Showing papers by "Ladoke Akintola University of Technology published in 2009"
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of corn cob ash (CCA) as a pozzolan in cement production was investigated and it was concluded that CCA could be suitably used in blended cement production and satisfied both NIS 439:2000 and ASTM C 150 requirements especially at lower levels (<15%) of CCA percentage replacement.
192 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the workability and compressive strength characteristics of corn cob ash (CCA) blended cement concrete and concluded that only up to 8% CCA substitution is adequate where the blended cement is to be used for structural concrete.
143 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effects of the combined effects of mechanically driven lid and the buoyancy force within rectangular enclosures, where the fluid filled enclosures are heated and lid-driven either on the upper or on the lower horizontal wall, thermally isolated on the right vertical wall, and cooled on the other walls.
138 citations
TL;DR: The antioxidant activity was significantly increased by roasting, while in vitro digestibility showed that most antioxidative activities were available in the intestinal phase of gastrointestinal tracts.
102 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a sequential extraction of rice bran protein fraction (RBPF) was conducted based on the differences in their solubility, and three extraction methods were investigated: isoelectric and acetone precipitation using water, 50 g kg−1 NaCl, 0.02 mol L− 1 NaOH and 70% ethanol.
Abstract: Rice bran contains underutilised protein materials. Sequential extraction of rice bran protein (RBP) from defatted rice bran was conducted based on the differences in their solubility. Three extraction methods were investigated. Method 1 involved the isoelectric and acetone precipitation using water, 50 g kg−1 NaCl, 0.02 mol L−1 NaOH and 70% ethanol as extracting solvents for albumin (pH 4.1), globulin (pH 4.3), glutelin (pH 4.8) and prolamin, respectively. Method 2 adopted dialysis and sequential extraction was carried out with 20 g kg−1 NaCl, 70% ethanol, 0.1 mol L−1 acetic acid and 0.1 mol L−1 NaOH solution as extracting solvents. Method 3 combined dialysis, isoelectric and acetone precipitation for the extraction. Based on the yields and data obtained from sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, size-exclusion chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry, method 3 was chosen for the isolation and characterization of RBPs. Rice bran protein fraction (RBPF)—albumin, globulin, glutelin and prolamin were obtained in good yields. Denaturation temperature and enthalpy values of denaturation of RBPF vary. Highest phytate content was found in albumin and lowest in prolamin. The highest antioxidative and hemagglutinating activities were observed in albumin.
93 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the concentrations and distribution of selected heavy metals in epipelic and benthic sediments of Cross River Estuary mangrove swamp were studied to determine the extent of anthropogenic inputs from industrial activities and to estimate the effects of seasonal variations on geochemical processes in this tropical estuarine ecosystem.
Abstract: The concentrations and distribution of selected heavy metals in epipelic and benthic sediments of Cross River Estuary mangrove swamp were studied to determine the extent of anthropogenic inputs from industrial activities and to estimate the effects of seasonal variations on geochemical processes in this tropical estuarine ecosystem. The analysis shows that the mean concentrations (mg/kg, dw) of Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, V and Zn vary from 24.1–32.4, 19.9–27.4, 666.7–943.5, 15.2–30.3, 8.8–24.7, 2.2–6.9 and 140.1–188.9, respectively. An important observation is that, in general, lowest metal concentrations are found during the dry season, compared to wet season. Pollution load index (PLI) and index of geoaccumulation (I
geo) revealed overall low values but the enrichment factors (EFs) for Cr, Zn, and V were high, and this reflects the intensity of anthropogenic inputs related to industrial discharge into the estuary. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu and to some extent Ni exceeded the Effects Range—Low (ERL) and Threshold Effect Level (TEL) values in majority of the samples studied, indicating that there may be some ecotoxicological risk to organisms living in these sediments. The inter-element relationship revealed the identical source of elements in the sediments of the studied area. The concentration of heavy metals reported in this work will be useful as baselines for comparison in future sediment quality studies.
89 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a Rice bran protein fraction (RBPF)-albumin, globulin, glutelin and prolamin were hydrolyzed with proteases M, N, P, S and pepsin under their optimal conditions for 24 hours.
