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Showing papers in "Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences in 2015"



Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, a vertical electrical sounding (VES) was carried out in southern Paiko, north central Nigeria, using Abem Terrameter model SAS 4000, with a view of determining the subsurface layer parameters (resistivities, depths and thicknesses) that were employed in delineating groundwater potential and sites for structural development of the area.
Abstract: Vertical electrical sounding (VES) was carried out in southern Paiko, north central Nigeria, using Abem Terrameter model SAS 4000. The study area which is about 100km square, falls within the basement complex region of Nigeria with an elevation of 304m above sea level. The study was carried out with a view of determining the subsurface layer parameters (resistivities, depths and thicknesses) that were employed in delineating groundwater potential and sites for structural development of the area. A total of six transverses with ten VES stations along each traverse, having separation of 50m apart, were investigated. It has a maximum current electrode separation (AB/2) of 100m. Three to four distinct geoelectric layers were observed namely; Top layer, weathered layer, fractured layer, and fresh basement layer. Top layer has resistivity, depth and thickness range of 194-4582Ωm, 0.5-47.9m and 0.5-47.9m respectively. Second layer has a range of: resistivity, 11-8475.2Ωm; depth, 1.33-59.6m and thickness, 0.13-55.7m. Third layer has a range of: resistivity, 42.0-9730.9Ωm; the depth and thickness are not defined in some part of the area, while the fourth layer has a resistivity range of 50.2-9145.7Ωm, its depth and thickness are not defined. Eighteen VES stations were delineated as groundwater potentials of the area, having third and fourth layer resistivities ranging from 98Ωm to 309Ωm. Depths range found were from 12.50m to 25.70m and thickness varying between 6.94m and 23.98m. The southeastern and northwestern part of the study area having good aquifer at depths ranging from 21.00m to 26.70m, thickness varying between 18.75m and 55.7m are good sites for location of viable boreholes for potable water. Also the southeast and northwestern parts of the area were delineated for structural development having depths to bedrock varying between 0.63m and 3.99m. Most part of the study area have weak protective capacity, hence are prone to contamination. KEYWORDS : Vertical electrical sounding, groundwater potentials, Southern Paiko, protective capacity, structural development sites, depths to bedrock

