Showing papers by "Ladoke Akintola University of Technology published in 2013"
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive review of corrosion problems during oil and gas production and its mitigation is given, where the chemistry of corrosion mechanism had been examined with various types of corrosion and associated corroding agents in the oil and natural gas industry.
Abstract: In order to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of oil and gas to the end users, it is imperative for the field operators, pipeline engineers, and designers to be corrosion conscious as the lines and their component fittings would undergo material degradations due to corrosion. This paper gives a comprehensive review of corrosion problems during oil and gas production and its mitigation. The chemistry of corrosion mechanism had been examined with the various types of corrosion and associated corroding agents in the oil and gas industry. Factors affecting each of the various forms of corrosion were also presented. Ways of mitigating this menace with current technology of low costs had been discussed. It was noticed that the principles of corrosion must be understood in order to effectively select materials and to design, fabricate, and utilize metal structures for the optimum economic life of facilities and safety in oil and gas operations. Also, oil and gas materials last longer when both inhibitors and protective coatings are used together than when only batch inhibition was used. However, it is recommended that consultations with process, operations, materials, and corrosion engineers are necessary in the fitness of things to save billions of dollars wasted on corrosion in the oil and gas industries.
449 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of carbon capture and sequestration technology for permanent and safe storage of CO2 is presented, where the key factors of the mineral CO2 sequestration process are identified, their influence on the carbonation process and environmental impact of the reaction products with regard to their possible beneficial utilization are critically evaluated.
324 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the catalytic processes of the chemistries involved in the conversion of CO 2 into value-added products is presented, and an overview regarding the challenges and opportunities for future research in CO 2 valorization is provided.
Abstract: Complete oxidation or combustion of any carbon-based organic matter produces CO 2 , which is known to cause global warming and climate changes To mitigate the concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere various strategies have been implemented such as separation, storage, and valorization of CO 2 The focus of this review was on the catalytic processes of the chemistries involved in the conversion of CO 2 into value-added products The various valorization technologies which include conversion of CO 2 into fuel, valorization of CO 2 as a feedstock for chemicals were discussed Also, an overview regarding the challenges and opportunities for future research in CO 2 valorization was provided
167 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of leadership style on organizational performance in selected banks, in Ibadan Nigeria was examined, and the authors concluded that transformational and democratic leadership style should be employed by the banks management in order to wax stronger in a global competitive environment.
Abstract: The study examined the impact of leadership style on organizational performance in selected Banks, in Ibadan Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting a total of sixty (60) respondents as sample for the study, while relevant data was gathered with the aid of a structured questionnaire. One hypothesis was formulated and inferential statistical tool was used to analyze the data specifically Pearson product moment correlation was used to examine the relationship between leadership style dimensions and organizational performance, while Regression analysis was used to examine the significant effect of leadership style dimensions on followers and performance. Findings showed positive and negative correlation between leadership style dimensions and organizational performance. It was also found that leadership style dimensions jointly predict organizational performance, which counted for 23% variance of performance. The study concluded that transformational and democratic leadership style should be employed by the Banks’ management in order to wax stronger in a global competitive environment.
142 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that MO is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and could be relevant for the management of oxidative stress, because iron plays a central role in brain damage.
94 citations
TL;DR: The implementation of the mhGAP-Intervention Guide in Nigeria has resulted in a country-specific version of the intervention guide, which is described in this series on Global Mental Health Practice.
