Search

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained a lot of attention due to their high efficiency and low cost. In this research paper, a methylammonium tin iodide (CH3NH3SnI3) based solar cell was simulated using a one-dimensional solar cell capacitance simulation (SCAPS-1D) tool. The SCAPS-1D tool is based on Poisson and the semiconductor equations. After thorough investigation, the initial device presents the following parameters; power conversion efficiency (PCE)=15.315%, fill factor (FF)=64.580%, current density (Jsc)=29.152 mA/cm2, and open circuit voltage (Voc)=0.813 V. The effect of absorber and ETL thicknesses were explored systematically. The performance of the simulated device was significantly influenced by the thickness of the absorber and ETL. The optimized absorber thickness was 0.5 µm and the ETL thickness was 0.02 µm, giving rise to an optimized PCE of 15.411%, FF of 63.525%, Jsc of 29.812 mA/cm², and Voc of 0.814 V. Additionally, the effect of temperature on the optimized device was evaluated and found that it affects the performance of the device. This model shows the prospect of CH3NH3SnI3 as a perovskite material to produce toxic-free environment-friendly solar cells with high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are increasingly used in internal combustion engines (ICEs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) research, mainly for prediction, control, optimization, and classification task. The present study is a bibliometric-based review involving analyzing 1,800 documents using VOSviewer (v1.6.19) and Excel sourced from the Scopus database between 2014 and 2023. The VOSviewer methodology involved importing bibliographic data to analyze the most prolific countries, authors and construct co-occurrences of keywords. The most influential publication was attributed to Das, H.S.; Li, S.; Rahman, M.  M. and Tan, C.  W. with the highest number of citations of 446, published in 2020. Applied Energy emerges as the most prolific journal, with 1508 citations across 34 documents. Similarly, the United States, leading with 298 publications, also has the highest number of citations at 4118. China follows closely, with 262 publications and 3667 citations, securing the second position. Italy ranks third, contributing 149 publications that garnered 2236 citations. The keyword analysis portrayed that the emerging trend was found to correlate majorly with ‘machine learning algorithms’, ‘hybrid electric vehicles’, ‘control’ and ‘multi-objective optimization’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynatresia is a condition that occurs as a result of stenosis or complete occlusion of the vaginal lumen, it can be congenital or acquired. The congenital gynatresia may occur as a syndrome, while the acquired causes may occur from female genital mutilation, obstructed labor, or use of herbal pessary, etc., It is a cause of dyspareunia or apareunia and this may cause marital disharmony. The rationale behind this case report is to enable women to know the negative consequences of such practices to avoid them. The patient was a 28-year-old married P4+0 A4, whose last childbirth was six months before presentation, she had acquired gynatresia following the insertion of an herbal vaginal pessary. She was assessed, admitted, and operated on. A combined abdomino-vaginal approach was used for adhesiolysis. Acquired gynatresia may occur following vaginal insertion of herbs containing corrosive substances which may cause chemical burns, resulting in healing by fibrosis. Appropriate health education may go a long way in reducing this menace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells have garnered significant attention from solar cell researchers due to their potential for achieving high efficiency, primarily attributed to their exceptional Electron Transport layer (ETL). One of the key elements of perovskite solar cells for transporting electrons to generate current is the ETL material. Moreover, there is a promising avenue for enhancing stability and reducing fabrication costs by substituting the transport layer. In this study, TiO2 and SnO2 were used as ETL materials in the architecture of perovskite solar cells for a comparative analysis between two devices featuring distinct structures: TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro- OMeTAD and SnO2/CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD. To evaluate the performance of each electron transport layer (ETL), the SCAPS 1D tool was employed. The investigation involved varying the thickness of the electron transport layers, interface defect density and working temperature, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of key parameters such as voltage at open circuit (Voc), short circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and overall efficiency (PCE%). Remarkably, when employing SnO2 as the ETL, the achieved efficiency stands at 10.10 %. In contrast, utilizing TiO2 as the ETL yields a slightly higher efficiency of 12.84%. These findings underline the nuanced influence of transport layer materials on the overall performance of perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns surrounding the environment along with inadequate energy supply and high cost of same are responsible for pollution, high energy demand, unpredictable and uneconomical power generation. These have contributed to the widespread agreement that sustainable renewable energy sources (RES) must be developed, particularly in isolated villages where expanding the grid may be challenging and financially unviable for power corporations. As a result, in order to effectively and cheaply utilize the plentiful renewable energy resources, an optimal sizing approach is required. This study is aimed at investigating the economic performance of the hybrid system of a stand-alone Small Hydropower/PV/Diesel generator with battery electricity production. The cost function was minimized using Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) in order to minimize the Cost of Energy (COE) generation. The decision variables are the number of small hydro turbines (NSHP), number of solar panels (NPV), number of batteries (NBATT) and the capacity of Diesel generator (PDG). The developed method is applied to a typical Kiri village in Shelleng Local Government area of Adamawa State. For uniformity, the hourly solar irradiance data were created by converting the monthly average solar irradiance data. A dragonfly optimization technique was utilized to reach an optimum solution for the hybrid system. The result obtained showed that the system components: small Hydropower, solar PV and Diesel generator were able to generate electrical power of 5,783,600 W, 56,259 W and 5.2941e-05 W respectively to meet the energy demand. Results obtained from the developed scheme were compared with those obtained when TORSCHE algorithm was used in optimizing the hybrid system. It was observed that a total energy cost of $5,224,500 was obtained for the developed technique while $5,839,600 was obtained as the total cost for the TORSCHE model. This showed that the developed scheme outperformed the system output from the TORSCHE algorithm in terms of cost of energy by 89.46%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated comparative profitability and technical efficiency of small-scale rice farmers with and without access to improved production technology in North Central Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for this study. The data were collected through a wellstructured questionnaire of 1500 small-scale rice farmers with access to technology and 1500 smallscale rice farmers without access to technology making a total of 3000 rice farmers in the study area. The results showed that the average age of the sampled rice farmers with access to technology was 36 years, while those without - 46 years. The results showed that the rice production was profitable for both farmers with and without access to technology. The statistically significant factors influencing the rice production for small-scale farmers with access to technology were the land size (p<0.01), labour (p<0.01), fertilizer (p<0.01) and agrochemical (p<0.01), while the statistically significant factors influencing the rice production for small-scale farmers without access to technology were land size (p<0.01), labour (p<0.01) and agrochemical (p<0.10). The major challenges faced by the small-scale rice farmers with access to technology were the poor credit facilities, shortage of farm input, inadequate rainfall season, high cost of labour and instability in the planting calendar. The F-Chow test showed that there was significant impact on the technical efficiency, productivity and profitability of rice farmers with access to improved technology. Therefore, the study recommends that inputs such as improved seed varieties, fertilizers and chemical inputs should be provided to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulture and raptor populations have declined across West Africa during recent decades due to numerous and widespread anthropogenic threats. To estimate encounter rates of vultures and raptors in northern Nigeria, we conducted a total of 248 km driven transects on 195 km and 53 km of paved and unpaved roads, respectively. We also conducted walked surveys beneath 79 km of power transmission lines to search for dead vultures and raptors; and visited 12 abattoirs, 11 slaughterhouses, and 12 dumpsites to assess the occurrence of vultures and raptors. All fieldwork was done between October and December 2018. Overall, 357 individuals of 23 species were detected, most of which were recorded at low encounter rates. Only one Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus was recorded across all surveys, and no other vulture species were seen. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius, Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis, and Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus had the highest encounter rates of 0.351, 0.262, and 0.189 individuals km-1, respectively. In contrast, the largest raptor species, Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Beaudouin's Snake-eagle, and Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus had the lowest encounter rate of 0.004 individuals km-1 (one individual each). No dead vultures or raptors were found during the walked surveys beneath power lines. Although historical data about vulture and raptor distribution and abundance in northern Nigeria are limited, our results show an apparent absence of vultures from the wider landscape and a low density of raptors. Support among local stakeholders for the conservation of vultures and raptors should be encouraged through wider dissemination of information about the importance of these birds, as well as stronger deterrents again illegal killing and trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arewa Atlas Team (AAT) in northern Nigeria has set an example for a robust methodological data collection and made a big impact for the African Bird Atlas Project. To broaden national bird atlas projects and coverage across the continent, this paper reports on the activities and protocols of the AAT. We set out how we have galvanised bird clubs and bird club members to participate in this important monitoring project. We then focus on a bird atlas expedition conducted to the Bauchi State as an example. The outing was carried out from 24 to 28 September 2020 in line with the BirdMap protocol. For the first time, the AAT atlased 100 pentads and recorded 8 591 individual birds of 222 species (24.21% of Nigerian birds) from 67 families. We explore what can be done with these data, by presenting a summary of descriptions of the birds observed. For instance, we recorded 184 resident species, nine intra-African and 24 Palearctic migrants. The highest bird abundance (120 individuals) was recorded at 11°00′26.9″ N, 9°29′46.5″ E, pentad 1105C0925. Furthermore, the Rock Firefinch Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis was out-of-range from Lumba. The Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax (Vulnerable) and Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (Near Threatened) were species of conservation concern. Results of this survey shows that citizen science is a powerful tool to make rapid biodiversity assessments of bird species richness and abundance and provides insights into bird occurrence and composition. This can be extended to distribution over time at a local geographic scale. Continuous efforts to map bird distributions are therefore recommended, mostly in regions and countries where atlas projects have not been established or still in the formative stages. It is important that bird atlas teams maximise ways to accomplish more noteworthy coverage in their respective national bird atlas projects and here we outline how we accomplished this as motivation and a model for the African Bird Atlas Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the heat transfer on unstable MHD flow of fourth grade fluid in horizontal parallel plates. The plates are arranged so that the upper plate oscillates and moves while the lower plate is stationary. The temperatures prescribed by the plates are uniform and asymmetric. Dimensionless parameters are set to convert the governing equations to dimensionless form. Solutions for momentum and energy equations are explicitly obtained through the He-Laplace scheme. The effect of various flow parameters on velocity profile and temperature distribution is discussed using graphs. Significant results of this study show that velocity profile and temperature distribution increase with the increase in thermal radiation parameter, while the velocity and temperature distribution decrease with the increase in suction parameter. The results of this work have significant application in refrigeration industry for refrigeration, energy transfer in cooling tower, evaporation, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, X-ray shielding glass (XSG) was fabricated using rice husk (RH) silica, bismuth, and tin mineral ores. The objective was to promote waste valorisation and circular economy by minimising the use of analytical grade silicon and metal oxides in large-scale radiation shielding glass production. The physical, structural, and low-energy X-ray attenuation properties of the new bismuthite and cassiterites-doped glass were characterised using XRD, FTIR, and low-energy mobile X-ray shielding analyses. The X-ray shielding parameters linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP) were comparatively examined alongside commercial lead/barium XSG used in hospital radiology units. XRD results showed that glasses with 0, 5 and 15 wt% dopants contain nanocrytallites measuring 19.43, 38.85 and 42.44 nm, respectively, with peaks in the 2Θ (28°) vicinity. FTIR revealed structural modifications that demonstrate the network modulation capabilities of cassiterite-sourced Sn ions. At 70 kVp tube voltage, the MAC of the 20 wt% dopant glass compares favourably with commercial Pb/Ba glass, while the 25 wt% variant has lower values than commercial Pb/Ba glass at 80 kVp tube voltage. The HVL and MFP of 25 wt% dopant glass compared favourably with commercial glass at 60 kVp X-ray tube voltage, suggesting the new glasses with x = 15, 20, 25 wt% dopants are competitive candidates for viewing window applications in low energy X-ray radiology units. Future studies will investigate the radiation attenuation efficiency of the new glass systems using point gamma sources. • Rice Husk silica was extracted for production Xray shielding glasses that is doped with bismuth and tin bearing mineral ores. • The physical, structural, and X-ray attenuation properties of the new glass were investigated. • Comparison with data from commercially available Pb/Ba X-ray shielding glass shows that the new glasses are inexpensive candidates for shielding of viewing windows in low energy radiography and nuclear medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a high pressure gas, hence hydrogen natural gas mixture require an accurate prediction of transient flow parameter. The reduce order modelling is used in analysis of transient flow, where viscosity change is neglected thereby reducing the governing equations to Euler equation based on the assumption. The hydrogen natural gas mixture is homogenous, with pressure and velocity considered as principal dependent variable where polytrophic process is admitted. For improvement on the accurate prediction of flow parameters on the analysis of transient flow of hydrogen natural gas mixture in pipeline implicit Steger-Warming flux vector splitting method (FSM) used in the construction of efficient reduce order model. The result shows significant improvement on efficiency, accuracy and uniqueness when compared to normal conventional numerical techniques. The effect of heat transfer is observed on heat flux and internal energy of transient flow. The methods of reduced order with and without static correction show significant agreement for different gas ratio. The prediction of flow parameter along the pipeline can improve gas delivery and the analysis of transient flow behaviour at any point during the flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study identified and ranked causes of common accidents in construction projects. • The risk assessment of construction accidents in a regional context is presented. • Development of a risk assessment approach based on hazard identification and analysis. • Adoption of