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The study concluded that the differences in the accessions of S.stenocarpa could be explored in breeding programme for improved crop by exploring the degree of diversity in some accessions in Nigeria.
Abstract: Characterisation of Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex A. Rich) Harms (African yam bean) was carried out to determine the degree of diversity in some accessions in Nigeria. Twelve accessions of S. stenocarpa collected from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, were grown for morphological variability studies in the Screenhouse facility at the Botanical garden, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Quantitative and qualitative variables were measured 16 weeks after planting. Quantitative data were analysed using Analysis of Variance in SPSS 16.0 for Windows. Cluster analysis was conducted to group the accessions into various cluster groups. Quantitative characters such as length, width and area of terminal leaf, petiole length, number of leaves, number of branches, stem length, and stem diameter were significantly different among the accessions. Variation of leaf colour ranging from pale to deep green exists in the accessions. Stem and petiole pigmentation varied together. Stem girth was different for TSs 162 and TSs 373. Number of branches and leaves distinguishes TSs 138, 152 and 311 from the other accessions. TSs 115, 154 and 163 were morphologically comparable while TSs 41, 125, 139 and 209 had plant height, leaf length, width and area distinguishing them from the other groups. The study concluded that the differences in the accessions of S.stenocarpa could be explored in breeding programme for improved crop. KEYWORDS : African yam bean, breeding, crop improvement, morphological characters, variability.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The current state of nursing informatics education and use in Nigeria is examined and solutions for its future expansion are proffer.
Abstract: In order to function in the increasingly complex healthcare environment, every nurse is required to have basic computer competencies, be able to access, use and evaluate relevant nursing information and possess information management skills. Nurse Faculty, Nurse/Midwife educators are vested with the responsibility of producing the crop of nurses who have the capabilities to fit into the current trend of nursing practice. Literature has shown that comprehensive informatics content is lacking in the nursing curricular at all levels of nursing education in Nigeria. There is preponderance of evidence showing that training in NI is critical in the delivery of safe and quality patient care. This paper examines the current state of nursing informatics education and use in Nigeria and proffer solutions for its future expansion. It is recommended as follows: Nursing programme accrediting bodies in Nigeria (National University Commission [NUC] and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria [NMCN] should modify their requirements to reflect the value of NI. NI should be incorporated into the nursing curricular at all levels. Nursing administrators such as Deans, Heads of Department, Director of Nursing Services and Principals as well as Nursing associations like National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives [NANNM] and Nigerian Association of University Nursing Programme [NAUNP], should create opportunities for faculty members, Nurse/Midwife educators to develop knowledge & skills required to teach nursing informatics. Faculty members & Nurse/Midwife educators should acquire informatics training and advocate for curricular changes that incorporate informatics and collaborate with colleagues in the clinical settings to provide opportunities for nursing students to utilize informatics tools. KEY WORDS : Nursing informatics, Nursing informatics education, Competencies, Health informatics.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, thermal and ventilation parameters, obtained in a transient, laminar solar chimney of reduced dimensions, (1 < m <3) m with a square collector (side = 2m) is presented.
Abstract: The study of thermal and ventilation parameters, obtained in a transient, laminar solar chimney of reduced dimensions, (1 < m <3) m with a square collector (side = 2m) is presented. Experimental measurements has been made to determine the temperature of the absorber and the fluid in the collector, it is shown that at the entrance of the chimney, the temperature of the absorber decreases slightly while that of the fluid is maintained at a maximum level. Temperature differences were observed up to 32°C between the atmosphere and the fluid in April. A temperature variation at the absorber depending on the stack height is presented. Temperature measurements in the chimney, at various heights depending on the axial coordinate, show a variable temperature profile. It is, from these, shown that, in the selected interval of stack height, the average speeds of output increase linearly as a function of stack height. For a chimney of 3m in height and 20cm in diameter, a maximum speed of approximately 0.7 ms -1 was observed. The lack of appropriate equipment handicaps the velocity measurement at the chimney entrance. Thus, the results of simulations with the computer code COMSOL 5.1 has confirmed temperature values measured at the chimney entrance and after this, velocity values are determined.

9 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: This study shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasites on vegetables in Ibadan markets and the need for public enlightenment campaigns on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and raw vegetables.
Abstract: Studies were carried out in Ibadan City, South-West Nigeria between March and June 2011, to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in vegetables sold in various markets within the city Fifty samples each of 5 different vegetable types, Cabbage ( Brassica deracea ), Lettuce ( Lactus sativa ), Carrot ( Daucus carota ), Cucumber and green leafy vegetables were bought randomly from five different markets and examined for parasites in the laboratory using sedimentation method Results show that 29(116%) out of the 250 vegetable samples examined had intestinal parasites The prevalence of intestinal parasites in these plant tissues was found to be 220% in Cabbage, 140% in Carrot, 120% in lettuce and 100% in Green leafy vegetables No parasites were detected in the 50 cucumber samples Intestinal parasites detected included ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (517%), Hookworm larvae (276%) and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (207%) This study shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasites on vegetables in Ibadan markets and the need for public enlightenment campaigns on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and raw vegetables KEYWORDS : Intestinal parasites, vegetable, market, sedimentation technique, South-West Nigeria