Abstract: Rice bran protein fraction (RBPF)—albumin, globulin, glutelin and prolamin were hydrolyzed with proteases M, N, P, S and pepsin under their optimal conditions for 24 h. Hydrolysates of various hydrolysis periods were collected and subjected to peptide mapping and the antioxidative activity measured by the 2,2-Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic Acid (ABTS) method. Protease M hydrolysates showed high degree of hydrolysis (DH), but low antioxidative activity. On the contrary, pepsin hydrolysates showed low DH with high activity. Albumin and globulin hydrolysates had higher DH values, but lower values for glutelin and prolamin. The globulin hydrolysate (Opep2) from 2 h-pepsin hydrolysis was separated by using three consecutive purification steps with RP-HPLC. Nineteen antioxidative peptides were isolated and their amino acid sequences were determined by a gas-phase protein sequencer and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. These peptides were composed of 6–30 amino acid residues with molecular masses ranging from 670–3,611 Da. Tyr-Leu-Ala-Gly-Met-Asn had the highest antioxidative activity among them.
85 citations
TL;DR: It was showed that risky behavior among motorcycle riders, chaotic traffic and road design faults accounted for most of the motorcycle crashes in Nigeria.
82 citations
TL;DR: An assessment of the potential availability of selected residues from maize, cassava, millet, plantain, groundnuts, sorghum, oil palm, palm kernel, and cowpeas for possible conversion to renewable energy in Nigeria has been made.
Abstract: An assessment of the potential availability of selected residues from maize, cassava, millet, plantain, groundnuts, sorghum, oil palm, palm kernel, and cowpeas for possible conversion to renewable energy in Nigeria has been made. It is estimated that nearly 58 million tonnes of these residues were potentially available in the year 2004 with energy potential of about 20.8 million tonnes oil equivalents. The residue availability for 2010 is projected to be about 80 million tonnes. These residues, when converted to energetically usable forms, can substitute or complement the fossil energy sources in Nigeria by more than 80%.
78 citations
TL;DR: This study investigated the technical feasibility of activated and modified activated C. albidum seed shells carbons for the adsorption of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution and found the most effective pH range was found to be between 4.5 and 5 for the sorption of the metal ion.
75 citations
TL;DR: Investigating the probability and correlates of Posttraumatic stress disorder following intense stigmatizing events and situations in HIV infected individuals in Nigeria found that stigma needs to be considered when planning rehabilitation strategies for HIV infected Individuals in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract: One of the most distressing concerns of many people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa is the stigma Intense stigma may be traumatic This study aimed to investigate the probability and correlates of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following intense stigmatizing events and situations in HIV infected individuals in Nigeria Adult sero-positive attendees of an HIV care centre (N = 190) completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographic and clinical details; the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale The clients were then interviewed for the presence of stigma related PTSD with a modified version of the mini international neuropsychiatry interview (MINI) About 2/3 of the participants had experienced at least an intense HIV-related stigmatizing event or situation The rate of HIV-stigma related PTSD was 274% Independent predictors of HIV stigma-related PTSD included past history of traumatic events (Single event, OR 228, 95% CI 108–473; Multiple events, OR 947, 95% CI 297–3220), low self esteem (OR 652, 95% CI 259–1655), poor level of social support (OR 333, 95% CI 124–979) and presence of general psychopathology (OR 218, 95% CI 107–444) PTSD may not be specific to traumatic events alone There is a possibility of PTSD after an intense stigmatizing event or situation While the validity for the validity of HIV-stigma related PTSD warrants further investigation, stigma needs to be considered when planning rehabilitation strategies for HIV infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa A closer attention to self esteem, level of social support and presence of psychopathology is needed in these individuals
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the direct and indirect effects of management of abattoirs on the quality of local built environment and the health of residents in their vicinity using Ogbomoso as a case study.