six-sigma evaluation scale to enhance safety performance. The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries worldwide due to deadly fatalities and accidents recorded yearly. Though many countries have established and implemented safety programs, the situation does not seem to have been mitigated. This study aims at developing a risk assessment approach that can be used to enhance the safety performance of construction projects. The study has employed pair-wise comparisons and weighting-by-ranking surveys to establish risk scores and weights for the various construction accidents, and their potential causes. Data has been collected from safety professionals in 15 large construction sites across the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The study revealed that the type of accident with the highest risk score is "falling objects", while the most significant cause is excessive winds on the project site. The developed approach was applied on an on-going car park construction project. Results showed that slips, trips and falls had the best safety performance. Furthermore, based on six sigma evaluation, the average project safety performance was at 2.33-sigma which implies that 228,739 accidents may occur in every million opportunities. The paper also provided recommendations to improve the safety performance of the case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Staphylococcus epidermidis is a Gram positive, coagulase-negative staphylococcus that frequently causes device- or surgery-associated nosocomial infections worldwide. Drug-resistant strains such as methicillin resistant S. epidermidis (DR-SE) have been reported with serious clinical implications. Objectives: This study determined the percentage of S. epidermidis from wards surfaces of Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH), the drug susceptibility patterns of the isolates and searched for mecA gene among Cefoxitin resistant isolates. Materials and Methods: A total of three hundred sixty-three (363) swab samples were collected from floors, door knobs and walls from different wards. S. epidermidis was identified after subjecting the samples to five tests including growth on mannitol salt agar, catalase, coagulase, Desferrioxamine and Fosfomycin tests. Susceptibility patterns of all the S. epidermidis isolates identified were tested against Amikacin, Cefazolin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Cefoxitin using the disc diffusion method. All the isolates resistant to Cefoxitin were analysed for the presence of mecA gene using the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: One hundred and twelve 112 (30.8%) strains of S. epidermidis were isolated from 363 samples collected. Out of 112 S. epidermidis isolates, 11 (9.8%) were found resistant to Cefoxitin and all Cefoxitin resistant isolates (100%) were found to have the mecA gene, while 89.3% of the strains were found non-susceptible to Trimethoprim-Sulphamethoxazole. Conclusion: This study found that S. epidermidis is present on wards surfaces of KIU-TH. S. epidermidis isolates harboured Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole resistance in a high percent. All the isolates resistant to Cefoxitin were positive for the mecA gene. Taking into consideration the high rate of Trimethoprim-Sulphamethoxazole non-susceptibility, Cefazolin, Cefoxitin, Gentamycin and Amikacin are recommended as a better prescription for managing infections caused by S. epidermidis resistant to commonly used antibiotics in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports four new cryptanalytic attacks which show that t instances of RSA moduli Ns = psqs for s = 1, . . . , t where t ≥ 2 can be simultaneously factored in polynomial time using simultaneous Diophantine approximations and lattice basis reduction techniques. We construct four system of equations of the form esd - ksφ(Ns) = 1, esds - kφ(Ns) = 1, esd - kφ(Ns) = zs and esds - kφ(Ns) = zs using N -[(ai+1/i + bi+1/i/2(ab)i+1/2i+a1/j +b1/j/2(ab)1/2j)√N]+1 as a good approximations of φ(Ns) for unknown positive integers d, ds, ks, k, and zs. In our attacks, we found an improved short decryption exponent bound of some reported attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of short decryption exponent to mount an attack on RSA cryptosystem was first reported that the RSA modulus N = pq is insecure if the private key d < 1/3N0.25. The private key d can be recovered from the convergents of the continued fraction expansion of e N which led to the factorization of N in polynomial time. Suppose N1 = N -...where a; b; i; j are small positive integers less than logN. In this paper, we present a new improved attack on RSA which is an extension of the recent bound of d < 2 ... that shows that the RSA modulus N = pq can be easily recovered if the short decryption exponent d < ... Thus, from the convergents of the continued fraction of e/N1, the private key d can be recovered hence lead to the factorization of N in polynomial time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a mathematical model for the control of single weed species population density is proposed. The model's steady-state solutions were obtained and analysed for local and global stabilities. The analysis reveals that the model is locally asymptotically stable and as well globally stable. Graphical simulations were carried out to support the analytic analysis of the model for the global stability and concludes that, weed proliferation may be controlled if the control strategy is target at the recruitment factors. Base on this finding, it is recommended that for effective control, weeds management tactics should be targeted at the recruitment stage rather than the usual practice of controlling mature weed through the application of herbicides. Hence, application of the results of this work may reduce or eradicate the weeds density and improve crop yield at its optimum capacity for sustainable food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major shortcoming of multiple trays cabinet dryer is uneven drying of the products being dried on different trays. Mixed-mode solar crop dryers with and without thermal storage materials were developed and tested under the same meteorological conditions of Zaria, Nigeria. The dimensions of the dryers were: 0.65 m, 0.30 m 2 , 0.9 m, 0.7 m, 1.64 m and 0.43 m for collector length, collector area, the height of the drying chamber, chimney height, length of the drying chamber and width of the drying chamber respectively. It was observed that the average drying rates, collector efficiencies, and drying efficiencies of the solar crop dryers with and without thermal storage for June and August 2016 test period are 2.71 × 10 −5  kg/s and 2.35 × 10 −5  kg/s, 67.25% and 40.10%, 28.75% and 24.20% respectively. As per the experimental results, the efficiency of the dryer with the storage materials is enhanced by about 13% due to the thermal storage used. The extent of the variation of the drying products on different trays was investigated using statistical t -test analysis. The p -values obtained revealed that there was no significant difference between the drying rates of the yam slices on different positions of the trays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of urinary survivin and that of urine cytology in the diagnosis of bladder carcinoma in a schistosoma endemic area. Design and setting: This is a 12-month prospective study of patients with features of bladder carcinoma as study group and patients with other urologic conditions and healthy volunteers as control group. Participants: Patients with features of bladder carcinoma formed the study group, while patients with other urological conditions and healthy volunteers formed the control group. Results: There were 52 patients in study group and 36 patients in control group. The mean ages of patients in the study and control groups were 47.17 ± 17.00 and 44.19 ± 18.89 years respectively. There were 48 males and 4 females in the study group, giving a male: female ratio of 12:1. Thirty-one (60 %) of the patients were farmers and 44 patients (85%) had history suggestive of schistosomiasis at childhood. The sensitivity of urine cytology and survivin in the study were 29.1% and 100.0% respectively. The specificity of urine cytology and survivin were 100.0% and 100.0% respectively (p= 0.05). The marker was associated with false positive (FP) results in patients with prostate cancer. Conclusion: Urinary survivin is highly sensitive, specific and predictive of bladder carcinoma in our environment. The marker is associated with false positive results in patients with prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary nocardiosis mimic pulmonary tuberculosis in most clinical and radiological manifestations. In Tanzania, where tuberculosis is one of the major public health threat clinical impact of nocardiosis as the cause of the human disease remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to isolate and identify Nocardia isolates recovered from TB suspects in Northeastern, Tanzania by using biochemical and molecular methods.Methods: The study involved 744 sputum samples collected from 372 TB suspects from four periphery diagnostic centers in Northeastern, Tanzania. Twenty patients were diagnosed as having presumptively Nocardia infections based on microscopic, cultural characteristics and biomèrieux ID 32C Yeast Identification system and confirmed using 16S rRNA and hsp65 gene specific primers for Nocardia species and sequencing.Results: Biochemically, the majority of the isolates were N. asteroides (n = 8/20, 40%), N. brasiliensis (n = 4/20, 20%), N. farcinica (n = 3/20, 15%), N. nova (n = 1/20, 5%). Other aerobic actinomycetales included Streptomyces cyanescens (n = 2/20, 10%), Streptomyces griseus, Actinomadura madurae each (n = 1/20, 5%). Results of 16S rRNA and hsp65 sequencing were concordant in 15/17 (88. 