8 citations




Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the chemical profile of the Endocarp and Exocarp of yellow monkey cola (Cola lepidota) were investigated using chemical analysis. And the results of proximate analysis showed that the endocarp has the following compositions: moisture (20.00 + 0.10%W/W), ash (4.00+ 0.11%DM), crude fibre (36.42 + 0.12%DM) and the energy value (320.10 kcal/100g).
Abstract: The chemical profile of the Endocarp and Exocarp of yellow monkey cola (Cola lepidota) were investigated using chemical analysis. The results of proximate analysis showed that the endocarp has the following compositions: moisture (20.00 + 0.10%W/W), ash (4.00 + 0.11%DM), crude fibre (36.00 + 0.12%DM), crude fat (16.00 + 0.11%DM), crude protein (22.84 + 0.12%DM), available carbohydrate (21.16 + 0.12%DM) and the energy value (320.00 + 0.01kcal/100g) while the exocarp contained moisture (22.00 + 0.12%W/W), ash (8.00 + 0.11%DM), crude fibre (7.00 + 0.11%DM), crude fat (12.50 + 0.10%DM), crude protein (1.58 + 0.11%DM) available carbohydrate (70.92 + 0.11%DM) and the energy value (402.42 + 0.10 kcal/100g). The endocarp mineral elements analysis revealed that sodium (0.033 + 0.21 mg/100g), lead (0.004 + 0.12mg/100g) cadmium (0.002 + 0.11mg/100) calcium (78.35 + 0.12 mg/100g), zinc (55.32 + 0.12mg/100), phosphorus (0.068 + 0.12mg/100g), iron (47.45 + 0.11 mg/100g) and manganese (0.09 + 0.31 mg/100g) while the exocarp mineral elements analysis revealed that sodium (0.011 + 0.11 mg/100g), magnesium (0.02 + 0.11 mg/100g), lead (0.02 + 0.12mg/100g), cadmium (0.03 + 00.12mg/100g), zinc (12.16 + 0.12mg/100g), potassium (17.21 + 0.12mg/100g), calcium (22.55 + 0.11mg/100g), iron (11.21 + 0.32mg/100g) and manganese (0.003 + 0.12mg/100g). The mineral element concentrations of cobalt, nickel and mercury were not detected in both endocarp and exocarp of cola lepidota. The toxicants composition analysis of endocarp revealed that hydro-cyanide, soluble oxalate and phytic acids contents were 0.54 + 0.01, 8.65 + 0.12 and 5.50 + 0.12 mg/100gDM respectively, while the exocarp revealed 0.09 + 0.12, 0.01 + 0.11 and 4.00 + 0.11 mg/100gDM respectively. The results of phytochemical screening of water extract (WE) of both endocarp and exocarp of cola lepidota shows the presence of polyphenols, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and saponins and the absence of phlobatannins, tannins, anthranoids and anthraquinones. The petroleum ether extract (PEE) revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and reducing sugars and also the absence of alkaloids, tannins, phlobatanins, anthranoids and authraquinones.

6 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Vague soft set relation mappings and inverse vague soft set relationship mappings are proposed, and some related properties are discussed.
Abstract: In this paper an attempt is made to extend some standard results in set theory on the basis of soft set relations. Vague soft set relation mappings and inverse vague soft set relation mappings are proposed, and some related properties are discussed. AMS subject classification: 04A72.

5 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, the potential health risks associated with domestic use of surface water from an active Pb-Zn mine pit, compared to a nearby pond were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Abstract: This study evaluated the potential health risks associated with domestic use of surface water from an active Pb-Zn mine pit, compared to a nearby pond. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Mn, Co, Cu, Ni and Cr were quantitatively determined in water samples collected from Enyigba Pb-Zn mine and a nearby Uruva pond using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed varying concentrations of these metals in the samples. The mean values of the metals (mg/L) in the samples from the pit mine (in bracket from Uruva pond) are Pb – 0.80 (0.50), Zn – 0.14 (0.08) , Mn – 0.20 (0.16), Co – 0.07 (0.07), Cu – 0.30 (0.12), Ni – 0.31 (0.80) and Cr – 0.19 (0.23). When compared with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended limits for metals in drinking water, the values of Pb, Mn, Ni and Cr exceeded the limits in both samples while the values of Zn, Cu and Co were below the limits. The levels of significant differences in the sources of concentrations of the metals in both samples were tested at 95% confidence level (α = 0.05) using F- and student’s t-tests. It showed no evidence of differences (t exps < t crits ), suggesting that the metal contamination of the water samples originated from common sources, such as the soil geochemistry of the area KEYWORDS : metal contamination, Pb-Zn mining, surface water, Enyigba mine pit, Uruva pond

