A unified data repository for rich communication services

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a framework that defines a set of IP-based services for the delivery of multimedia communications to mobile network subscribers. The framework unifies a set of pre-existing communication services under a single name, and permits network operators to re-use investments in existing network infrastructure, especially the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), which is a core part of a mobile network and also acts as a docking station for RCS services. RCS generates and utilises disparate subscriber data sets during execution, however, it lacks a harmonised repository for the management of such data sets, thus making it difficult to obtain a unified view of heterogeneous subscriber data. This thesis proposes the creation of a unified data repository for RCS which is based on the User Data Convergence (UDC) standard. The standard was proposed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a major telecommunications standardisation group. UDC provides an approach for consolidating subscriber data into a single logical repository without adversely affecting existing network infrastructure, such as the IMS. Thus, this thesis details the design and development of a prototypical implementation of a unified repository, named Converged Subscriber Data Repository (CSDR). It adopts a polyglot persistence model for the underlying data store and exposes heterogeneous data through the Open Data Protocol (OData), which is a candidate implementation of the Ud interface defined in the UDC architecture. With the introduction of polyglot persistence, multiple data stores can be used within the CSDR and disparate network data sources can access heterogeneous data sets using OData as a standard communications protocol. As the CSDR persistence model becomes more complex due to the inclusion of more storage technologies, polyglot persistence ensures a consistent conceptual view of these data sets through OData. Importantly, the CSDR prototype was integrated into a popular open-source implementation of the core part of an IMS network known as the Open IMS Core. The successful integration of the prototype demonstrates its ability to manage and expose a consolidated view of heterogeneous subscriber data, which are generated and used by different RCS services deployed within IMS

Haematological indices of ISA brown birds fed diets containing Guinea hen weed (Petiveria alliacea) leaf and root meals

Haematological indices of ISA brown grower birds fed diets incorporated with Petiveria alliacea leaf meal (PLM) and Petiveria alliacea root meal (PRM) were investigated in a 21-weeks trial. A total of 450 birds were divided into ten treatments groups of forty-five birds with three replicate of fifteen birds. The diets contained PLM and PRM at five levels of inclusion; (0, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial layout in a completely randomized design (CRD). Amidst varying inclusion of PLM and PRM, birds fed diets containing 1500 mg/kg of PLM showed decreased (P<0.05) PCV. Birds fed diets containing 1500 and 2500 mg/kg of PLM reduced (P<0.05) RBC in comparison to other inclusion levels of plant parts. When compared to birds fed varying inclusion of PLM and PRM; least (P<0.05) WBC were obtained in birds fed diets containing 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of PRM. In conclusion, addition of Petiveria leaf and root meal affected haematology indices as values obtained fell within normal range for healthy birds

An appraisal of blood pressure control and its determinants among patients with primary hypertension seen in a primary care setting in Western Nigeria

Background: Achieving guideline-recommended blood pressure is imperative in reducing the rising tide of uncontrolled hypertension and its attendant sequelae, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality globally. The aim of the study was to describe the pattern of blood pressure control and identify the factors influencing blood pressure control among patients with primary hypertension seen at family medicine clinics of FMC, Abeokuta.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study. A systematic random sampling technique was used in selecting 360 hypertensive respondents over four months. Data were collected through a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used to analyse data.Results: Blood pressure was controlled in 167 (46.4%) of the respondents. The independent predictors of blood pressure control were female gender (p = 0.001, OR = 2.494, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.477–4.214), regular use of medication (p = 0.001, OR = 2.900, 95% CI = 1.508–5.577), regular clinic attendance (p &lt; 0.001, OR = 3.512, 95% CI = 1.772–6.960), and absence of diabetes mellitus (p &lt; 0.001, OR = 7.357, 95% CI = 3.190–16.966).Conclusions: The rate of blood pressure control among the hypertensive respondents was low. Multiple independent predictors of controlled blood pressure call for a team-based approach as well as multiple approaches including education of patients, expansion of a community-based health insurance programme and intensification of treatment efforts when managing hypertensive patients.Keywords: blood pressure control, family medicine clinics, primary hypertensio

An exploratory study on the effects of rearing system and plumage colour on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of local turkeys

