International Journal of Science for Global Sustainability
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Malaria Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Practices in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State (A Preliminary Report II)
Get PDFMalaria knowledge, attitude, perception and practices (KAPP) of patients who attended the Microbiology Laboratories of Ahmad Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and Federal Medical Centre of Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria, between January to December, 2017 was studied. One thousand, one hundred and one (1101) participants (consisted of 428(38.87%) females and 673(61.13%) males) participated and a structured questionnaire was used. The knowledge of the participants about malaria parasites, mosquito vector, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control was remarkable. Majority 796(72.3%) had positive attitude towards malaria infection and in seeking treatment. The perception on malaria (in relation to causes, symptoms, vector, diagnosis and treatment) of the respondents was impressive and this was however guided the positive attitude. The practices of the respondents on malaria diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention varies from individual to individual with majority 655(59.49%) using doctor’s prescription, 601(54.49%) using the artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Both adults and children slept under mosquito net with majority 745(67.67%) using insecticide residual sprays both indoor and outdoor
The Response of Nigerian Government to COVID-19: Patient Management and Diagnosis – A Mini-Review
Get PDFA series of pneumonia cases of unknown cause has emerged in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019 with clinical manifestation highly related to pneumonia. Analysis of the respiratory tract sample of the infected patients by deep sequencing revealed a coronavirus named 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which is relatively considered as a deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses are positive RNA viruses, non-segmented assigned to the family of Coronaviridae, and the order Nidovirales. They are widely distributed in humans and other mammals. Although coronavirus infection is mild, beta coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV-2, and SARS-CoV) epidemic and pandemic have claimed the lives of people all over the world in the past two decades and presently. There is a scarcity of information on COVID-19 in Nigeria, there are less published information on how physicians are managing COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, and its success and challenge. This research reviewed the current COVID-19 diagnostic techniques used in Nigeria, drugs used in patient management, and general management adopted by physicians. RT-qPCR is the standard diagnostic technique recommended by NCDC, while patient management is basically using a drug such as Lopinavirritonavir and vitamins. However serological tests can be used for supportive information. Hence, PCR-based diagnostic technique is adopted in Nigeria to test for COVID-19, but information about the challenge and success of using PCR in COVID-19 diagnosis is not available which is a new area of research
Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Soil Samples from some Waste Dumpsites in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria Using INAA Technique
Get PDFInvestigations were carried out to determine the presence of some heavy metals in some selected dumpsites in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from five different sampling locations. The samples were prepared in the laboratory according to standard methods and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was adopted in the analysis of the data using Nigeria Research Reactor – 1 (NIRR -1). The following heavy metals; Mn, Zn, Fe, Cr, V, As, Co, Rb, Cs, Lu,Ta, and Th were identified in the samples at various levels of concentration. The results of the analysis indicated that, there was gradual decrease in concentration with depth (reading obtained with samples at 20-30cm depth were higher than that obtained with samples at 50-60cm depth at all sampling locations). The results of the analysis also showed the presence of Zn, Fe, Cr, Co, Rb, Lu, Ta and Th were found to be higher concentration while V, As, and Cs in lower concentration. Enrichment index and Geo-accumulation index were also determined in order to estimate how much the soil is impacted (naturally and anthropogenic) with heavy metals and evaluate the degree of metal contamination or pollution respectively. The Enrichment index of Mn, Zn, Fe, Cr, V, As, Co, Rb, Cs, Lu,Ta, and Th were calculated and found to be lower (not enriched) in the samples except Co, Cr, Zn, in YK ,Lu, Ta, Th, in YL also Lu, Ta, Th, in GG and RJ were found to be extremely high enrichment. Also, the Geo accumulation index calculated shows that the soil sample were from strongly uncontaminated to moderately contaminated materials. The results indicate that there is need for assessing more elements to establish comprehensive Data in the study area
Delineation of Magnetic Zones of Tambuwal Basin, Northwestern Nigeria, Using Aeromagnetic Data
Get PDFMagnetic method is one of the best geophysical technics used for determining depth to magnetic source bodies, possible sediment thickness and delineating subsurface structures. An aeromagnetic intensity contour map sheet 50 of Tambuwal Sokoto state basin was acquired, digitized and analyzed using Oasis-Montaj v8.4. The study aimed to digitize the aeromagnetic map, produce the total magnetic intensity map (TMI) and performs upward continuation of the TMI at 2km, 5km, 10km, 15km and 20km.The map was acquired from Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and visual interpolation method was used to digitize the map. Data obtained was used to produce the Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) and the Residual Maps which were used in finding out the clear picture of the surface area in terms of TMI values. The Residual Magnetic Map was subjected to upward continuation techniques which are applied at 2km, 5km, 10km 15km and 20km. The result of the study area revealed tha,t the northern part of the area has higher sedimentation. The areas with relatively thicker sediments are identified as probable sites for prospect of hydrocarbon accumulation in the area. Therefore, exploration of this areas of study is a worth given and a push to economic development, there is therefore need to take advantage of modern geophysical methods in the exploration of areas of this nature within the country