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of battery wastes on the physicochemical properties of the soil were examined in three battery chargers' workshops in Benin City, Edo State at 0-15 cm depth.
Abstract: Difference in soil qualities has been noticeable in many soils due to anthropogenic sources, especially of automobile battery wastes. This study examines the effects of automobile battery wastes on the physicochemical properties of the soil. Soil samples for this study were collected in triplicates from three battery chargers’ workshops: Adolor, Edaiken and Uwelu in Benin City, Edo State at 0-15cm depth, in the months of August, September and October. The soil physicochemical parameters analyzed indicate variations of values in the contaminated soil over uncontaminated soil (control). Among the parameters examined, conductivity was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the contaminated soil (59.3- 184mho/cm) than in the uncontaminated soil. Notably, a more acidic pH value of 3.7-4.5 was also recorded beyond standard limits of 6.5~8.5. Meanwhile phosphorus was relatively high (1.95-3.35) and nitrogen (0.08-0.15) was low as against the control value of 2.71 and 0.18 respectively. Heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Copper (Cu) were present in different concentrations in contaminated soil sample which ranges from far above acceptable standard limit between (0.288-0.875, 0.757- 1.342, 0.108-0.279, 0.718-1.062 and 0.272-0.518 mg/kg) compared to their values in the control soil sample having 0.003, 0.125, 0, 0 and 0.063 mg/kg respectively. Battery wastes were found to be significant sources of Cadmium and Chromium, as none of both was detected in the control soil sample. The daily activities of auto-mechanic battery workshops have negative impacts on soil physicochemical properties. Note, the soil in mechanic battery workshops needs urgent cleanup to minimize contamination of ecological materials and public health implication. This work will prove valuable in providing baseline information for further soil quality monitoring studies in study area KEYWORDS : Physicochemical, Heavy metals, Battery wastes, Contaminated and uncontaminated soil.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The results showed that Trichomonas vaginalis can tolerate wide range of acidic pH (4-5.5) and there is need for more awareness campaign and action plan for the control and elimination of this neglected common tropical disease of the youth.
Abstract: The status of a neglected, common tropical protozoan parasitic flagellate, Trichomonas vaginalis , causing vulvovaginal trichomonias is (VVT) was re-evaluated among female subjects in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study area consisted University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) and Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), all in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta Region. Informed consent was sought and obtained before sample collection. Standard parasitological techniques were employed in vaginal swab and urine analysis. Two hundred and forty female subjects, aged 11-60 years were examined in 2014, out of which 22.5% were infected whereas in the precious study in 2006, the prevalence was 10% out of 500 subjects. UPTH had more VVT rates(9.7%, 30%) than BMSH (8%, 18.8%), in both studies respectively, although the infection is not location dependent (P>0.05). Age group 11-20 years (46.7%) had the highest infection rate inlatter with age group 51-60 years(5%) as the least; age group 19-29 years had (16.5%) as the highest in the former. Occupational prevalence shows that undergraduates and students were more infected with VVT (40%) and (25%) than others in latter while traders were most infected (11.1%) in the former, although VVT was not significantly (p>0.05) occupation related. Non-pregnant subjects (26.6%) were more infected than pregnant ones (14%);statistical analysis showed that pregnancy has close association with VVT butit is not pregnancy dependent (p>0.05). The unmarried (30%) had higher prevalence than married (11.7%). The results showed that Trichomonas vaginalis can tolerate wide range of acidic pH (4-5.5). The prevalence of VVT is on the increase; there is need for more awareness campaign and action plan for the control and elimination of this neglected common tropical disease of the youth. KEYWORD : Vulvovaginal trichomoniasis, women, Niger Delta Region, re-evaluation, upsurge.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The importance of using a conceptual framework toguide a study, the criteria that should guide the appraisal and selection of a framework; challenges that can hinder utilization of framework to guide research work and measures of improving utilization of conceptual framework in nursing research are highlighted.
Abstract: The Nursing and Midwifery Councils of many nations including Nigeria and nursing departments of various Universities and institutions have made it mandatory that conceptual and theoretical framework are used to guide Nursing research presented as part of the requirements for the award of certificates and degrees. However, it is often observed that many researchers are not skilled in the use of conceptual and theoretical framework and many do not also utilize conceptual or theoretical framework to guide studies conducted after graduation from their various educational institutions. Others do so for some parts of the research and do not also explain how the framework can be used to guide implementation of the study findings. Additionally, many publishers of research reports do not also demand for inclusion of framework in papers accepted for publication. This paper is aimed at highlighting the importance of using a conceptual framework to guide a study, the criteria that should guide the appraisal and selection of a framework; challenges that can hinder utilization of framework to guide research work and measures of improving utilization of conceptual framework in nursing research. KEYWORDS : Conceptual, Framework, Nursing, Research, Theoretical.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The concept of ordering on vague soft set is introduced, and some related properties are discussed.
Abstract: The traditional soft set is a mapping from a parameter to the crisp subset of universe. Molodtsov introduced the theory of soft sets as a generalized tool for modeling complex systems involving uncertain or not clearly defined objects. In this paper we introduce the concept of ordering on vague soft set, and some related properties are discussed. AMS subject classification:

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was made that gaps exist in parental perception and attitudes towards teenage pregnant girls and it is recommended that parents should reappraise and strengthen their obligations towards their adolescent/teenage daughters to enable them achieve their full potentials through prevention of teenage pregnancies.
Abstract: Teenage pregnancy is a social menace and common public health problem. It is detrimental to both mother and child because teenage mother is not physically, psychologically and economically ready to bear a child. This phenomenon has multiple adverse consequences on maternal health, child health and overall wellbeing of the society. This study investigated the perception and attitudes of parents towards teenage pregnancy in a rural community in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The objectives included: to determine parents’ perception on teenage pregnancy and to determine parents’ attitudes towards teenage pregnancy. A null hypothesis was stated to test the association between demographic characteristics of parents and their attitude towards teenage pregnancy. Descriptive survey was used and data were collected through self administered questionnaire to a sample of 309 respondents selected through purposive sampling. SPSS version 21.0 was utilized for data analysis. The findings included that 93% of parents claimed that a pregnant teenager outside wedlock is a social deviant and 85.8% said teenage pregnancy is a sign of parental failure. Their attitudinal behaviour showed that the affected girl would be sent away from the family (32.7%), parents would stop her education (49.8%) and that the girl would be abandoned to the man/boy responsible for the pregnancy. Sociodemographic characteristics of parents depicted by gender, education and religion were significantly associated with the attitudes of parents towards teenage pregnancy. Conclusion was made that gaps exist in parental perception and attitudes towards teenage pregnant girls. Therefore, it is recommended that parents should reappraise and strengthen their obligations towards their adolescent/teenage daughters to enable them achieve their full potentials through prevention of teenage pregnancies.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the socioeconomic determinants of the production of Pro-vitamin A cassava varieties by farmers in Etim Ekpo L.G.A., Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were assessed.
Abstract: This study assessed the socio-economic determinants of the production of Pro-vitamin A Cassava varieties by farmers in Etim Ekpo L.G.A., Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty-eight (158) respondents were selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Field data were elicited with the use of questionnaire randomly distributed to the respondents. Data were analyzed with frequency, percentage, mean and multiple regression. The results revealed that majority of the respondents were females (62.66%), married (68.99%) and 30-50 years (72.15%). Results also indicated that Income (T = 2.21), Age (T = 1.93) Farm size (T = 1.92) Marital status (T = 1.29) and Labour (T = 6.30) are the socio-economic variables that influenced the production of pro – vitamin A cassava varieties. Pro – vitamin A cassava varieties mostly planted by the farmers are TMS 01/1412 (94.34%), TMS 01/1368 (92.40%), TMS 01/ 1371 (68.35%), NR 03/0311 (58 – 23%) other varieties of Cassava (61.39%). It was recommended that essential rural development facilities should be provided for cassava farmers in the rural communities of Etim Ekpo L. G. A and Akwa Ibom State in general. KEYWORDS : Socio-economic, production, Pro-vitamin A cassava, and varieties Etim Ekpo.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings have established the need for making information on PPE widely available to practicing Registered Nurses in Calabar and established theneed for employers of nurses to take urgent steps to improve health and safety policies and procedures at the work place.
