weight loss, Langmuir isotherm, activation energy, corrosion current density, inhibition efficiency, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

EVALUATION OF CHATTER VIBRATION FREQUENCY IN CNC TURNING OF 4340 ALLOY STEEL MATERIAL

In this study, an experimental investigation of chatter in CNC turning for 4340 Alloy Steel material was carried out. Empirical study of chatter and critical cutting condition in CNC turning has been conducted through a well- designed three-factor three-level experiment, and regression models developed for chatter frequency prediction with up to 99.5% accuracy for the material. The arising model and the mean-effect plots of the cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut against Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio indicates that increasing feed rates and depth of cuts would bring about increase in chatter vibration frequency while high cutting speeds would have attenuating effects on chatter vibration frequency, thereby suppressing it. The percentage contribution of the cutting parameters to chatter vibration frequency established, and optimal machining condition for the machine chatter optimization obtained at a cutting speed of 320 m/min, feed rate of 0.05mm/rev and depth of cut of 0.5mm. The optimal chatter vibration frequency for the turning tests was found to be 130.00 Hz. With the obtained optimum input parameters for chatter vibration frequency, production operations will be enhanced

Knowledge and Management Practices Against Malaria in Isulo Community, Orumba South L.G.A Anambra State, Nigeria

A study to determine the knowledge of, and management practices against malaria among thepeople of Isulo community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, wascarried out between April and June 2014. Structured questionnaires were issued to 500 individuals in thecommunity. Personal data including age, sex, educational status, marital status and occupation werecollected with the questionnaire. Educational attainment of the participants were Primary education100(20.0%), Secondary education 60(12.0%), tertiary education 45(9.0%), and non-formal education250(50.0%). All the respondents, 500(100%), were aware of the malaria disease. All the respondents,500(100%) mentioned body weakness, headache and fever as the common symptoms of alaria.480(96.0%) respondents attributed malaria to mosquito bites, 290(58.0%) attributed it to consumption oftoo much of oil, 320(64.0%) attributed it to drinking dirty water. On protective measures against mosquitobites, 500(100%) reported putting of nets on the windows and doors and 485(97.0%) believed on sprayinginsecticide inside houses and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets could prevent mosquito bites. Most ofthe respondents 490(98.0%) believed that malaria needs to be treated while 10(2.0%) said that it was adisease that heals on its own without treatment. Malaria treatment methods of the people included visit tohealth centres or hospital 410(82.0%), buying drugs from chemist shops 195(39.5%), visiting prayer andhealing homes 170(34.0%), use of herbs 415(83.0%), avoidance of oily foods 325(69.0%), self-medication165(33.0%) and no treatment 30(6.0%). There is need to empower them with information about the causesof malaria and proper management practices

Contributions Of Career Salience And Job Satisfaction In Organisational Commitment Of A Sample Of Nigerian Bank Workers

Abstract The present study investigated the contributions of career salience and job satisfaction in organizational commitment of a sample of Nigerian bank workers. Participants were 153 commercial bank workers in Onitsha urban area. Data were collected using three questionnaires: Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, Career Salience Scale and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Cross-sectional survey design was employed in the study and Hierarchical Multiple Regression was used to analyze the data. Results showed that career salience significantly predicted organizational commitment [F(1,151) = 34.0, p <.001]. About 18% of the variation in organizational commitment was explained by career salience (β = .42, t = 5.83, R 2 ∆ = .18, p < .001). Job satisfaction also significantly predicted organizational commitment [F(2,150) = 26.2, p <.001]. Job satisfaction contributed 7% to the variance in organizational commitment (β = .29, t = 3.89, R 2 ∆ = .07, p < .001). Strategies aimed at enhancing career salience and job satisfaction in order to improve organizational commitment of workers were suggested

Metformin mitigates dementia risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes

This mini-narrative review explores the relationship between diabetes and dementia, focusing on the potential mitigating role of metformin in reducing cognitive decline among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The interplay of factors such as glycemic control, diabetic complications, and lifestyle influences characterises diabetes-related dementia. This review emphasises the significance of comprehensive diabetes management in addressing the heightened risk of dementia in this population. Methodologically, the review synthesises evidence from 23 studies retrieved through searches on PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Current evidence suggests a predominantly positive association between metformin use and a reduced risk of dementia in individuals with diabetes. However, the review shows the complex nature of these outcomes, revealing variations in results in some studies. These discrepancies show the importance of exploring dose–response relationships, long-term effects, and demographic diversity to unravel the complexities of metformin's impact on cognitive health. Limitations in the existing body of research, including methodological disparities and confounding variables, necessitate refined approaches in future studies. Large-scale prospective longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials focusing specifically on cognitive effects are recommended. Propensity score matching and exploration of molecular mechanisms can enhance the validity of findings in clinical practice. From a clinical perspective, metformin can serve as a potential adjunctive therapy for individuals with diabetes at risk of cognitive decline

Optimizing Business Intelligence System Using Big Data and Machine Learning

The Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Warehouse (DW) system deployed in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation should provide cooperate decision makers with real-time information to help them identify and understand key business factors to make the best decisions for the situation at any given time. The relentless collection of data from user interactions have introduced both a high level of complexity, as well as a great opportunity for businesses. In addition to connecting not just people, but also machines to the internet, and then collecting data from these machines via sensors would result in an unimaginable repository of data. This ever-increasing collection of data is known as Big Data. Integrating this with existing Business intelligence systems and deep analysis using Machine Learning algorithms, Big Data can give useful insights into business problems and perhaps even to make suggestions as to when and where future problems will occur (Predictive Analysis) so that problems can be avoided or at least mitigated. This paper targets at developing a system capable of optimizing a business intelligence using big data and machine learning approach. The design of a system to optimize the Business Intelligence System using Machine Learning and Big Data at NNPC was successfully carried out. The System was able to automatically analyze the sample report under NNPC permission to use and it generated expected predictive outputs which serves as a better guide to managers. When applying Deep Learning, one seeks to stack several independent neural network layers that, working together, produce better results than the already existing shallow structures

Effect of the Golden Liquid from Honeybees and Refined Granulated Sugar on the Blood Glucose and Serum Iron Levels of Albino Rats.

Honey is a naturally sweet substance produced by honeybees from water, pollen, and nectar. Due to its unique nutritional and therapeutic benefits, which are ascribed to the interaction of the various chemical groups it contains, natural honey is one of the most popular consumed products. Modern-day individuals consume a lot of refined granulated sugar, either directly through foods or indirectly from other sources. The consumption of large amounts of refined granulated sugar alters hematological and physiological changes in the body. According to several scientific studies, honey can be a healthier alternative to refined granulated sugar because it does not threaten human health. Consuming natural honey raises serum iron levels and red blood cell counts since it is known that the iron in honey serves as a precursor to hemoglobin. Overconsumption of refined granulated sugar has been identified as a risk factor for metabolic disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of the golden liquid from honeybees (natural honey) and refined granulated sugar on the blood glucose and serum iron levels of 25 Wistar albino rats. The experimental animals used in this study were grouped into five treatments based on the dose of natural honey and refined granulated sugar administered namely: T1 (1.02 g of honey /kg BW), T2 (1.40g of honey /kg BW), T3 (1.02 g of refined granulated sugar /kg BW), T4 (1.40g of refined granulated sugar /kg BW), rats in T5 were not administered honey, and refined granulated sugar served as the control. The blood glucose concentration of the albino rats was measured using the glucose strips with a glucometer while the serum iron analysis was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The result revealed that the mean blood glucose level of the rats was highest in T3 (112.95mg/dl), followed by T5 (92.20mg/dl) while the least value was recorded in T2 (74.86mg/dl). There was a significant difference in the blood glucose levels of albino rats orally administered natural honey and refined granulated sugar at varying levels (P0.05) among treatments. It was found that the highest serum iron level was recorded in T5 (1.31±0.395 ppm) followed by T2 (1.22± 0.115 ppm), while the least serum iron level was recorded in T1 (0.88±1.319ppm). It was observed that there were no significant differences in the serum iron levels of the albino rats (p\u3e0.05) among treatments The use of natural honey is recommended since albino rats orally administered honey at varying doses had lower blood glucose levels than those given refined granulated sugar. This work will be a useful tool for understanding the role of honey over granulated sugars, especially among prediabetic and diabetic patients in order to control their sugar levels using diet as a source. This implies that the consumption of natural honey did not significantly increase blood glucose levels. It was therefore recommended that physicians and dietitians should advocate for natural honey use over refined granulated sugar which could be safe for consumption by diabetic patients