2%) isolates and discordant in 2/17 (11.8%) isolates. Majority of the isolates belonged to N. cyriacigeorgica and N. farcinica, four (23.5%) each.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Nocardia species may be an important cause of pulmonary nocardiosis that is underdiagnosed or ignored. This underscores needs to consider pulmonary nocardiosis as a differential diagnosis when there is a failure of anti-TB therapy and as a possible cause of human infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an Internet worm countermeasure mechanism that uses DNS activities as a behavioural technique to detect worm propagation. The mechanism also uses a data-link containment solution to block traffic from an infected host. The concept has been demonstrated using a developed prototype and tested in a virtualised network environment. An empirical analysis of network worm propagation has been conducted to test the capabilities of the developed countermeasure mechanism. The results show that the developed mechanism is sensitive in containing Internet worms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly reported worldwide associated with human disease. Defining the significance of NTM in settings with endemic tuberculosis (TB) requires the discrimination of NTM from TB in suspect patients. Correct and timely identification of NTM will impact both therapy and epidemiology of TB and TB-like diseases. The present study aimed at determining the frequency and diversity of NTM among TB suspects in northeastern Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2012 through January 2013. Seven hundred and forty-four sputum samples were collected from 372 TB suspects. Detection was done by using phenotypic, Geno-Type® Mycobacterium CM/AS kits, 16S rRNA and hsp65 gene sequencing for identification of isolates not identified by Hain kits. Binary regression model was used to analyse the predictors of NTM detection. Results: The prevalence of NTM was 9.7 % of the mycobacterial isolates. Out of 36 patients with confirmed NTM infection, 12 were HIV infected with HIV being a significant predictor of NTM detection (P < 0.001). Co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) was found in five patients. Twenty-eight NTM isolates were identified using Geno-Type® Mycobacterium CM/AS and eight isolates could not be identified. Identified species included M. gordonae and M. interjectum 6 (16.7 %), M. intracelullare 4 (11.1 %), M. avium spp. and M. fortuitum 2 (5.5 %), M. kansasii, M. lentiflavum, M. simiae, M. celatum, M. marinum 1 (2.8 %) each. Of isolates not identified to subspecies level, we identified M. kumamotonense (2), M. intracellulare/kansasii, M. intermedium/triplex, M. acapulcensis/flavescens, M. stomatepiae, M. colombiense and M. terrae complex (1) each using 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, hsp65 gene sequencing identified M. kumamotonense, M. scrofulaceum/M. avium, M. avium, M. flavescens/novocastrense, M. kumamotonense/hiberniae, M. lentiflavum, M. colombiense/M. avium and M. kumamotonense/terrae/hiberniae (1) each. Results of the 16S rRNA and hsp65 gene sequencing were concordant in three and discordant in five isolates not identified by GenoType® Mycobacterium CM/AS. Conclusion: NTM infections may play a vital role in causing lung disease and impact management of TB in endemic settings. GenoType® Mycobacterium CM/AS represents a useful tool to identify clinical NTM infections. However, 16S rRNA gene sequencing should be thought for confirmatory diagnosis of the clinical isolates. Due to the complexity and inconsistence of NTM identification, we recommend diagnosis of NTM infections be centralized by strengthening and setting up quality national and regional infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One Health (OH) approach is crucial for the effective management of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and other public health threats. A meta-analysis was conducted to explore the benefits and challenges encountered in the practical implementation of multisectoral coordination in the fight against public health threats and to identify similarities between countries in the practical implementation of multisectoral coordination and cooperation across sectors in OH. Materials and Methods: To identify relevant studies published globally between 2010 and 2023, a literature search was conducted online using Google Scholar and PubMed search engines. Inclusion criteria were adopted based on key search terms "One Health," "multisectoral coordination," "One Health framework," and related terms "multisectoral collaboration" and "multidisciplinary." Unpublished manuscripts, dissertations, and conference reports were excluded from the review. A total of 307 articles were retrieved. Titles, abstracts, and keywords were screened for inclusion criteria. We extracted and analyzed 46 full-text articles published in English. Unpublished manuscripts, dissertations, and conference reports were excluded from the study. Results: This study found that most countries have similar challenges that hamper the coordination of OH activities implementation. Of the 46 articles reviewed, 69.6% (n = 32) focused on the benefits of adopting the OH approach and 73.9% (n = 34) focused on multisectoral coordination and collaboration among sectors. In addition, 58.7% (n = 27) of the articles indicated that governments need to invest more resources in OH implementation, and 50% (n = 23) proposed that policies, guidelines, and plans should be integrated to facilitate multisectoral coordination and collaboration. In addition to inadequate coordination and funding, other reported challenges were limited knowledge (34.8%) (n = 16) and inadequate resources (32.6%) (n = 15). In addition, 21.7% (n = 10) highlighted different sectoral priorities and interests as obstacles to effective coordination in the implementation of OH activities. Conclusion: Multisectoral coordination plays a key role in the effective management of public health threats through OH. The creation of mechanisms for regular communication, the promotion of mutual trust, and the strengthening of relations between sectors will enhance cooperation. The similarity in challenges across regions observed in this study calls for countries across regions to prioritize OH operationalization and collaboration among sectors, strengthen collaboration, and synergize activities to enhance future changes in the mitigation of public health threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient metal doped semiconductors for Photovoltaic applications has gained a lot of research attention. In this present paper, pure and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-modified TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs) with different amount of AgNPs (say 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µL) were achieved and the effects of AgNPs on the TiO2 NCs were explored systematically. The optical, structural and morphological properties were probed using UV-visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of the optical studies showed a characteristic peak of TiO2 and the redshifting of the peak position was observed by introducing AgNPs. The synergetic effects from AgNPs and TiO2 results to diminished band gap. The XRD result confirmed the formation of a tetragonal anatase TiO2 phase with a decrease in crystallite size with increasing AgNPs content. The SEM images show enhanced nucleation and film growth with presence of shining surface which can be seen to contribute to good photon management by enhancing light scattering. The unadulterated TiO2 and AgNPs-modified TiO2 have spherical