Abstract: Background A healthy work environment has tremendous benefits on organizational performance, health service delivery, health worker performance and patient outcome. In 2009, International Council of Nurses (ICN) undertook a global survey which sought for nurses’ opinion on the nursing profession and their work environment in 11 countries, excluding Nigeria. Little is known about how Nigerian nurses, particularly nurses in Cross River state perceive their work environment. This study explores registered nurses’ perceptions and experiences with selected features of a positive practice environment, as a basis for developing an intervention strategy for improving nurses’ work environment in Calabar, Cross River state. Methods This study was a descriptive survey by design. Perceptions of features of positive practice environment were explored among Registered Nurses in full time employment at tertiary and secondary health facilities in Calabar using a modified 51-item standard structured questionnaire originally developed by Pfizer to measure Nurses expectations and needs in a 2009 ICN Quadrennial Study. The questionnaire was adapted with the permission of Pfizer. Data werecomputer analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 15. Interrelationships between variables were tested using Chi- Square analysis. Results The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 37.4 ± 8.3 years while respondents’ mean (SD) working experience was 15.8 ± 8.7 years. The respondents were predominantly female 149(90.3%) while 109 (66.1%) were married. The level of education indicated that most 110(66.7%) had diploma in Nursing, 43(26.1%) had first degree, and 12(7.3%) had post-graduate qualification. Most 86(52.1%) of the nurses had heard just a little some about positive practice environment (PPE), 30(18.2%) had heard nothing at all while only 49(29.7%) were quite knowledgeable. The features of PPE rated highly by the participants were clear and comprehensive description of their job responsibility 75(45.5%) and an environment of team work and collegiality 71(43.0%). Similarly, in their practice experience, the very positive feature in their work environment was an environment of open communication, teamwork and collegiality 60(36.4); clear and comprehensive description of their job responsibility 53(32.1%). Most favorable aspect of nursing identified by the nurses was helping patients/patient contact 75 (45.5%) while the most unfavourable aspect of nursing identified were risk of contracting infections 61(37.0%). Although 96(58.2%) of the participants opined that nursing is better today than 5 years ago, only 50(30.3%) were very satisfied with nursing while 103(61.8%) of the nurses expressed the desire to remain in the nursing profession in the next 5 years. Discussion The findings have established the need for making information on PPE widely available to practicing Registered Nurses in Calabar. Employers of nurses should take urgent steps to improve health and safety policies and procedures at the work place to create a more positive practice environment for nurses to perform their duties and improve patient outcome. More efforts are required by the professional association to negotiate better pay packages, benefits and incentives for nurses in order to guarantee nurses wellbeing and retention in the profession. KEYWORDS : Positive Practice Environment, HealthCare, Registered Nurses, Satisfaction, Nigeria