Abstract: The global burden of disease (GBD) study clearly brought to the fore the societal impact of mental health conditions, with the finding that neuropsychiatric conditions account for about 14% of the total disease burden [1]. The extent of this burden has been further emphasized by recent large-scale global surveys, which indicate that not only are mental disorders highly prevalent worldwide, but also that a huge treatment gap exists in both developed and developing countries [2],[3]. Furthermore, there is evidence to demonstrate that effective and affordable treatment for common mental disorders is feasible, even in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [4]. Several barriers and constraints in these countries have led to a situation where those with the greatest need for mental health services often lack access to these services [5]. It has therefore become imperative to seek innovative solutions to these global mental health challenges [6]–[8]. Current evidence favours innovative solutions that would result in overall health system strengthening, integrated provision of services [9], and improved access to evidence-based packages of care through task-shifting [10]
As a way of confronting this global challenge, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched a programme of action to help countries implement activities aimed at narrowing the gap between need and available services for mental health care. This programme, the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), is designed to assist LMICs in their efforts to scale up the coverage of mental health services for their citizens [11]. An important component of the programme is the development of the mhGAP-Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG), a manual designed to facilitate the recognition and management of a set of priority mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders in non-specialist settings. The manual is the product of a rigorous international expert consensus on the most burdensome MNS conditions, and describes approaches to their recognition and the provision of evidence-based interventions, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, for alleviating these conditions. The priority conditions covered by the mhGAP-IG are depression, psychosis, dementia, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, behavioural disorders, developmental disorders, alcohol use disorders, drug use disorders, and suicide and self harm. The guide provides information on the diagnosis of each condition and the common interventions that can be offered to sufferers by non-specialists. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of commonly available non-pharmacological interventions wherever evidence exists for their efficacy. Referrals to the next level of care are suggested when such are indicated. The process of developing this tool was based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to generate an evidence-based, intervention package [12],[13]. Furthermore, the mhGAP-IG is not a stand-alone tool, but comes with a range of supporting technical tools, which includes a facilitator's guide for each module, a contextualization questionnaire, and tools for monitoring and evaluating its use.
There is wide variability in local circumstances among countries, both in regard to the organization of their health systems and the availability of resources to deliver the recommended interventions. Furthermore, differences also exist in the composition and training of health care personnel, loosely referred to as “non-specialists.” For example, in some countries these may be highly skilled doctors with postgraduate training in family medicine or general practice while in some others, especially in low resource settings, such providers may be community health workers with minimal training. For these reasons, it is recommended that a process of contextualization of the generic version of the mhGAP-IG be implemented in each country setting in order to produce a fully adapted version that meets with the needs of the extant health system in which it is to be used. This paper describes the process of adaptation and contextualization of the manual for the Nigerian health system, a system with broad similarities with those of many sub-Saharan African countries.
62 citations
TL;DR: The leaf and the stem bark have been the most frequently used plant parts while concoction and decoction were the most common method of preparation.
62 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of dye adsorption using activated carbon prepared from different sources and environmental implications is presented, together with its major challenges together with future prospects are summarized and discussed.
Abstract: The increase in number of modern industry in the twenty-first century that uses dye and ends up disposing it into the environment and water bodies causing diseases and other environmental risks to both aquatic life and human being is alarming. In response to the increasingly stringent discharge standards and discharge fee, textile industries must upgrade the performance of their wastewater treatment facilities with primary effort on reducing chemical oxygen demand and color. This paper presents a review of dye adsorption using activated carbon prepared from different sources and environmental implications. Also, its major challenges together with future prospects are summarized and discussed. Conclusively, the production of activated carbon from waste biomass for adsorption of these dyes is of great importance in pollution control and environmental conservation.
62 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the origin and evolution of diamantanes and adamantanes in petroleum, based on the results of pyrolysis experiments on different group components of crude oil and quantitative analyses of diamondoids in the pyrolysates.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of methanol -to-oil molar ratio, catalyst amount and reaction time on the transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) to biodiesel were investigated.
Abstract: In this study,the effects of methanol -to-oil molar ratio, catalyst amount and reaction time on the transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) to biodiesel were investigated. Methanol with calcium oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst was used for the transesterification process at a temperature of 60 o
57 citations
TL;DR: The high prevalence of glaucoma in the Akinyele district in southwestern Nigeria is comparable with those in predominantly black populations in theAkwapim-South district of Ghana and Barbados.