Abstract: Abattoir is one of the facilities available in most towns and cities, as the killing of animals to supply meat for human consumption in them is a common practice in Nigeria. The danger posed on the local built environment and health of residents by those abattoirs located in residential neighborhoods as a result of pollution from their management is of great concern. The study therefore investigates the direct and indirect effects of management of abattoirs on the quality of local built environment and the health of residents in their vicinity using Ogbomoso as a case study. Water samples from selected wells in the study area were collected for analysis to investigate the effect on the water quality. Also, residents of buildings located approximately 100meters radius to the abattoir were randomly selected for interview using relevant indicators to investigate effects on their health. The result was analyzed using frequency count, chi-square and correlation test. The study indicated pollution of wells and air quality of the local built environment in the vicinity of the abattoir as well as reduced quality of health of residents in the area, as there were reported cases of elevation of excessive coughing, typhoid fever, diarrhea, and malaria and muscle pains among these residents. The study concluded with appropriate recommendations to address the problem and as well suggested the exclusion of abattoir facility from residential neighbourhood.
TL;DR: Pre-treatment by soaking and blanching were found to increase yield which was time dependent and DPPH radical scavenging activity increase was observed in soaked samples at 18th-h while blanched resulted into progressive decrease.
TL;DR: In this paper, a micro-anatomic analysis of the anatomic differences between the lengua de la rata, the murcielago and pangolin was performed.
Abstract: Se evaluo los aspectos micro-anatomicos de la lengua de la rata, murcielago y pangolin, con miras a establecer las diferencias funcionales anatomicas de las lenguas de estos mamiferos en su patron alimentario. Diez ejemplares de cada animal se utilizaron para este estudio. Los animales fueron sacrificados y las lenguas fueron extirpadas y procesadas para el estudio microscopico de luz, usandose las tinciones: Hematoxilina Eosina, Verhoeff Gieson y tricromico de Masson. Los resultados mostraron la no papilacion del epitelio estratificado queratinizado de la lengua de pangolines a diferencia de la papilacion vista en la lengua de la rata y del murcielago. Por otro lado, las papilas filiformes vistas en la rata se presentaban como puntas, siendo como coronas en el murcielago. Tambien hubo un inusual anillo de colageno denso en la porcion proximal de la lengua de pangolines, estando ausente en los otros mamiferos. Se observaron botones gustativos a lo largo de las paredes laterales de las papilas caliciformes en la porcion distal de la lengua de las ratas y los murcielagos, pero ninguno fue encontrado en la de los pangolines. En conclusion, la morfologia de las lenguas de estos mamiferos mostro una relacion entre su patron de alimentacion y los cambios de adaptacion en la anatomia microscopica de la lengua.
08 Aug 2009
TL;DR: Examination of Nigeria’s healthcare system, and the ongoing reforms in the health sector concludes with key considerations for sustainable reforms in Nigeria.
Abstract: The Nigeria's poor health status has attracted global concern. The Health system has no doubt contributed to this, though Nigeria's healthcare system is geared towards ensuring availability and accessibility of healthcare by Nigerians yet the nation healthcare remains a major concern. Reform in the healthcare entails purposeful changes and planning in the system. It has however become increasingly clear that the reform in the country is to contribute meaningfully to the nation's healthcare system and to be felt by the majority of the population. This paper therefore, examines Nigerian healthcare system, and the ongoing reforms in the health sector. Information will be sourced from the primary and secondary data, the paper then concludes with key considerations for sustainable reforms in Nigeria.
TL;DR: Fitting of the steady state data from continuous cultivation to various inhibition models resulted in the best fit for Haldane, Yano and Koga, Aiba and Teissier kinetic inhibition models, and the biokinetic constants evaluated using these models showed good tolerance and growth of the indigenous organism.