morphology and uniform size distribution ranging from 20 to 30 nm. This study established the view that surface modification of TiO2 with AgNPs is a viable approach towards achieving an efficient light photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we designed, developed and implemented an examination result processing template for all the Postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, Kaduna. The designed template when fed in with data computes and grades students appropriately. Its design was done using the "IF" and "OR" logical functions. It was deployed and tested for the performance in terms of accuracy and speed, and as attested by the end users, it is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sickle cell disease is a genetic abnormality involving the haemoglobin synthesis. Although it is a primary red cell disorder, white blood cells (WBC) and platelets are also affected by the mutation. Aim: To assess and compare the hematological parameters of homozygous sickle cell disease in a steady state with age-matched and sex-matched hemoglobin AA controls. Methods: A total of 150 apparently healthy young adults (18-35 years) participated in this study. They were classified into two groups 88 cases with hemoglobin SS and 62 controls. Venous blood collected into EDTA tubes from participants were used for the full blood count analysis which was done using hematological autoanalyzer (SFRI blood cell counter, H18 light, France). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the alpha value was set at P value less than 0.05. Results: The mean values for white blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean cell volume, red cell distribution width and platelet count were significantly higher in the Hb SS cohort while the packed cell volume and red cell count were significantly lower in the Hb SS cohort. Conclusions: homozygous sickle cell disease patients have lower values of hemoglobin concentration, PCV, the red cell indices but higher values of white cell count and platelets compared with hemoglobin phenotype AA controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is widely recognized that rabies is grossly under-reported even though it is a notifiable disease and a lack of accurate figures has rendered rabies a low public health and veterinary priority. This study aimed at determining the incidence of dog bite injuries and clinical rabies in a tertiary health care centre. Materials and Methods: Case records of patients managed at the accident and emergency unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, between June 2000 and May 2010 with diagnosis of dog bite and rabies were retrieved. Relevant clinical data were extracted using a structured questionnaire designed for the study. Results: Eighty-one persons out of 24,683 consultations in the accident and emergency unit presented with dog bite injuries with two clinical cases of human rabies. Mean age of victims of dog bite injuries was 21.1 ± 14.3 years and the majority (55.6%) were children. Males were more affected than females with a male:female ratio of 4.8:1, lower limb/buttock injuries were significantly higher in children than adults, but the adults sustained significantly more severe (type III) injury. The majority of dog bite injuries were washed with soap and irrigated with water or saline and 87.7% of the victim of dog bite received postexposure anti-rabies vaccine. Conclusion: Hospital incidence of dog bite injuries was low, but the use of postexposure prophylaxis was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) outbreaks occur periodically in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2006, Brunei reported its first major outbreak of EV71 infections, associated with fatalities from neurologic complications. Isolated EV71 strains formed a distinct lineage with low diversity within subgenogroup B5, suggesting recent introduction and rapid spread within Brunei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report describes successful management of 10 women in 2nd and 3rd pregnancy trimesters with EchiTab IgG antivenom after carpet viper ( Echis ocellatus) envenoming. All women survived but foetal loss in a victim with delayed presentation and a case of mild hypersensitivity reaction were recorded. Excellent outcomes can be achieved in rural and semi-nomadic populations without specialized care and immediate access and provision of effective antivenoms is paramount in curtailing snakebite maternal morbidity, mortality and foetal loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the detection of a rapid increase in the RNA levels of the proto-oncogenes c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc after human cytomegalovirus infection. Effects of inactivation and inhibition; Prevention of increase; Induction of oncogenes' expression.

• Routine handling successfully habituated eland to the system and sample collection. • Eland with heavier body masses are more nervous and difficult to handle. • Calm animals (low temperament score) enter the handling system earlier than others. • Eland were generally less excitable when exiting the system after repeat handling. • Immunocastration does not affect the temperament of common eland during handling. The temperament of captive common eland (Taurotragus oryx) during handling is crucial for their management, as they have been identified as an ideal antelope for game meat farming, and are well-represented in captive antelope populations world-wide. Generally speaking, common eland are considered undomesticated, and thus maintain their natural prey instincts, making it necessary to habituate them to routine handling. Immunocastration can be implemented as part of the herd management strategy in mixed or single-sex eland groups, and might reduce aggressive behaviour of males by blocking the production of testosterone, thereby improving docility for ease of handling. Within this study, data was collected to determine the influence of routine handling and immunocastration on the temperament of common eland during handling. Twenty-nine common eland were divided into two groups: sub-adults (n = 15; ca. 2 years old; 182.9 ± 59.37 kg) and juveniles (n = 14; ca. 6 months old; 94.18 ± 24.76 kg), and they were routinely handled every two weeks over a four-month period (10 handling events). Within each age group, females, males, and immunocastrated males were present. Immunocastration treatment was administered during the second and fourth handling events (2 mL Improvac®/ animal). During handling, animals were individually driven through the raceway and finally restrained in a squeeze chute, where routine biological samples and measurements were collected. Faecal androgen metabolite (fAM) concentrations were measured for each event, for males only. Each animal was focally sampled for specific behaviours during the handling. A temperament score was obtained by observing the general state of the animal from the point of entering the raceway, until its exit from the squeeze chute. Generalized linear mixed models tested the influence of immunocastration, week, group, fAM concentration, and body weight on the temperament score. Immunocastration did not affect the temperament score, the general state in the squeeze chute, the order of entering the handling system, and the chute exit. However, the temperament score and the state in the squeeze chute improved overtime (with animals being less nervous). Moreover, animals with low temperament scores (calmer) entered the system earlier, and exited the system calmly over the repeated handling period. The results show that routine handling through a raceway and squeeze chute system leads to habituation, and improves the ease of handling in common eland. However, immunocastration did not affect the temperament of the male common eland during handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean air is an important requirement for human health and wellbeing. In this paper, the impact of urban air pollution on human health, safety and the environment in Nigeria was critically examined. It was observed that most cities and metropolises in Nigeria are characterized by high levels of air pollutants particularly when compared to European Union (EU) standards for air quality. The findings are largely ascribed to various natural or anthropogenic activities such as open-air burning of wastes, combustion of fossil and solid fuels, car exhaust fumes, land clearing, mining, agriculture, cement production and utilization, among others. The long- and short-term exposure to the high levels of air pollutants emitted from such activities pose significant risks to human health, safety and the environment in Nigeria. The review of the literature revealed that air pollutant largely accounts for the exacerbated or soaring cases of asthma, cancer, lung/respiratory diseases, other cardiovascular diseases, and eventually premature death in Nigeria. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a critical plan of action for the promotion of clean air and sustainable utilization of fuel and energy materials that cause air pollution, which severely impacts air quality and human health, safety and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) positioning techniques based on the International GNSS Service (IGS) products are extensively used for various precise applications. However, specific conditions such as the dual-frequency observations and the final IGS products are required. Consequently, the absence of the final IGS data and using single-frequency observations will degrade these techniques' accuracy. In this paper, two algorithms through two separated stages are formulated for improving the single-frequency GNSS observations by using one GNSS receiver based on the broadcast ephemerides in real time or close to real time. The first algorithm represents the preparation stage for the second one. It classifies the observations by separating the optimal values of position dilution of precision (PDOP) and the number of satellites (NOS), as well as the corresponding values of coordinates. The second stage includes an algorithm based on the artificial neural network (ANN) approach, which is set at the ANN variables that produce the best precision through the applied tests at the present study. Binary numbers, log sigmoid-Purelin, cascade forward net, and one hidden layer with a size of 10 neurons are the optimal variables of ANN inputs format, transfer functions constellations, feedforward net type, and the number of hidden layers (NHL) and its size, respectively. The simulation results show that the designed algorithms produce a significant improvement in the horizontal and vertical components. Lastly, an evaluation stage is performed in the case of dual-frequency observations by using broadcast ephemerides. The simulation outputs indicate that the precision at applying the proposed integration is completely enhanced compared with the outputs of IGS final data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplanted (T.) aman rice (Oryza sativa L.) covers the largest cultivated area in Bangladesh while very little information on molecular level characterization of T. aman genotypes persists. The major aim of this study was to dissect molecular characterization and genetic diversity of 25 T. aman rice genotypes using twelve simple sequences repeats (SSRs) markers. The rice genotypes comprised local landraces that were collected from twelve districts of Bangladesh. A total of twelve SSR primer pairs covering all 12 chromosomes of rice were selected for the study. The molecular characterization, genetic diversity, population structure and principal component analysis (PCA) were estimated and the results revealed a total of fifty alleles across 12 loci ranged from 2 (RM411) to 7 (RM252) per locus. The maximum gene diversity exhibited in RM252 (0.7) while the minimum was in RM320 (0.15). The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.14 to 0.67 while RM252 and RM206 identified as the most suitable markers. Clustering based on unweight pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis clustered 25 genotypes into six major clusters (IVI) with similarity coefficient value of 0.34. Cluster V contained a maximum seven genotypes with 5 subgroups. Again, the population structure displayed 3 populations namely population 1, 2 and 3. These populations were clustered into the 3 major groups in the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) 2D plot. Here, PC1 and PC2 contributed 32.7% variations. However, the overall hybridization suggested between the genotypes of the population 1 and 3, specifically between clusters I and cluster VI, and between the diverse parents such as, genotypes Bohi Trimota and Ranga, Bohi Trimota and Purple Rice-2, Bohi Trimota and Purple Rice-3. These diverse clusters and genotypes identified through SSR makers are lay foundation of molecular characterization of T. aman rice genotypes in Bangladesh and further marker-assisted studies will be suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of design guidelines to improve the functional efficiency of academic and research laboratory facilities. The study was carried out in four stages, firstly, key performance indicators for the functional performance of laboratory facilities were identified. Furthermore, the space syntax theory was used to identify the functional performance issues of selected case studies, and a post occupancy evaluation (POE) was also carried out to obtain users' feedback on these case studies. Finally, design guidelines containing functional elements were assessed through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire survey, and analysed using the Relative Importance Index (RII). Sample drawings based on the guidelines were developed and reviewed by 10 professional architects. The study resulted in 31 design guidelines, grouped into 5 categories, including 'space', 'access/circulation', 'building features', 'design for disabled users', and 'design for flexibility'. The RII values showed that the top three most important design guidelines included 'ease of identifying emergency or escape route' (97.78%), 'additional space for knee and chair space under the benches' (93.33%), 'adequate teaching equipment, such as a bookstand and marker board's storage space for student microscopes, book bags and coats' (93.33%), and 'designated office space' (89.09%). Though design guidelines exist for laboratory facilities. The current study approaches the subject matter through a triangulation of methodologies. It also re-emphasizes the need for research and development to support the evolving requirements of modern laboratory facilities. It has the specific contribution of complementing existing standards and guidelines in the design of laboratory facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizen science projects are expanding globally, with the African continent, particularly Nigeria, registering significant growth. Here, we document and analyse novel operations of the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project (NIBAP), 2015–2022. This project has employed the use of ornithologists, mainly trained at the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) located in Jos, Nigeria, and its 28 bird clubs established across Nigeria to enlist 827 bird enthusiasts that contribute regular and near real‐time data about bird distribution and relative abundance in the country. Interestingly, NiBAP has recorded about 75% of the bird species known from Nigeria in only about 50% of Nigeria's total surface area, including 39 nationally threatened species. The Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus, Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis, and Grey‐backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata were the most commonly recorded species, while Amurum Forest Reserve, Rennajj Fish Farm, and Obudu Cattle Ranch were the most surveyed sites during the period. Thus, our approach reveals how to increase involvement of nature enthusiasts, ornithologists, and a regional research institute to build local capacity and contribute rich information necessary to alleviate the lack of distributional data about Afrotropical avifauna. We strongly recommend our approach to boost other citizen science projects across Africa and beyond to address the huge lack of biodiversity data, create public awareness, and foster conservation education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizen science projects are expanding globally, with the African continent, particularly Nigeria, registering significant growth. Here, we document and analyse novel operations of the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project (NIBAP), 2015–2022. This project has employed the use of ornithologists, mainly trained at the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) located in Jos, Nigeria, and its 28 bird clubs established across Nigeria to enlist 827 bird enthusiasts that contribute regular and near real‐time data about bird distribution and relative abundance in the country. Interestingly, NiBAP has recorded about 75% of the bird species known from Nigeria in only about 50% of Nigeria's total surface area, including 39 nationally threatened species. The Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus, Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis, and Grey‐backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata were the most commonly recorded species, while Amurum Forest Reserve, Rennajj Fish Farm, and Obudu Cattle