Abstract: PURPOSE To determine the prevalence and identify the types of glaucoma in the Akinyele district of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria. METHODS Residents of Akinyele district of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria aged 40 years and older were randomly selected in a stratified manner. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including visual acuity assessment, anterior segment biomicroscopy, IOP measurement, gonioscopy, optic nerve head and disc evaluation, and central visual field assessment. Glaucoma was diagnosed using the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology (ISGEO) classification scheme. RESULTS A sample of 811 subjects (90% response rate) was examined. The crude prevalence of all forms of glaucoma was 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5%-9.1%) with an age and sex standardized rate of 6.9% (95% CI 6.88%-6.92%). Primary open angle glaucoma was found in 6.2% (95% CI 4.5%-7.8%) and primary angle closure glaucoma in 0.2% (95% CI 0.0%-0.6%). Secondary glaucoma accounted for 0.9% of the cases, with couching and neovascular process being the main causes (0.2% each). Prevalence of glaucoma increased significantly with increasing age (P for trend < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of glaucoma (7.3%) in the Akinyele district in southwestern Nigeria is comparable with those in predominantly black populations in the Akwapim-South district of Ghana and Barbados. Primary open angle glaucoma remains the most prevalent form of glaucoma.
21 Apr 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, light hydrocarbon diluent was added in varied proportions to three emulsion samples collected from three different oil fields in Niger delta, Nigeria, to enhance the demulsification of crude oil emulsion.
Abstract: In crude oil production from brown fields or heavy oil, there is production of water in oil emulsions which can either be controlled or avoided. This emulsion resulted in an increase in viscosity which can seriously affect the production of oil from sand phase up to flow line. Failure to separate the oil and water mixture efficiently and effectively could result in problems such as overloading of surface separation equipments, increased cost of pumping wet crude, and corrosion problems. Light hydrocarbon diluent was added in varied proportions to three emulsion samples collected from three different oil fields in Niger delta, Nigeria, to enhance the demulsification of crude oil emulsion. The viscosity, total petroleum hydrocarbon, and quality of water were evaluated. The viscosity of the three emulsions considered reduced by 38, 31, and 18%. It is deduced that the increase in diluent blended with emulsion leads to a corresponding decrease in the value of viscosity. This in turn enhanced the rate of demulsification of the samples. The basic sediment and water (BS&W) of the top dry oil reduces the trace value the three samples evaluated, and with optimum value of diluent, TPH values show that the water droplets are safe for disposal and for other field uses.
TL;DR: In this paper, the feasibility of using modified plantain peel to remove 2,6-dichlorophenol from iaqueous solutions was investigated under batch mode, and the effects of physical factors such as initial 2, 6-DD concentration, contact time, biosorbent particle size, and temperature on the removal process were evaluated.
Abstract: In this study, the feasibility of using modified plantain peel to remove 2,6-dichlorophenol from iaqueous solutions was investigated under batch mode. The effects of physical factors such as initial 2,6-dichlorophenol concentration, contact time, biosorbent particle size, biosorbent dosage and temperature on the removal process were evaluated. The results showed that biosorption of 2,6-dichlorophenol was dependent on these factors. The equilibrium biosorption data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) adsorption isotherm models. The four tested isotherm models provided good fits to the experimental data obtained at 30°C; however, the Freundlich isotherm model provided the best correlation (R2 = 0.9874) of the experimental data. The maximum monolayer biosorption capacity (Q max ) was found to be 14.25 mg/g. The biosorption kinetics data of 2,6-dichlorophenol were analyzed by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, intraparticle diffusion, and liquid fil...
TL;DR: The ability of ackee apple seeds to remove Congo Red (CR) dye from aqueous solution was investigated in this article, where the effects of operational parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration and solution pH were studied in a batch system.
Abstract: The ability of ackee apple (AA) seeds to remove Congo Red (CR) dye from aqueous solution was investigated. AA was characterised using thermo gravimetric analyser, scanning electron microscopy, Braunauer Emmett Teller, pHpzc, elemental analysis and Boehm titration. The effects of operational parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration and solution pH were studied in a batch system. pH has a profound influence on the adsorption process. Maximum dye adsorption was observed at pH 3.0. The reaction was fast, reaching equilibrium in 90 min. Adsorption data were best described by Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a maximum monolayer coverage of 161.89 mg·g−1. Both boundary layer and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms were found to govern the adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard free energy change (Δ G 0), standard enthalpy change (Δ H 0), and standard entropy change (Δ S 0) were studied. Values of Δ G 0 varied between−30.94 ...