In a bid to improve the productive potentials of local turkeys in developing countries, a total of 240 unsexed day-old poults arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial layout into 4 treatments with two rearing systems (indoor and outdoor) and two plumage colours (white and black) were used for this study. Poults were brooded for 4 weeks followed by an acclimatization period of 2 weeks in the two different rearing systems before the commencement of the study which lasted 10 weeks. Each treatment consisting of 60 birds was further sub-divided into six replicates of 10 birds per replicate. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. Results on performance in the grower phase showed turkeys reared in indoor system recorded significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher weight gain (29.39 vs. 105.19 g/bird/day) and daily feed intake (27.18 vs. 98.11 g/bird/day) compare to turkeys under outdoor system. In addition, weight gain was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher (29.16 g/bird/day) in turkeys with black plumage than (27.42 g/bird/day) recorded in turkeys with white plumage. However, in the finisher phase turkeys under outdoor system recorded significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher weight gain than turkeys under indoor system. In the finisher phase, interaction effects showed best weight gain and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) (39.22 g/bird/day and 4.60) in white-plumaged turkeys reared in outdoor system. Turkeys under outdoor system also had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher back and spleen percentages. However, proportions of thigh were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in turkeys reared indoor. In addition, white-plumaged turkeys recorded significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher (21.07%) cooking loss than 14.58% recorded in turkeys with black plumage. In conclusion, improved weight gain with best FCR at finisher phase as well as highest spleen portion and cooking loss in thigh meat was obtained in white-plumaged turkeys reared in outdoor system

Growth response and agonistic behaviour of cockerel chickens to feeding trough shapes

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding trough shapes on growth performance and agonistic behaviour of cockerels. A total of 240 eight weeks old Hacro black cockerels were used in the experiment which lasted for four weeks. The birds were divided into 3 treatments based on circular, rectangular and square-shaped feeding troughs of 80 birds per treatment and 20 birds per replicate of four in a Completely Randomized Design. Daily weight gains and the frequency of agonistic behaviour at both feeding and non-feeding periods were recorded. The final weight, weight gain and feed intake of the cockerels were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced by the feeding troughs with birds on square-shaped feeding trough recording the highest values. Feeding trough shapes had no effect on the mean agonistic behaviour during the feeding and non- feeding periods though the frequency of agonistic acts was more prominent during the feeding period. The study revealed that in terms of growth response and for reduced agonistic behaviour, the square-shaped feeding troughs could be adopted for cockerel production. Keywords: Feeding troughs, cockerels, head pecks, chases, pushes, weight gain

Growth performance, carcass traits and cost benefits of feeding weaner rabbits with leafy multinutrient miniblock

Study on the formulation and production of leafy multi-nutrient blocks ((control, MNB1, MNB 2 and MNB 3) for feeding rabbits using Pawpaw and Tridax leaves at ratios 0:0, 1:1, 3:2, 7:3 was conducted. Ninety-six, 7-week-old weaner rabbits with average body weight of 406.67+ 0.01 g were divided into four treatments. Treatments were replicated twelve times. Experimental treatments were arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and the feeding trial lasted 10 weeks. Result revealed that final live weight, weight gains, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly influenced by the dietary treatments.The lowest feed conversion ratio (4.79) was observed in the group fed MNB 3. Significantly (P&lt;0.05) highest carcass dress weight percentage was observed among the rabbits fed MNB 3. Diets significantly influenced legs, loin, thigh and gastrointestinal weights with MNB3 rabbits having the highest values except the GIT. The cost benefits revealed that N661.02 were incurred on MNB3 and N1344 on control. Furthermore N149.21 and N309.55 were the costs saved on MNB1 and MNB2 respectively as against control (N682.98) which is higher than MNB1 and MNB2 mini block. Feeding MNB formulation favoured rabbits fed MNB 3. It was evident in this study that inclusion of pawpaw and tridax leaves at ratio 7:3 in MNB diets encouraged better performance and carcass yield in rabbits

Carryover effect on carcass characteristics of growing rabbits from does subjected to feed restriction during pregnancy with or without vitamin E inclusion