Abstract: The present study investigated the phenol utilization kinetics of a pure culture of an indigenous Pseudomonas fluorescence under steady state and non-steady state (washout) conditions. Steady states of a continuous culture with an inhibitory substrate was used to estimate kinetic parameters under substrate limitation (chemo stat operation) Pure cultures of an indigenous Pseudomonas fluorescence were grown in continuous culture on phenol as the sole source of carbon and energy at dilution rates of 0.010 - 0.20/h. Using different dilution rates, several steady states were investigated and the specific phenol consumption rates were calculated. In addition, phenol degradation was investigated by increasing the dilution rate above the critical dilution rate (washout cultivation). The results showed that the specific phenol consumption rate increased with increased dilution rate at steady state and phenol degradation by Pseudomonas fluorescence can be described by simple substrate inhibition kinetics under substrate limitation but cannot be described by simple substrate inhibition kinetics under washout cultivation. Fitting of the steady state data from continuous cultivation to various inhibition models resulted in the best fit for Haldane, Yano and Koga (2), Aiba and Teissier kinetic inhibition models. The r smax value of 0.229 mg/mg/h obtained from the inhibition model equations was comparable to the experimentally calculated r smax value of 0.246 mg/mg/h obtained under washout cultivation. Therefore, the biokinetic constants evaluated using these models showed good tolerance and growth of the indigenous organism.
TL;DR: The physicochemical properties of fractionated maize flour and the textural characteristics of a maize-based nonfermented food gel (maize tuwo) prepared from the respective fractionated flours were evaluated in this article.
Abstract: Summary
The physicochemical properties of fractionated maize flour and the textural characteristics of a maize-based nonfermented food gel (maize tuwo) prepared from the respective fractionated flours were evaluated. The maize flour was fractionated into four fractions: <75 μm, 75–150 μm, 150–300 μm, 300–425 μm and whole meal (<425 μm). There were variations in the selected chemical constituents of fractionated maize flour including protein (2.9–4%), ash (0.80–0.97%), crude fibre (0.73–0.91%) and damaged starch (10.1–17.4%). The fractionated maize flour gave variable bulk density (0.80–0.93 g cm−3), water absorption capacity (1.9–2.1 g g−1) and oil absorption capacity (1.7–2.1 g g−1). The colour characteristics of the fractionated maize flour and the pasting properties were all affected by the fractionation. The cohesiveness index (strain at peak compressive force) of the food gel from the flour fractions ranged between 15% and 19.5% while the softness index of the food gel ranged between 16.7 and 17.5 mm. The relative high cohesiveness and softness indexes (i.e. 19.5% and 17.4 mm respectively) of maize tuwo prepared from the flour fraction of 75–150 μm can predispose the food gel towards easier hand-mouldability and swallowability respectively; being important quality indicators for its acceptability.
TL;DR: This work investigated the host range of tet39 among bacterial from a poultry waste polluted river in Southwestern Nigeria and found it may be present in other bacterial species.
Abstract: Aim: Previous analysis of tet39 suggests it may be present in other bacterial species. Hence, we investigated the host range of tet39 among bacterial from a poultry waste polluted river in Southwestern Nigeria.
Methods and Results: Thirteen resistant bacterial isolated from the water and sediment of the polluted river was investigated for the presence of tetracycline resistance genes tetA, tetB, tetC, tet39 and the transposon integrase gene of the Tn916/1545 family by PCR. While tetA, tetB, tetC and integrase genes cannot be detected in any of the organisms, tet39 was detected in eight of the tested organisms including three Gram-positive species. Sequence analysis showed the genes have high sequence identities (≥99%) with tet39 of Acinetobacter sp. LUH5605, the first and only bacterial genus from which the gene has been reported to date. This is a novel observation.
Conclusions: This study shows that apart from Acinetobacter, tet39 is present in other bacterial species tested in this study.
Significance and Impact of the Study: This study adds to available information on the occurrence and distribution of tet39 among environmental bacteria and suggests that the gene has a broader host range than previously reported.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The role of vegetables in the transmission of intestinal parasites in developing countries is emphasised, vegetable farmers should therefore be enlightened on the modern use of night soil as fertilizer and the treatment of irrigation water or municipal waste water before use.