TL;DR: There is need for the involvement of the stakeholders in bridging the gap between knowledge and attitude of prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV among women.
Abstract: Introduction The fastest growing group of adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is women. As more women contract the virus, the number of children infected in utero, intra-partum, and during breastfeeding has been growing. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude of women of child bearing age towards the prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Materials and methods This is a descriptive cross sectional survey of 420 women of the reproductive age group (15-49 years) selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were obtained using interviewer-administered, pretested, semistructured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 15. Results A high level of awareness about HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was observed among the respondents (99.8%). The knowledge about MTCT and PMTCT of HIV was high, 92.1% and 91.4%, respectively. However, a significant portion (71.27%) of the study population had poor attitudes towards PMTCT of HIV. Conclusion Despite the high level of awareness of HIV/AIDS, and good knowledge about MTCT and PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among the respondents, the attitude towards PMTCT is poor. There is need for the involvement of the stakeholders in bridging the gap between knowledge and attitude of prevention of MTCT of HIV among women.
TL;DR: In this article, a framework of thermodynamic, energy and exergetic analyses of industrial steam boilers is presented for evaluating thermodynamic properties, energy, and exergy input and output resources.
TL;DR: Clinical diagnosis cannot be relied upon for accurate diagnosis of P. falciparum in endemic areas and PCR test performed best among the three methods followed by TFM and RDT in that order.
Abstract: This study compares the performance of clinical diagnosis and three laboratory diagnostic methods (thick film microscopy (TFM), rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria. Using clinical criteria, 217 children were recruited into the study out of which 106 (48.8%) were positive by TFM, 84 (38.7%) by RDT, and 125 (57.6%) by PCR. Using a composite reference method generated from the three diagnostic methods, 71 (32.7%) patients were found to be truly infected and 90 (41.5%) truly uninfected, while 56 (25.8%) were misidentified as infected or noninfected. When each of the 3 diagnostic methods was compared with the composite reference, PCR had sensitivity of 97.3%, specificity of 62.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.8%; microscopy had sensitivity of 77.2%, specificity of 72%, PPV of 66.9%, and NPV of 81.1%, while RDT had sensitivity of 62.3%, specificity of 87.4%, PPV of 67.7%, and NPV of 84.5%. PCR test performed best among the three methods followed by TFM and RDT in that order. The result of this study shows that clinical diagnosis cannot be relied upon for accurate diagnosis of P. falciparum in endemic areas.
TL;DR: This study suggests that Cd-induced CVD was associated with altered blood dysproteinemia, dyslipidaemia, and oxidative stress, and provided the first evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of AcE against atherosclerotic conditions and organ toxicity in C d-intoxicated rats via a mechanism independent of the circulating testosterone level.
TL;DR: The results indicate that the leaf ethanol extract of Petroselinum crispum was hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic at continued oral doses equal to or more than 1000 mg/kg, but no obvious toxicity when used at lower doses, therefore, there should be caution in its administration.
Abstract: Petroselinum crispum, a bright green biennial shrub is widely used traditionally as a food additive and herbal remedies for many ailments. This study therefore aimed to assess the toxic effects of its leaf extract using some biochemical, haematological parameters. The toxic effects were assessed by quantifying liver enzymes such as serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum protein and liver weight. Effects on haematological parameters were assessed by analysis of parked cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. Histopathological studies were done on the liver and kidneys. The extract caused significant increase in serum activity of alanine amino transferase and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. Other biochemical and haematological parameters were not affected at lower doses. Conversely, the liver weight was not affected after eight weeks of treatment at the dose levels studied. The organs obtained for pathological study, were structurally unchanged under histopathological evaluation at lower doses but inflammatory and necrotic features were observed at doses ≥ 1000 mg/kg. The results indicate that the leaf ethanol extract of Petroselinum crispum was hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic at continued oral doses equal to or more than 1000 mg/kg, but no obvious toxicity when used at lower doses. Therefore, there should be caution in its administration to avoid overdosing and known interaction with some medications. In addition, the plant should be kept away from pets and domestic animals and should not be cultivated on soil irrigated with waste water due to their ability to bio-accumulate toxic metals.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the effect of accounting information on quality of financial reports and decision-making of construction firms in the Ibadan metropolis of Nigeria, using a purposive sampling technique and both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed to analyze the data.