Comparative Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Fishes (Tilapia And Catfish) Found in Damba and Wanke Road Dams –Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study involved a comparative analysis of the nutritive values of tilapia and catfish found in Damba and WankeRoad Dams. Proximate and mineral compositions of fish parts (flesh, bones and gills) were carried out using standard methods. The following minerals were determined: Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P in the fish parts. The result of the study showed the superiority of Catfish over Tilapia in terms of Crude protein and Lipid content of flesh which were 54.25% and 18.50% against 28.96% and 9.50%, respectively. Both Tilapia and Catfish were rich in Mineral elements with the concentrations of these elements in the edible parts of the fish following this order Mg<Ca<P<Na<K. It is recommended that, fish from the two Dams could be used as a source of animal protein, lipid, and macro nutrients
Physiological Roles of Phenolic Compounds Isolated from Medicinal Plants of Tropical Origin
Get PDFIn this paper, Phytochemicals also known as secondary metabolites were reviewed. They are plant secondary metabolites, and they have an important role as defensive agents in biological systems. Polyphenols exhibit various properties that are indispensable to humans. Most phenolic compounds are known to have antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory properties as well as antitumor activities, but the best-described property of virtually every group of polyphenols is their capacity to act as powerful antioxidants which can protect the human body from free radicals and reactive oxygen species(ROS). For this reasons, phenolic compounds and their biological roles have become a subject of intense scrutiny. Basically, structural classification, sources, chemical composition and biological activity of phenolic compounds such as tannins, saponins, Alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins and chalcones were discussed
Role of Hydrogen in n-Hexane Hydroisomerisation as a Model Reaction for Gasoline Quality Valorization
Get PDFConsequent to the current global environmental legislations that enforced the phase-out of dangerous fuel additives with associated pollution problems, other research alternatives for improving fuels quality are investigated. Previously, lead and oxygenates have posed emission dangers that accounted for their complete phase-out in many regions. The emergence of hydroisomerisation as an option presents an opportunity for improving gasoline octane features while eliminating the environmental dangers. We prepared and characterized a noble and cheap catalyst based on β-Mo2C/sulfated zirconia that completely upgraded n-hexane into mono- and di-branched isomers at milder reaction conditions (1 atm, 400oC). The catalyst was 100% selective to n-hexanes at high hydrogen flow rates and recyclable and stable. This way, cheap opportunity for gasoline feed valorization via the hydroisomerisation process became possible
Analysis of the Effect of Temperature on Age and Sex Incidence of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis in Funtua Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study analysed the effect of temperature on the incidence of cerebro-spinal meningitis between males and females and among age groups in Funtua Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, Nigeria. Funtua LGA falls within the meningitis belt where the climate is favorable for the incidence of the disease. All cases of meningitis reported to Funtua General Hospital from 1986-2015 were abstracted from patients files. For each year, sex and age specific incidences were estimated. Monthly and annual incidence of CSM occurrence in the study area for the 30 years period was subjected to time series analysis. Linear trend line equation was fitted in order to determine the direction of change in the incidence of CSM. The relationship between temperature and the incidence of meningitis was analysed using simple correlation. Null hypotheses were tested to see if there was significant difference in the incidence of CSMamong age groups and between males and females. The tests were conducted at 95% confidence level and 0.05 margin of error. The monthly distribution of CSM cases (1986-2015) indicated April and March had the highest incidence cases (1606 and 1128 respectively) while the lowest cases were recorded in September and October with (1 case) each. The seasonal variation also showed that the highest incidence cases fell within the hot-dry season which mark the period with the highest average temperatures while the lowest incidence cases fell within the cold-wet season when humidity is high in the area. Annual trend of CSM indicated an increasing trend (approximately 60 persons) over the 30year period in the study area. There is a significant and positive relationship between mean monthly temperature and incidence of meningitis with an observed value of (p < 0.05 and r = 0.592). The observed correlation (r = -0.141, p>0.05) indicated that there was negative and insignificant relationship between annual temperature and the incidence of meningitis in the study area. In conclusion, meningitis in the study area over the 30years under review has been a recurrent epidemic however; the rate of occurrence differs from year to year
Thermal and Catalytic Conversion of Native Rice Husk into Bio-Oil and Biochar
Get PDFPyrolysis process is the most common and favorable thermochemical processes to produce fuels. This research was aimed to assess the potentials of rice husk for the fuel production through pyrolysis. The proximate analysis of husk and biochar sample indicated that it has low moisture of 6.6% and ash 16.16% contents. The low values of both potassium (2033.32ppm) and Sodium (40.83ppm) obtained from this research indicates the suitability of the husk forthe pyrolysis process. The percentages of liquid, gaseous as well as solid products at 350oC from both thermal and catalyzed process shows slight increase in liquid products (from 20 to 21%) and significant increase in both solid (from 45 to 62%) and gaseous (from 17.25 to 33.36%) products which can be attributed to the influence of the catalyst used. The major chemical compounds present in both thermal and catalytic pyrolysis processes are fatty acids, carbonyl compounds, alcohols and furans. Higher fatty acids and carbonyl compounds were obtained from the thermal process, while higher furans compound for catalytic process. Therefore, the native rice husk can be suitable biomass for energy conversion
Extraction of Heavy Metal in Tannery Effluent Using Abundant Agricultural Wastes
Get PDFRemoval of chromium from tannery effluent was conducted successfully using untreated noncarbonated rice husk biomass, maximum removal was observed at pH 4, indicating that agricultural wastes could be economically used in purification of tannery effluent, adsorbent dosage has no significant impact on the removal of chromium from the solution since there was full adsorption in some instances and partial in others. Furthermore, natural pH tends to fluctuate between the range of 2-1.6, indicating that there is need for a naturally available base and a little knowledge that can be used to adjust pH level before addition of the untreated rice husk