Abstract: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infection worldwide. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of food-borne illness linked to fresh vegetables which is a major way in the transmission of intestinal parasites. The study was carried out to determine the level of parasitological contamination of vegetables sold at selected markets in south western Nigeria. A total of 120 samples from different vegetables were randomly sampled from major selected open markets in 3 cities. The vegetables were analysed using macroscopic, sedimentation and magnesium sulphate floatation techniques. Eighty-two (68.3%) of the vegetables were positive for intestinal parasites from which water leaf (Talinium triangulare) and 'soko' (Celosis) recorded the highest (100%) parasitic contamination. Parasites detected were Ascaris lumbricoides (16.7%), hookworm (18.3%), Taenia spp (4.2%), Strongyloides stercoralis (45.8%), Balantidium coli (0.8%). Vegetables in each of these cities had almost the same high rate of parasitic contamination; Ibadan (70%), Ilorin (70%) and Lagos (65%). This study further emphasised the role of vegetables in the transmission of intestinal parasites in developing countries. Therefore, vegetable farmers should therefore be enlightened on the modern use of night soil as fertilizer and the treatment of irrigation water or municipal waste water before use. There is also dire need for the improvement of sanitary facilities in our markets and vegetable vendors should also be included in the screening of food handlers.
TL;DR: The results show that CAG and GGN repeats polymorphisms are not a critical index of male infertility, and report for the first time a unique and wider distribution of the GGN allele in the Nigerian population which is significantly different from the Caucasian population.
Abstract: The human androgen receptor gene (AR) is an important regulator of male sexual development including spermatogenesis. Exon 1 of this gene encodes the N terminal domain, which controls transcriptional activity of the receptor and the two polymorphic repeats CAG and GGN. Many studies have reported association of the expanded CAG repeat length with male infertility, although this is still controversial. The GGN repeat, in contrast, has been less thoroughly studied. Thus far, only scanty studies have been reported from African populations and none from Nigeria. Therefore, we have investigated the possible association between AR polymorphism repeats length (CAG and GGN) and reduced spermatogenesis in infertile Nigerian men (no.=60) consisting of 20 non-obstructive azoospermic and 40 oligozoospermic subjects compared with controls with normozoospermia and proven evidence of fertility (no.=38). In addition, 48 volunteers with normal spermatogenesis were recruited from a German population. CAG and GGN repeats length were determined by fragment length analysis using GeneScan. The CAG and GGN repeats length of infertile compared to fertile populations were not significantly different (p>0.05). We found a unique AR GGN allele distribution with 20–23 GGN repeats predominant in the Nigerian study population. Our results show that CAG and GGN repeats polymorphisms are not a critical index of male infertility. While we do not find a relationship with CAG and GGN repeats haplotypes and male infertility, we report for the first time a unique and wider distribution of the GGN allele in the Nigerian population which is significantly different from the Caucasian population. The functional relevance of this variance to male fertility warrants in-depth elucidation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the suitability and effectiveness of water-hyacinth in treating domestic sewage was studied under a controlled environment of a screen-house subjected to natural conditions, and several parameters were measured and analyzed, including the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen demand (COD), faecal coliform count, nitrate and phosphate contents, pH value, heavy metals, turbidity, odour and colour at intervals of seven days.
Abstract: Sewage management is posing serious techno-economic problems in cities, particularly in developing countries. A new technology, sewage purification by water-hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), is a possible solution. This paper studied the suitability and effectiveness of water-hyacinth in treating domestic sewage. A 28-day experiment was performed under a controlled environment of a screen-house subjected to natural conditions. Several parameters were measured and analysed, including the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), faecal coliform count, nitrate and phosphate contents, pH value, heavy metals, turbidity, odour and colour at intervals of seven days. Laboratory analyses indicated that the water-hyacinth culture drastically reduced the faecal coliforms by about 80%. BOD dropped from 900 to 460 mg litre−1. COD was reduced from 1,424 to 766 mg litre−1 while the nitrogen content increased by about 77.5% and the phosphorus content rose by 63.3%. The pH value fell slightly from 8.58 to 7.81. The initial pungent odour of the raw sewage gradually disappeared during the purification period while the deep yellowish colour turned almost colourless in the final effluent sample. The sludge from the culture was rich and applicable as a bio-fertiliser. After comparison with the World Health Organisation Stream Standards, it was determined that the final effluent from water-hyacinth could be used for irrigation and fishing activities, or recycled to a flowing stream for other uses except for drinking purposes.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors considered the effect of pressure increase across the compressor, column heat loss and the overall heat transfer coefficient of reboiler-condenser as an explicit function of Prandtl, Reynolds and Nusselt numbers.