Abstract: Automated Accounting Information System (AAIS) provides a tool for finance department to enhance organizational effectiveness especially in this era of global technology advancement. The study examined the effect of accounting information system on organizational effectiveness with special reference to selected construction firms in the Ibadan metropolis. Specifically, the study examined the effects of accounting information on quality of financial reports and decision –making. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting a total of ten personnel from each of the selected companies as sample for the study. A hypothesis was formulated and both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed to analyze the data. The results show that accounting information system has effect on organizational effectiveness. Recommendations were subsequently made to both the managers of such organization and government on how the use of AAIS known as ‘Contract Plus– Financial and Project Accounting’ package software can enhance performance in Finance Departments.
TL;DR: Teachers need to have health education courses on common disease conditions such as epilepsy that are prevalent in school age; this might help to reduce the prejudice and increase the acceptance of epileptic individuals in the classrooms.
Abstract: Background: The attitudes toward people with epilepsy are influenced by the degree of knowledge of the condition. The social problems encountered by school children with epilepsy as a result of negative attitude and beliefs are quite enormous. Objectives The study therefore looked at the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of teachers, who see a lot of epileptics, relate to them on a daily basis and have influence on them. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using a self-administered questionnaire obtained from the author of a similar study in the United States, was carried out among 269 school teachers randomly selected from various secondary schools in Osogbo, the Osun State capital in South-West Nigeria. The questionnaire included the scale of attitudes toward persons with epilepsy and knowledge about epilepsy as well as demographic and teaching experience survey among others. Results Despite the high level of education of the teachers ranging from Masters Degree to National Certificate in Education, there were significant deficits in terms of general knowledge about epilepsy (70% of the respondents reported their general knowledge about epilepsy in the lower half of the scale). There was also poor knowledge of the first aids measures in the classrooms. Below one-third (29.2%) felt it was contagious and 40% of respondents reported that sufferers should not be kept in regular classes. However, their attitudes toward epilepsy were generally positive. Conclusions and Recommendations: We concluded that teachers need to have health education courses on common disease conditions such as epilepsy that are prevalent in school age; this might help to reduce the prejudice and increase the acceptance of epileptic individuals in the classrooms. Also, generally public health campaigns should be encouraged in this field.
TL;DR: In this study, drying characteristics of pretreated and untreated pumpkin were examined in a hot-air dryer at air temperatures within a range of 40–80 °C and a constant air velocity of 1.5 m/s and indicated that the Parabolic model is appropriate to describe the dehydration behavior for the pumpkin.
Abstract: In this study, drying characteristics of pretreated and untreated pumpkin were examined in a hot-air dryer at air temperatures within a range of 40–80 °C and a constant air velocity of 1.5 m/s. The drying was observed to be in the falling-rate drying period and thus liquid diffusion is the main mechanism of moisture movement from the internal regions to the product surface. The experimental drying data for the pumpkin fruits were used to fit Exponential, General exponential, Logarithmic, Page, Midilli-Kucuk and Parabolic model and the statistical validity of models tested were determined by non-linear regression analysis. The Parabolic model had the highest R2 and lowest χ2 and RMSE values. This indicates that the Parabolic model is appropriate to describe the dehydration behavior for the pumpkin.
TL;DR: In this paper, the thermochemical characteristics of Parinari polyandra Benth fruit shell were investigated using standard methods including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), proximate and ultimate analysis, structural composition and bomb calorimeter.