Journal Article
TL;DR: This paper contains the theoretical idea and explanation of the different types of PSO algorithms, selection of the various parameters and their influences, controlling the convergence behaviors ofPSO.
Abstract: The optimization is mathematical technique that minimizing or maximizing some parameters of importance from the feasible region. In other words optimization is the selection of a best element on the bunch of alternatives. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a relatively new, efficient, robust and simple optimization algorithm which proves to work efficiently well on many of these optimization problems. Particle Swarm Optimization is a stochastic multi point search algorithm which models the social behavior of the birds flocking or fish schooling for food. It is widely used to find the global optimum solution in a complex search space. A large number of studies have been done to improve its performance This paper contains the theoretical idea and explanation of the different types of PSO algorithms, selection of the various parameters and their influences, controlling the convergence behaviors of PSO. This paper discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each method tried to highlight them. This paper reviews some kinds of improved versions as well as recent progress in the development of the PSO

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the probability that an element of a group fixes a set is considered as one of the extensions of commutativity degree that can be obtained by some group actions on a set.
Abstract: The probability that an element of a group fixes a set is considered as one of the extensions of commutativity degree that can be obtained by some group actions on a set We denote G as a metacyclic 2-group of positive type of nilpotency of class at least three and O as the set of all subsets of all commuting elements of G of size two in the form of a,b , where a and b commute and each of order two In this paper, we compute the probability that an element of G fixes a set in which G acts regularly on O Then the results are applied to graph theory, more precisely to generalized conjugacy class graph

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a fixed hemispheric concentrator with a crescent receiver is presented, where the position of the receiver is adjusted every three days taking into account the declination.
Abstract: We present in this paper, a craft prototype of a fixed hemispheric concentrator, built from small square mirrors with a moon crescent receiver. The position of the receiver is adjusted every three days taking into account the declination. This system achieves a geometric mean concentration of 122 and the experimental measurements lead to temperatures varying between 120°C and 260°C in the plan for the least diffusion. The proposed improvements should allow for more competitiveness and convenience than the Scheffler system with its electromechanical sun tracking. KEYWORDS : hemispheric concentrator, Fixed Mirror Distributed Focus – FMDF, Solar bowl, Scheffler,

Journal Article
TL;DR: A universal strategy, based on the combined use of quarantine and vaccination strategies, is shown to be more effective than the singular implementation of either the vaccina17 tion or quarantine strategy.
Abstract: 1 A two-group model for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is de2 signed and used to assess the impact of quarantine of susceptible individuals and a hypothetical 3 anti-MERS-CoV vaccine on the transmission dynamics of MERS-CoV within the two groups. 4 The model undergoes a backward bifurcation, which is shown to arise due to the assumption 5 that the hypothetical vaccine offers incomplete protection against infection. The model can 6 have one or more endemic equilibria when the associated reproduction number exceeds unity. 7 Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses are carried out to determine the effect of uncertainties in 8 the parameter estimates of the model, as well as to determine the main parameters that drive 9 the disease transmission process. The model is re-formulated as an optimal control problem, 10 and the resulting model is used to evaluate the impact of various control strategies. Numerical 11 simulations of the optimal control model suggest that if the cost of implementing quarantine and 12 vaccination strategies are high, the two strategies can be administered optimally by using their 13 maximum feasible (coverage) levels for a relatively shorter period of time (i.e., “hit-hard and 14 hit-early”), and the coverage level then continuously decreased the next few days afterwards. 15 Furthermore, a universal strategy, based on the combined use of quarantine and vaccination 16 strategies, is shown to be more effective than the singular implementation of either the vaccina17 tion or quarantine strategy. 18

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was concluded that clinical simulation is a safe and effective method for nursing students to experience and practice patient examination using clinical scenarios to overcome challenging circumstances.
Abstract: Acquisition of knowledge and skills by nursing students before real-life practice is a familiar nursing education challenge. The use of clinical simulation in nursing education provides many opportunities for students to learn and apply theoretical principles of nursing care in a safe environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nursing students’ perceptions of clinical simulation as a teaching/learning method to increase self-efficacy during clinical practice in a nursing undergraduate program. A survey design was used for the study. A sample of 45 students completed the survey, indicating their confidence in various skills necessary for patient examination, both before and after the simulation experience. Results indicated that students experienced a significant increase in overall selfefficacy (p < .01), confidence in assessing vital signs (p < .01), clinical judgment (p < .01), communication ability (p <.001), and in providing patient education (p < .001). It was concluded hat clinical simulation is a safe and effective method for nursing students to experience and practice patient examination using clinical scenarios to overcome challenging circumstances. Keywords : Clinical Practice, Perception, Simulation, Nursing students