TL;DR: In this article, a template for an effective and sustainable manufacturing safety programme was developed for setting an attainable standards and safety programme to the manufacturing industry in Nigeria, where four types of accidents are identified as fatal, serious, minor and trivial wounds.
Abstract: Purpose – The manufacturing industry in Nigeria often perceives government safety standards as an attempt to increase production cost. This is due to lack of acceptable template for setting an attainable standards and safety programme to the manufacturing industry. It is the goal of this work to develop such a template for an effective and sustainable manufacturing safety programme.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 30 manufacturing firms were examined and five experienced manufacturing, and three safety engineers interviewed for information on types of SP activities. Review and synthesis of literature was carried out.Findings – Four types of accidents are identified as fatal, serious, minor and trivial wounds. Accidents causing factors are classified into human factor, deficient maintenance of facilities and environmental factors. The prevention activities were categorized into training, guarding, awareness, incentive, accident investigation and personal protective equipment (PPE).Practical implica...
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of high-dose irradiation as a pretreatment method on two common lignocellulosic materials; hardwood (Khaya senegalensis) and softwood (Triplochiton scleroxylon) were investigated by assessing the potential of cellulase enzyme derived from Aspergillus flavus Linn isolate NSPR 101 to hydrolyse the materials.
Abstract: The effect of high-dose irradiation as a pretreatment method on two common lignocellulosic materials; hardwood (Khaya senegalensis) and softwood (Triplochiton scleroxylon) were investigated by assessing the potential of cellulase enzyme derived from Aspergillus flavus Linn isolate NSPR 101 to hydrolyse the materials. The irradiation strongly affected the materials, causing the enzymatic hydrolysis to increase by more than 3 fold. Maximum digestibility occurred in softwood at 40kGy dosage of irradiation, while in hardwood it was at 90kGy dosage. The results also showed that, at the same dosage levels (p < 0.05), hardwood was hydrolysed significantly better compared to the softwood.
TL;DR: The results obtained showed that Cd exposure causes renal dysfunction, but oral administration of onion could prevent it, and AcE, however, prevents these Cd's adverse effects.
Abstract: Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal, is known for its adverse effects on the body. In this study, the lowering effect of Cd on renal clearance (RC) was investigated, and Allium cepa extract (AcE) (an antioxidant) was pre-administered orally to prevent Cd's adverse effects. Seventy-two Wistar rats, grouped into three (n = 24), were used for this study. While Group C was given 1.0 ml of AcE daily (orally), Group A and Group B were given distilled water. AcE administration was done for eight weeks. Afterwards B and C were then given 1.5 ml/kg BW of 0.3 mg/L 3CdSO4.8H2O intraperitoneally for three consecutive days. The results obtained showed that Cd causes significant reduction in the 24 hour urine volume (from 3.017 ± 0.125 to 2.433 ± 0.118 ml), RC (from 3.258 ± 0.114 to 1.357 ± 0.104 ml/h for creatinine; and from 0.350 ± 0.057 to 0.185 ± 0.055 ml/h for urea), plasma and tissue SOD and CAT activity (form 1.644 ± 0.036 to 1.307 ± 0.056 u/g protein for plasma SOD; 0.391 ± 0.029 to 0.2692 ± 0.031 u/protein for plasma CAT; 1.695 ± 0.034 to 1.327 ± 0.049 u/g protein for tissues SOD; and from 0.350 ± 0.027 to 0.273 ± 0.043 u for tissue CAT), and significant MDA increased in plasma (from 1496.79 ± 1.321 to 1679.48 ± 143.29 μg/g protein) and tissue (from 1265.22 ± 2.285 to 1669.87 ± 14.61 μg/dL). AcE, however, prevents these Cd's adverse effects. This findings lead to the conclusion Cd exposure causes renal dysfunction, but oral administration of onion could prevent it.
TL;DR: Studies were carried out on the changes that occurred on some selected physico-chemical properties of starch extracts from soybean flour when fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus to increase the utilization potentials of the flour.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a predictive model on corrosion rate for natural gas pipeline with H2S as a corroding agent based on the thermodynamic properties of the fluid and the developed rate is plotted against various operating conditions.