TL;DR: Most of the patients in this cross-sectional study had low overall cardiovascular risk according to the three risk equations, and the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in PLWHIV with no overt vascular disease was high.
Abstract: Background: Reports from middle- and high-income countries suggest that the improved health outcome from highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV) is being mitigated by increase in deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aims: This study was to determine the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and the 10-year cardiovascular risk using three risk equations in PLWHIV with no overt vascular disease. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 265 PLWHIV. We classified the subjects as having low, moderate or high cardiovascular risk using the Framingham, World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) and Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) equations. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 38.7 8.7 years; 179 (67.5%) were females and 214 (80.8%) were on HAART. The prevalent traditional CVRFs in our cohort were low physical activity (66%), low HDL-C (49.1%), hypercholesterolaemia (33.6%), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 (32.8%) and elevated LDL-C (28.3%). The prevalence of smoking was very low (1.9%). The prevalence of moderate to high 10-year coronary risk was 11.7, 12.8, and 12.8% according to the Framingham, WHO/ISH and SCORE risk equations, respectively. Conclusion: Most of our patients had low overall cardiovascular risk according to the three risk equations.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the adsorptive potential of activated carbon prepared by chemical activation from oil palm fruit fibre (OPFAC) to remove malachite green (MG) dye from its aqueous solution was investigated.
Abstract: The adsorptive potential of activated carbon prepared by chemical activation from oil palm fruit fibre (OPFAC) to remove malachite green (MG) dye from its aqueous solution was investigated in this study. The OPFAC prepared was characterized by means of BET, TGA, FTIR, pH pzc , elemental analysis and Boehm titration. Operational parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial dye concentration and temperature were studied in batch process. It was found that OPFAC has a larger surface area and total pore volume than commercially activated carbon. The adsorption process attained equilibrium in 45 minutes. Equilibrium data were tested by using two isotherm models: Langmuir and Freundlich. It was found that adsorption of MG on OPFAC correlated well with the Langmuir isothermmodel with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 356.27 mg g –1 . The kinetics of the adsorption process was tested by means of pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best correlation for the experimental data studied. The adsorption process is controlled by both the boundary layer and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms. The thermodynamic study showed that the process is endothermic, spontaneous and feasible. Cost analysis revealed that OPFAC is 20 times cheaper than commercially available activated carbon. KEYWORDS Oil palm fruit fibre, dye, adsorption, spontaneous, endothermic, activated carbon.
TL;DR: Results from this study shows that exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon led to renal dysfunction via oxidative stress, increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing the antioxidant defense mechanism.
Abstract: Objective: The study investigates the possible role of oxidative stress on renal tissues in association with petroleum hydrocarbon-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Rats of comparable weights were randomly distributed into 10 groups: Control and groups exposed to kerosene, petrol, and diesel via inhalation, contamination by food, and contamination by water. The exposure lasted for eight weeks. Results: Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon led to significant rise in serum urea and creatinine, and renal tissue malondialdehyde. It also caused significant reduction in urinary urea and creatinine, and reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities of renal tissue homogenate. However, serum and urine concentrations of albumin and total protein were comparable in all groups. Conclusion: Results from this study shows that exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon led to renal dysfunction via oxidative stress, increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing the antioxidant defense mechanism.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the threat posed by increasing amount of dyes on daily basis, especially on our ecosystem, has brought a serious search for more efficient low-cost adsorbents.
Abstract: The threat posed by increasing amount of dyes on daily basis, especially on our ecosystem, has brought a serious search for more efficient low-cost adsorbents. Sand is mixed with cement and water to make concrete, used in the manufacture of brick, glass and other materials, and it can also be used as a medium for the filtration of water. Sand, which is ubiquitous, has been used as an adsorbent because of its enormous availability in the local environment. This review reveals that further research must be conducted to bring to the fore the expansive laboratory, industrial and environmental usage of sand materials as dye adsorbents. Consequently, the usage of different types of sand in the field of adsorption science represents a viable and powerful tool, resulting into the superior improvement in pollution control and environmental preservation.