Several studies have been carried out on quantitative feed restriction and its impact on carcass characteristics of growing rabbits and findings concluded that feed restriction helps in reducing carcass fat deposition in growing rabbits. Feed restriction during breeding periods have been carried out extensively in pregnant rabbit does, however, the carryover effect on the carcass characteristics of growing rabbits from does subjected to such feeding regimen have not been examined. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) weaned rabbits harvested from rabbit does subjected to maternal feed restriction (0% and 15% feed restriction) at three pregnancy periods (15-19 days, 20-24 days and 25-29 days) with or without (+/-) vitamin E were profiled for this study. Kits were randomly assigned to 12 treatments of 5 replicates, each consisting of 3 rabbits per replicate. Data obtained for carcass weight, dressed weight, chest, back, hindlimb, forelimbs, loin, back, kidney, liver, spleen, lungs and heart; these were arranged in a 2×3×2 factorial arrangement. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher carcass weight and dressing percentage were obtained for growing rabbit from does fed ad libitum during pregnancy. However, significant influence recorded for carcass and dressing percentage cannot be attributed solely to the treatment during gestation since all results obtained were within acceptable or recommended ranges for healthy rabbits. Therefore, it can be concluded that maternal feed restriction during pregnancy positively influence carcass yield and dressing percentage of growing rabbits from does subjected to feed restriction between 20 – 24 days with or without Vitamin E was influenced (p&lt;0.05)

Effect of different feed types on haematological and serum biochemical parameters of male and female weaner rabbits

Feed components affect blood constituents and less consideration is often given to health status of the animals used in feeding trials either with conventional or non-conventional feedstuffs; hence, blood analysis is usually carried out in order to assess the degree of well-being of such animal. A total of ninety (forty-five males and forty-five females) weaner rabbits with weight ranging from 790-830 grammes were used to investigate the effect of different feed types on haematological and serum biochemical parameters of weaner rabbits in first and second phase, respectively. The rabbits were allotted into 10 treatments after weight equalization on the basis of sex and different dietary groups (100% mash, 100% pellet, 50% mash + 50% Sunflower leaf, 50% pellet + 50% Sunflower leaf, and 100% Sunflower leaf) in a 2x5 factorial arrangement, with each treatment consisting of 9 rabbits; each treatment was further subdivided into 3 replicates and 3 rabbits per each replicate. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks. Data were collected on blood profile (haematology: packed cell volume – PCV, red blood cell counts – RBC, white blood cell counts – WBC, haemoglobin – Hb, lymphocytes, mean corpuscular and haemoglobin concentration – MCHC; serum biochemical indices: total serum protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, alkaline phosphate – ALP and aspartate transferase – AST) at the end of the 6th and 10th weeks of the experiment from one rabbit per replicate. All data generated were arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial layout and subjected to one-way analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. Results at 6th week revealed both male and female rabbits fed combinations of concentrate and sunflower had the highest (p&lt;0.05) red blood cell counts. Total protein and albumin were highest (p&lt;0.05) in male rabbits than female rabbits. Serum indices of male rabbits fed 100% sunflower had the highest (p&lt;0.05) values of total protein, albumin, urea, and creatinine. At the 10th week, Packed cell volume and red blood cell were highest (p&lt;0.05) in females fed 100% pellet. Red blood cells, neutrophils, urea, and creatinine were higher (p&lt;0.05) in males than females. Females fed 100% pellet had the highest (p&lt;0.05) values of urea, creatinine, and cholesterol. It was concluded that sex had no detrimental effect on haematological parameters and serum biochemical indices. However, feeding rabbits 100% forage reduced the ability of rabbits to fight infection resulting from reduced lymphocyte

White Blood Cell and Serum Biochemistry of Rabbits on Varying Levels of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) Extract under Two Housing Types

A total of ninety-six, six weeks old rabbits were grouped into two housing types (steel and wooden hutches), sex (male and female) and four inclusion levels (0 , 5, 10 and 15 ml) of oyster mushroom extract per litre of water in a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial experimental layout. One rabbit each was selected from each replicate at end of the 10th week of the experiment for white blood cell and serum biochemistry analysis. Results showed that growing rabbits on 5 ml of mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) extract per litre of drinking water had the lowest (P < 0.05) neutrophil (31.00 %) and the highest (P < 0.05) lymphocyte (67.25 %) in the white blood cell. Male rabbits in steel hutch have a higher (P < 0.05) eosinophil (0.75 %) in the white blood cell than the female rabbits in steel hutch (0.00 %). Rabbits in steel hutch had a lower (P < 0.05) low density lipoproteins (13.89 mg/dl) in the serum than rabbits housed in wooden hutch (16.02 mg/dl). It was concluded that housing rabbits in wooden hutch and inclusion of oyster mushroom up to 15 ml as phytobiotic for rabbits would optimize their health status