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

Potentiality of Diethylamine as Agent of Deproteination and Deacetylation in the Extraction of Chitosan from Scylla serrata Shell

The potentiality of diethylamine as deproteination and deacetylation agent in the extraction of chitosan from Scylla serrata (giant mud crab) shell was investigated. The aim was to find an alternative agent to inorganic alkalis as possible replacement for use in the production of high quality chitosan with the right stability. Pretreatment of the shell was carried out and followed by demineralization using hydrochloric acid. Diethylamine was used for deproteination and deacetylation by modifying some published protocols. Moisture, ash, fat and protein contents of the extracts were determined using their respective standard methods. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) technique was used for spectroscopic analysis. Scylla serrata shell was composed of 14.25% protein, 32.84% mineral (CaCO3), 31.52% chitin and 21.39% chitosan. Moisture, ash, fat and protein contents of chitin extracted from Scylla serrata shell were 2.35%, 3.03%, 1.79% and 3.85% respectively while those of chitosan were 1.65%, 3.84%, 0.53% and 2.80% respectively. Degree of deacetylation (DDA) and carbon to nitrogen ratio were 69.24% and 5.67 respectively. FTIR spectra of the extracted chitin and chitosan from Scylla serrata showed the presence of some active compounds of carbonyl, amide, amine and hydroxyl groups. However, CH3 waging along chain (952 cm-1), CO stretching at 1026 cm-1 and 1073 cm-1, and amide II band (1563 cm-1) were not found in the extracted chitin while HPO42- and amide III were also not found in the extracted chitosan. These moieties were present in the standard chitin and chitosan respectively. This study has shown that diethylamine (organic base) has great potential as agent of deproteination and deacetylation in the extraction of chitosan from Scylla serrata. Consequently, academic activity in the area of investigation of the stability of the extracted chitosan from Scylla serrata using diethylamine as deproteination and deacetylation agent is strongly recommended. Keywords: Diethylamine, deproteination, deacetylation, chitin and chitosan, Scylla serrata shell. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/12-7-07 Publication date:October 31st  2020

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

Skipping Meals and its Possible Effects on Lipid Profile of Purposively Selected Civil Servants in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Skipping meals and its possible effects on lipid profile of purposively selected civil servants in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria was carried out by purposively selecting a total of 35 volunteer human adults. Questionnaires were used to assess the dietary habit while standard biochemical methods were employed for the lipid profile. The results from the anthropometric measurements showed that the mean weights (kg), heights (m), and body mass indices (BMI) (kg/m2) were 80.13 ± 13.41, 1.66 ± 0.18, and 26.98 ± 5.17 respectively for the males and 79.00 ± 16.14, 1.61 ± 0.12, and 26.89 ± 4.78 respectively for the females. The desirable BMI for both males and females are 18.5 to 24.9. Lipid profile result showed that the mean total cholesterol (TCH) was within desirable range of 188.13 ± 45.04 for the males and 196.42 ± 42.39 for the females and the mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was within low range of 44.87 ± 10.83 and 43.26±8.58 for the males and the females respectively. However, the mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was within the optimal range of 95.56 ± 38.86 and 114.37 ± 30.75 for males and females respectively. The mean triacylglycerols (TG) was within the borderline range of 173.63 ± 113.41 for the males and within normal range of 149.32 ± 100.28 for females. The total cholesterol/ high density lipoprotein ratio (TCHDL ratio) showed that the mean values for males and females were 4.64 ± 1.13 and 4.56 ± 2.02 respectively. The desirable range of TCHDL ratio for both males and females are 3.5 to 6.0. Correlation analysis showed positive correlations between BMI and LDL-C, Waist to hip ratio (WHR) and TAG, Waist circumference (WaistCir) and TAG. The implications of these findings as it relates nutrition and health are discussed

Nanostructured Clay (NC) and the Stabilization of Lateritic Soil for Construction Purposes

The use of Nanostructured Clay additive in lateritic soil stabilization and their effect at different percentages on the natural soil was investigated. The preliminary tests on the soil showed it was an A-2-7 soil, according to AASHTO classification. The soil sample was also observed to be silty clayey sand and the general rating as a sub-grade material was ‘GOOD’. The consistency limits result shows that the value of the LL for the natural soil is 47% and 25.15% was recorded for the plastic limit (PL) and finally the PI was 21.85% i.e. highly plastic soil. Further, the effect of the addition of NC in the proportions of 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 15% by weight of the stabilized Umuntu Olokoro lateritic soil was investigated. The consistency limits results showed that the addition of variable proportions of NC considerably improved the plasticity of the stabilized soil which gave 13.8%; a medium plastic material at 15% NC addition, compared to the preliminary result of 0% by weight additive which gave 21.85%; a highly plastic material. The strength properties’ test showed significant improvements with the addition of NC; CBR test result recorded 29% at 15% by weight proportion of NC which satisfies the material condition for use as sub-base material and the UCS test results similarly improved consistently and recorded a maximum UCS of 340.18kN/m2 at 15% by weight proportion of NC addition which satisfies “very stiff” material consistency for use as sub-base material. With the foregoing, the addition of various proportions of NC to the stabilized lateritic soil has presented to be a Geotechnical solution to the varied environmental failures on the road pavements. Hence NC satisfies all the material conditions for use as a sub-base material for the stabilization and improvement of the strength characteristics of lateritic soils. Finally, we call on the relevant agencies to use NC as an additive in stabilizing weak lateritic soils for use as either sub-grade or sub-base materials to save both cost and the structural failures on the roads in south eastern Nigeria. Keywords: Environmental Geotechnics; Pavement Geotechnics; Soil Stabilization; Weak Lateritic Soil; South Eastern Nigeria

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