Ranch were the most surveyed sites during the period. Thus, our approach reveals how to increase involvement of nature enthusiasts, ornithologists, and a regional research institute to build local capacity and contribute rich information necessary to alleviate the lack of distributional data about Afrotropical avifauna. We strongly recommend our approach to boost other citizen science projects across Africa and beyond to address the huge lack of biodiversity data, create public awareness, and foster conservation education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted to humans primarily via the bites of infected female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The mosquitoes are also the vector for the transmission of dengue viruses. Malaysia is a dengue hyperendemic country. To date, there has been no ZIKV-associated outbreak reported, could immunity from dengue virus (DENV) infection cross-neutralizes ZIKV, remains unknown. Here, we investigate the neutralization capacity of dengue immune serum against the different ZIKV strains. Healthy blood donor serum samples were retrieved and screened for the presence of dengue and Zika antibodies using Dengue virus-specific IgM and IgG ELISA and anti-ZIKV IgM and IgG ELISA kits. Selected sera samples were then evaluated for their neutralizing capacity against the ZIKV strains, ZIKV P6-740 and ZIKV PRVABC59, using the Foci Reduction Neutralization Test (FRNT). Results were analyzed according to the neutralizing antibody titers with 50% reduction of foci numbers (FRNT50) and 90% reduction of foci numbers (FRNT90) as the cut-off points. Based on the ELISA results, 118 of 215 samples were positive for dengue IgG but negative for dengue IgM and Zika antibodies. A subset of 43 (DENV IgM-/IgG+ with ZIKV IgM-/IgG-) sera samples was selected for subsequent neutralization assay. Neutralization results showed that 40 samples (93.0%) and 19 samples (44.2%) were positive (FRNT50 ≥20 and FRNT90 ≥20) for ZIKV neutralizing antibodies, respectively. In addition, 22 samples (55.0%) showed differential neutralization (FRNT50) with ≥ 4-fold differences against two ZIKV strains. Results from the study showed that dengue immune sera could cross-neutralize ZIKV efficiently. Neutralization efficient across both ZIKV strains. In addition, we also demonstrated that dengue immune sera could induce differential neutralization capacities against different ZIKV strains. These findings have implications in our understanding of the importance of serum cross reactivity in flavivirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cervids, blood biochemical markers may reflect changes in various physiological and environmental factors, especially in response to changes in metabolism following nutrient supplementation or the manipulation of hormone production. Decreasing androgen production through immunocastration (IC) to ease the husbandry of male animals is currently a more ethically acceptable method than physical castration, but its commercial use is unexplored in fallow deer. Forty yearlings male fallow deer were grouped into four treatment combinations: IC on high (200 g commercial pellets + 600 g concentrate mixture of 90% oats and 10% wheat grains) or low (100 g commercial pellets + 300 g concentrate mixture of 90% oats and 10% wheat grains) level of feed supplementation, or noncastrated bucks on a high or low level of feed supplementation. Immunocastrated animals were vaccinated at the start of the study (Week 1) and again during Week 3 of the study. Diet affected all body growth parameters (slaughter weight, daily gain, carcass weight, dressing percentage and body condition score). Fallow deer from all treatments showed increasing concentrations of fat and energy blood biochemical markers over the study period, including plasma glucose (GLU) and triglyceride (TRIG), and decreased cholesterol (CHOL) and lipase (LIPA) concentrations. The higher level of supplementary feeding decreased plasma albumin (ALB) and creatinine (CREA), and increased globulin (GLOB) concentrations. On the other hand, IC and lower‐level supplementation reduced growth performance. Overall, IC may be an interesting tool for welfare management of yearling stags for slaughter; however, the advantage appears to only be in well‐fed animals, as low‐level of feeding can further reduce growth performance in immunocastrated animals. Further studies should evaluate the carcass performance of animals under similar treatment conditions to ascertain the effects on muscle and fat yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Brinkman number and magnetic field on laminar convection in a vertical plate channel with uniform and asymmetric temperatures has been studied. The dimensionless form of momentum and energy balanced equations has been solved using one term perturbation series solution. The solution of the dimensionless velocity u and temperature θ were obtained. The numerical values of the skin friction and the Nusselt number were obtained and tabulated. It was found that the effect of magnetic parameter enhances the effect of flow velocity by suppressing the turbulence while Brinkman number has accelerating effect on the temperature profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke has been a global burden, with increasing morbidity and mortality. Several risk factors have been identified, which are the target of preventive strategies, they include hyperhomocysteinemia, hypovitaminosis B12, and low zinc levels. There is paucity of data on the biochemical risk factors in our environment which necessitated this study. Objective: To evaluate the serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and zinc in patients with acute ischemic stroke in Zaria. Patients and Methods: This is a case-control study conducted over 13 months in ABUTH Zaria. One hundred patients with clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke diagnosed, confirmed by brain CT-scan and Siriraj stroke score of less than -1, and equal number of apparently healthy age, and sex-matched were recruited. Their fasting serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while zinc was measured using direct colorimetric method. Stroke severity was determined using National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS), patients with NIHSS score of 1-4, 5-15, and 16-42 were classified as mild, moderate, and severe stroke respectively. Results: Mean serum homocysteine for patients was significantly higher than that of controls (P < 0.05) and mean serum zinc and vitamin B12 significantly lower compared to that of controls (P < 0.05). There was no association between hyperhomocysteinemia, low vitaminB12, and low zinc concentrations with the severity of stroke using NHISS Score. Conclusion: Elevated serum homocysteine, low vitamin B12, and zinc were found to be significant risk factors associated with ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African trypanosomosis remains one of the major diseases affecting food security and human healthy living in sub-Saharan Africa. This study screened domesticated animals for the presence of pathogenic trypanosomes in 1,050 slaughtered animals comprising 858 and 100 cattle respectively from Zango and Kawo abattoirs and 92 camels from Zango as Kawo abattoir neither slaughters nor sell camel meat. Both abattoirs are government-owned and located in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The animals examined were sourced from Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Chad Republic. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the point of slaughter and examined using the buffy coat technique and Leishman-stained thick film for trypanosome identification. Packed cell volume (PCV) determination was conducted to assess the level of anaemia. Results indicated that 25 cattle and 2 camels (27) had an overall trypanosome infection rate of 2.57%. The trypanosomes observed were mainly Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense, and Trypanosoma vivax. This study showed that sources of livestock slaughtered at various abattoirs can be a useful indicator in quantifying trypanosomosis risk. Continuous sensitization and awareness creation among the herders at the grass-root level is recommended for effective disease management towards increased livestock production and productivity required to sustain the rural economy and improve the livelihoods of the local populace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuarine sandstones often exhibit complex diagenetic pathways due to the interaction of fluvial and shallow marine processes, resulting in significant reservoir heterogeneities. The Yolde Formation is an important petroleum reservoir in the Northern Benue Trough, NE Nigeria. However, diagenetic and reservoir quality evolution of the formation are still poorly understood. This study utilizes thin-section petrography, XRD, SEM, and fluid inclusion microthermometry to analyse the composition, diagenesis, and reservoir quality of the sandstones. Results show that the sandstones are mainly arkose and subarkose in composition; they are generally well-sorted and vary in grain size from very fine-to coarse-grained. Three diagenetic stages are identified: early, middle, and late. The early stage includes feldspar dissolution, formation of kaolinite, development of clay coating, and mechanical compaction. The middle stage comprises the formation of authigenic chlorite and Fe-oxide cements. The late-stage diagenesis involves illitization of kaolinite, formation of dickite, albitization of K-feldspar, and precipitation of quartz overgrowths. The diagenetic evolution of the sandstones was strongly controlled by their compositional makeup. The feldspathic nature of the sandstones resulted in the formation of kaolinite, illite, and quartz overgrowths, through feldspar dissolution and silica supply. The inner and middle estuarine facies have inhibited the development of quartz overgrowths due to well-developed clay coatings, whereas the outer estuarine facies were well-cemented by quartz overgrowths due to lack of clay coatings. Illitic clay coatings were found to be effective in preventing quartz cementation. Fluid inclusion analysis reveals that the formation temperatures of the quartz overgrowths range from 98 °C to 135.5 °C, corresponding to burial depths ranging between 2.3 and 3.5 km. These findings would provide useful insights that would reduce the risks of exploration of the sandstones and also supplies potential input data for forward diagenetic modelling of their subsurface equivalents in similar depositional settings elsewhere. • The compositional makeup of the sandstones influenced their diagenetic evolution. • Well-developed clay coatings impeded quartz cementation in the estuarine facies. • The outer estuarine facies lack clay coats due to hydrodynamic and wave processes. • Quartz cement formed at temperatures varying from 98 to 135.5 °C (av. 126.0 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive understanding of the controls on sandstone reservoir quality requires the integration of provenance, detrital mineralogy, and diagenesis to effectively optimize their utilization for groundwater and hydrocarbon explorations or CO 2 storage. However, studies on the roles of sedimentary provenance and diagenesis in reservoir quality evolution of sandstones are often conducted separately, even though combining both is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of how these processes jointly influence reservoir quality evolution in sandstones. The Paleocene-Eocene Kerri-Kerri Formation in the Gongola Sub-basin, Upper Benue Trough (NE Nigeria), has yet to be assessed for how the interplay between sedimentary provenance and diagenesis influences its reservoir quality evolution. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the provenance of the Kerri-Kerri Formation and its influence on diagenetic alterations and reservoir quality through thin section petrography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence analyses. The findings of the study reveal that the sediments were primarily sourced from a quartzose sedimentary provenance and were deposited under warm, humid climatic conditions, influencing diagenesis and reservoir quality by resulting in a chemically stable, quartz-rich mineralogy characterized by near-complete dissolution and alteration of labile feldspar and mica grains. The provenance of the sandstones has significantly contributed to an unusual accumulation of kaolinite (2–46%; average 12.9%) due to intense rainfall, which released previously authigenic kaolinite from the source sandstones and incorporated it into the Kerri-Kerri sediments as detrital clay. The stable quartz-rich mineralogy limited the effects of mechanical compaction in the sandstones, aided by the absence of ductile grains. Minor authigenic kaolinite was formed as eogenetic clay due to the very low reactive feldspar content in the sandstones, while illite and authigenic quartz overgrowths developed as deep-burial cements. However, their effects are largely insignificant due to the scarcity of K-feldspar needed to supply K⁺ for illitization and the presence of well-developed clay coatings that significantly inhibited quartz cementation. Illitization of kaolinite preferentially occurred where discrete kaolinite crystals arranged themselves in a chain-like fashion near K-feldspar, providing the surface area for kaolinite dissolution and K⁺ adsorption in the formation of authigenic illite. Additionally, while grain size and sorting had minimal control over reservoir quality due to the similarities in grain size and sorting classes among the sandstones, detrital matrix content was the primary factor influencing reservoir quality. Channel fill sandstones exhibited the best reservoir quality owing to their low clay matrix, whereas occasional ripple-laminated sandstones from floodplain settings demonstrated the poorest reservoir quality due to their high matrix content. The findings of this study can enhance the understanding of reservoir quality controls in the subsurface equivalents of the Kerri-Kerri Formation in the basin or elsewhere, thereby facilitating their optimal utilization for hydrocarbon and groundwater explorations or CO 2. Our findings have significant implications for understanding the interplay between provenance and diagenesis in controlling the reservoir quality evolution of the Kerri-Kerri Formation. Additionally, this study offers valuable insights for assessing similar continental sandstones globally, helping to optimize their use in subsurface energy and water resource explorations. The quantitative data provided can also be applied in reservoir quality prediction modeling for the subsurface Kerri-Kerri Formation and analogous formations elsewhere. • The supply of quartz-rich sediments limited the effects of mechanical compaction. • Intense chemical weathering at the source supplied unusually high detrital kaolinite. • Preferential illitization of kaolinite occurred due to chain-like structure of kaolinite. • Detrital clay matrix has played a significant role on reservoir quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Background: b Concurrent bacteraemia in dengue patient is uncommon but most often will result in severe adverse clinical outcome. One of the genomic regions was found showing greater genetic similarity to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) genomes in the NCBI Genbank repository, and harboured multiple phage-associated virulence factors ( -hemolysin, cytolytic pore-forming proteins, etc.). Therefore, we aim to investigate the genomic features of a methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strain isolated from a dengue patient, in order to elucidate the possible genetic drives for the pathogenicity of this organism. [Extracted from the article]

Context: Hysterosalpingography (HSG), is the radiographic evaluation of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes after the administration of a contrast medium through the cervical canal. Aims: To determine the pattern of infertility, the risk factors for infertility in women presenting for HSG, and the findings among women with infertility at Federal Medical Centre Katsina. Study Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive study design. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of HSG findings done at the federal medical center Katsina over a 12-month period. Information on the patients was obtained from the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) system which includes the presenting clinical history, the age, and the outcome of HSG. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of one hundred and forty-four (144) women were examined. Their age ranged from 17 48 years with a mean of 31.2 ± 6.3 years. The most common indication for the procedure was infertility, accounting for 89.6% of all cases. The most common Radiological finding was tubal occlusion (factor), which was seen in 40 patients constituting 28% of the radiological findings. The right tubal occlusion was seen at 11.8% while the left tubal occlusion was seen at 6.9%. Bilateral tubal occlusion was seen in 9.0%. Conclusions: The frequent indication for HSG is infertility and the common finding on HSG was a tubal factor with hydrosalpinx being the frequent cause of infertility in our environment. The right tubal occlusion constitutes a higher percentage than the left. Secondary infertility was more common than primary infertility [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]