Abstract: Corrosion has been identified as a major cause of pipeline failure, which leads to grievous environmental degradation, hence, the need for predicting the integrity of the service life of the pipeline This work develops a predictive model on corrosion rate for natural gas pipeline with H2S as corroding agent The model is based on the thermodynamic properties of the fluid and the developed rate is plotted against various operating conditions The model shows that corrosion rate increases with temperature, fluid fugacity, wall shear stress, superficial velocity, and acidity It is recommended that H2S should be removed as much as possible from the sour natural gas before its transportation through the pipe length
TL;DR: In this article, a study carried out on the monitoring of SO2 emission from some oilfields in the crude oil producing areas of Niger-Delta region of Nigeria was presented, where six locations were studied while monitoring involved morning and evening times for four months using a Testo 350 Flue Gas Analyzer.
Abstract: In the process of crude oil production, sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas is produced as a result of flaring and booming of crude oil associated gases. This paper presents the study carried out on the monitoring of SO2 emission from some oilfields in the crude oil producing areas of Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. Six locations were studied while monitoring involved morning and evening times for four months using a Testo 350 Flue Gas Analyzer. Comparison of the mean measurements with Nigerian FEPA tolerance limits indicate that SO2 values from 60 m away from the point sources for all the fields were comparatively higher than their maximum tolerance limits of 50 μg/m3 for long term exposure and SO2 values were also comparatively higher than the emission limit range (30–300 μg/m3) for SO2 from stationary sources. It is concluded that this breach of tolerance level may result in acid rain formation, which can be detrimental to the environment while the long-term effect can alter the ecology of the areas. It i...
TL;DR: In this article, the drying curves generated from the three drying curves showed that drying of treated/blanched pepper was faster than that of untreated/unblaned pepper and that blanching pretreatment assisted water loss and thus decreased the resistance to water loss at the surface of the product.
Abstract: Drying is one of the common methods of food preservation and is carried out on untreated/unblanched and treated/blanched chili pepper using sun, solar and hot-air drying. The drying curves generated from the three methods showed that drying of treated/blanched pepper was faster than that of untreated/unblanched pepper. The drying rate period observed for all the methods and samples was the falling rate drying regime. This suggests that the blanching pretreatment assisted water loss and thus decreased the resistance to water loss at the surface of the product. The drying time of the dried pepper varied from 27 h for hot-air drying to 144.5 h for sun drying respectively. The values of moisture diffusivity coefficient ranged from 2.163 × 10−9 m2/s for hot-air drying to 1.125 × 10−9 m2/s for sun drying.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
A common method of preserving pepper, a vegetable with versatile use, is drying and this is done by sun, solar and oven-drying methods. Climatic variations of sun and solar drying make it unsuitable for large-scale production. Hot-air drying is thus considered as an alternative drying method because it decreases drying time and improves the hygienic quality of the dried product. Pretreating pepper by blanching increases its rate of drying. The effect of each drying method on the drying rate, equilibrium moisture content and moisture diffusivity coefficient were used to compare the drying methods. Hot-air drying had the lowest drying time whereas pretreated samples also dried faster. The effective moisture diffusivity of oven dried samples as well as pretreated samples were highest. This indicates that oven drying reduces drying time and can be used to dry pepper samples for large-scale production.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: There is need to establish assisted reproductive technology in public health institutions to render services at a highly subsidized rate in helping this population of patients who could not afford this treatment which is presently being offered by private health institutions.
Abstract: Two hundred and fifty patients attended the gynaecology clinic during the study period, however, 208(83.2%) case notes were available for analysis. Most of the patients that had gynaecological consultations during the study period were married (88.0%), and infertility (48.1%) was the commonest reason for the consultations. Many of the patients (60.1%) did not receive definitive treatment for their consultation. Infertility being the commonest reason for gynaecological consultations, and tubal factor the commonest cause of infertility, there is need to establish assisted reproductive technology in public health institutions to render services at a highly subsidized rate in helping this population of patients who could not afford this treatment which is presently being offered by private health institutions.