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper illustrates how documents in an organization, most specifically the University can be monitored, and shows a simple and effective graphic user interface, ensuring privacy for users and effective document monitoring.
Abstract: Document monitoring has been an area of concern in various organizations. Over the years, various strategies have been devised to tackle document monitoring, thereby bringing about the development of software applications for document management. These applications solve the problems of document creation, document retrieval, distribution, document workflow, email management, document security. Despite these functionalities, we need to obtain efficiency and effectiveness when it comes to document monitoring. This paper illustrates how documents in an organization, most specifically the University can be monitored. The University of Port Harcourt was used to implement this monitoring system. The system is developed with object oriented methodology and implemented with Java programming and Microsoft SQL server. The result of the developed system shows a simple and effective graphic user interface, ensuring privacy for users and effective document monitoring. KEYWORDS : Process model, Routing, Document management, Document monitoring

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed sectoral contributions to Gross Domestic Product by Agriculture, Industry and services sectors of the economy using a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) approach, which showed bilateral causality between GDP and sectoral contribution to GDP by Industry.
Abstract: This study analyzed sectoral contributions to Gross Domestic Product by Agriculture, Industry and services sectors of the economy using a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) approach. The test of stationarity using Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) showed that all the variables were integrated of order one. Granger causality was used to find the linkages among the variables under consideration. The result showed bilateral causality between GDP and sectoral contribution to GDP by Industry. Thereafter the unrestricted VAR parameter estimate was obtained for GDP and sectoral contribution to GDP by Industry. In conclusion, it is recommended that the Nigerian government should come up with strategic master plan to diversify the economy using the Agriculture and services sectors since the Nigerian economy from our analysis is grossly dependent on sectoral contributions of Industry to GDP.

Journal Article
TL;DR: It is recommended that nursing education should increasingly focus on development of skills for critical thinking and reflective practice as well as promotion of mentorship among nurse educators and nurse clinicians in regards to implementation of available and acceptable evidence.
Abstract: Evidence-Based Nursing (EBN) permits the highest quality of care in meeting the multifaceted needs of clients using the best available evidence from research findings, expert ideas from specialists in the various health care sectors and feedback from clients. However, in many instances, various challenges need to be addressed to enhance utilization of the best available evidence in nursing practice. This paper focused on ways of identifying the acceptable evidence and where they could be found; methods of implementing EBN; and appropriate measures of supporting EBN practice. For improved practice, it is recommended that nursing education should increasingly focus on development of skills for critical thinking and reflective practice as well as promotion of mentorship among nurse educators and nurse clinicians in regards to implementation of available and acceptable evidence. KEYWORDS : Evidence-based-care; Nursing; Practice.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross sectional descriptive survey design was used to examine adolescents' opinion on premarital sex in selected secondary schools in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Abstract: Purpose : The study examined adolescents’ opinion on premarital sex in selected secondary schools in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. Method : A cross sectional descriptive survey design was used. The sample size was 313 senior secondary school students from four public secondary schools in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 313 students from 4 schools in Yakurr Local Government Area. Instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.79 using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient reliability method. For the data analysis chi square test analysis and independent t-test analysis were used to test the association and differences between variables at P < 0.05 significant level. Result : The result showed a non statistical association between adolescents’ age on opinion on pre-marital sex when the X 2 calculated of 1.3 was lesser than X 2 critical of 3.841 with 1 degree of freedom. The result also revealed that there was no significant difference between gender and opinion on pre marital sex with calculated t = .324, critical t = 1.96 df 311, P < 0.05. Conclusion/recommendation: The result showed a negative relationship between adolescents’ age and gender on opinion on premarital sex. Based on these findings, the study suggests intensive awareness programme on premarital sex to be carried out in schools for these adolescents that are at risk of exposure to pre marital sex. KEYWORDS : Adolescents, opinion, premarital sex.