TL;DR: It was established that the biosorption process was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model gave the best fit.
Abstract: The object of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using modified spent tea leaves to remove naphthalene from its aqueous solution under batch mode. The effects on the removal process of physical factors, such as initial naphthalene concentration, contact time, biosorbent dosage, pH and temperature, have been evaluated. The equilibrium biosorption data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) adsorption isotherm models. These models provided a good fit to the experimental data, but the Langmuir isotherm model provided the best correlation (R 2=0.993) to the experimental data. The biosorption kinetic data of naphthalene were analyzed by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion and surface mass transfer kinetic models. These four kinetic models fitted the biosorption kinetic data well, but the pseudo-first-order kinetic model gave the best fit. The activation energy (E a ) was found to be 15.89 kJ per mole and the thermodynamic ...
TL;DR: The general effect of Calotropis latex on wound-healing was noted and its similarity to that of triamcinolone, an anti-keloidal agent; this makes it a probable candidate for future anti-keloidal study using a suitable model.
Abstract: Calotropis Procera (CP) has been used in the management of toothache, fresh skin burns, gum bleeding as well as others to make it qualify as a medicinal plant. This study was designed to assess its wound-healing property in rabbits and its potentials for anti keloidal activity.Fresh latex of Calotropis were obtained and evaluated phytochemically. Fifteen male rabbits were used and four excisional wounds were created on each rabbit. The rabbits were divided into five groups of three each. Group 1 was the negative control and received no treatment. The wounds of group 2 animals were treated with 2mL of Calotropis latex; group 3 with 2mL honey; and group 4 with a mixture of 1ml honey and 1 mL of the latex. The animals in group 5 were given 2mg triamcinolone intramuscularly. All the groups had their wounds treated daily for 21 days. The wounds' diameters were measured on the day of wound creation, thereafter on days 7, 14 and 21 post wound creation. Biopsies of the wounds were taken on days 3 and 21 and viewed histologically. Phytochemical study of the latex revealed the presence of glycosides, tannins and alkaloids. The wounds were found to be significantly (p<0.05) reduced in groups treated with 50% latex in honey and triamcinolone, respectively, on day 7 post wound creation while there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in wound surface area in all treated groups on days 14 and 21 post wound creation. Histological findings in untreated group showed thick bundle of collagen fibres some of which had broad based configurations, reminiscent of keloid. The group treated with 2mL of Calotropis latex revealed the presence of florid granulation tissues on day 3 while there was a marked reduction in quantity and size of collagen fibres on day 21 post wound creation which was comparable with what was seen for the triamcinolone-treated group.The general effect of Calotropis latex on wound-healing was noted. Likewise it's similarity to that of triamcinolone, an anti-keloidal agent; this makes it a probable candidate for future anti-keloidal study using a suitable model.
TL;DR: Investigating the effect of nutrient supplement and microbial species augmentation on biodegradation of lubricating motor oil (LMO) and lead uptake by the autochthonous microorganism in LMO and lead-impacted soil found promising potential for effective remediation of soils co-contaminated with hydrocarbons and heavy metals.
Abstract: The focus of this study was to investigate the effect of nutrient supplement (urea fertilizer) and microbial species augmentation (mixed culture of Aeromonas, Micrococcus, and Serratia sp.) on biodegradation of lubricating motor oil (LMO) and lead uptake by the autochthonous microorganism in LMO and lead-impacted soil were investigated. The potential inhibitory effects of lead on hydrocarbon utilization were investigated over a wide range of lead concentrations (25–200 mg/kg) owing to the complex co-contamination problem frequently encountered in most sites. Under aerobic conditions, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) removal was 45.3% in the natural attenuation microcosm while a maximum of 72% and 68.2% TPH removal was obtained in biostimulation and bioaugmentation microcosms, respectively. Lead addition, as lead nitrate, to soil samples reduced the number of hydrocarbon degraders in all samples by a wide range (11–52%) depending on concentration and similarly, the metabolic activities were affected as o...