Application of Predictive Model for Efficient Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Yield in the Face of Climate Variability in Enugu State, Nigeria

Climate variability as occasioned by conditions such as extreme rainfall and temperature, rainfall cessation, and irregular temperatures has considerable impact on crop yield and food security. This study develops a predictive model for cassava yield (Manihot esculenta Crantz) amidst climate variability in rainfed zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. This study utilized data of climate variables and tonnage of cassava yield spanning from 1971 to 2012;as well as information from a questionnaire and focus group discussion from farmers across two seasons in 2023 respectively. Regression analysis was employed to develop the predictive model equation for seasonal climate variability and cassava yield. The rainfall and temperature anomalies, decadal change in trend of cassava yield and opinion of farmers on changes in rainfall season were also computed in the study. The result shows the following relationship between cassava and all the climatic variables: R2 = 0.939;P = 0.00514;Cassava and key climatic variables: R2 = 0.560;P = 0.007. The result implies that seasonal rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, sunshine hours and radiation parameters are key climatic variables in cassava production. This is supported by computed rainfall and temperature anomalies which range from −478.5 to 517.8 mm as well as −1.2˚C to 2.3˚C over the years. The questionnaire and focus group identified that farmers experienced at one time or another, late onset of rain, early onset of rain or rainfall cessation over the years. The farmers are not particularly sure of rainfall and temperature characteristics at any point in time. The implication of the result of this study is that rainfall and temperature parameters determine the farming season and quantity of productivity. Hence, there is urgent need to address the situation through effective and quality weather forecasting network which will help stem food insecurity in the study area and Nigeria at large. The study made recommendations such as a comprehensive early warning system on climate variability incidence which can be communicated to local farmers by agro-meteorological extension officers, research on crops that can grow with little or no rain, planning irrigation scheme, and improving tree planting culture in the study area.

Defects in Concrete Elements: A Study of Residential Buildings of 30 Years and above in Onitsha Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

Building defect is an issue in existing buildings that needs urgent tackling to prevent further problems. This study assessed the defects in concrete elements in residential buildings of 30 years and above in the Onitsha metropolis of Anambra State, Nigeria. Data collection instruments in the study include structured questionnaire, interviews, visual inspection/observations, archival records, recordings, photographs;and non-destructive testing of the concrete elements in an existing building in the study area. The population of this study constituted of the construction registered professionals and the existing buildings in study area. The sample for the study was based on the calculated sample size using Taro Yamani Formula. A total of 158 registered professionals were sampled from the population of 260. The questionnaires were purposively distributed to the registered professionals up to the required sample sizes of 158 and 129 questionnaires were properly filled and returned. The study used the SPSS and Microsoft Excel to analyze the data. The results were analyzed in percentages and figures using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of pie charts and tables. The finding of the study revealed that the causes and effects of structural defects on the concrete elements in existing buildings in the study area according to the rating are;exposed/corrosion of the embedded metals, faulty workmanship, overload and impacts, chemical attack, freeze-thaw deterioration, fire/heat, restraint to volume change. The visual observation revealed that the structural elements are characterized by heavy defects such as deep vertical, horizontal and diagonal cracks, exposed/ corrosion of the embedded metals, spalling of the concrete slabs. The existence of defects in the concrete members led to the low compressive strength of the concrete elements and the structural instability of the existing buildings as revealed by the non-destructive test. The non-destructive test result revealed that most of the tested concrete elements have low compressive strength value and such were remarked poor as they did not satisfy the assumed value. Essentially, the study concluded by recommending that regular monitoring, inspections and non-destructive testing of concrete elements should be conducted on existing aged and defected buildings to detect the structural stability of the buildings;and it is imperative to evacuate occupants from heavy structurally deteriorated and defected buildings since most of them have lost their residual design life span and ability to sustain imposed loads.

Bulk Raw Materials Handling and Blending Techniques of Sinter Plant:A Case Study of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited,Kogi State,Nigeria

Bulk raw materials handling plant and sintering plant preparatory plants are established to receive,blend,stockpile,prepare and supply specified grades of raw materials for smooth operations of iron making plant(Blast furnace),steel making plant(Basic oxygen converter)and lime Plant(calcinations plant).The study discusses bulk raw materials handling and some general problem of scientific analysis and documentation of basic equipment details,stockyard facilities,bulk materials transport systems and sinter processes,for the general knowledge and operational procedures of these plant for effective and efficient operational processes for optical results.Iron ore concentrate supplied from the mines to some extent fluctuate in their chemical composition as a result of the nature of the deposit with various factors controlling beneficiation processes and addition of metal-bearing materials collected as a waste product from the Rolling Mills,Blast Furnace and Sinter Plant which must be recycled through Iron ore concentrate stockyard.The part of the sinter mixture is melted at a temperature about 1300-1480°C and a sequence of reactions shaping the sinter cake to be loaded into the blast furnace to produce iron from a pig.

Application of Machine Learning for Flood Prediction and Evaluation in Southern Nigeria

This study explored the application of machine learning techniques for flood prediction and analysis in southern Nigeria. Machine learning is an artificial intelligence technique that uses computer-based instructions to analyze and transform data into useful information to enable systems to make predictions. Traditional methods of flood prediction and analysis often fall short of providing accurate and timely information for effective disaster management. More so, numerical forecasting of flood disasters in the 19th century is not very accurate due to its inability to simplify complex atmospheric dynamics into simple equations. Here, we used Machine learning (ML) techniques including Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Naïve Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Neural Networks (NN) to model the complex physical processes that cause floods. The dataset contains 59 cases with the goal feature “Event-Type”, including 39 cases of floods and 20 cases of flood/rainstorms. Based on comparison of assessment metrics from models created using historical records, the result shows that NB performed better than all other techniques, followed by RF. The developed model can be used to predict the frequency of flood incidents. The majority of flood scenarios demonstrate that the event poses a significant risk to people’s lives. Therefore, each of the emergency response elements requires adequate knowledge of the flood incidences, continuous early warning service and accurate prediction model. This study can expand knowledge and research on flood predictive modeling in vulnerable areas to inform effective and sustainable contingency planning, policy, and management actions on flood disaster incidents, especially in other technologically underdeveloped settings.

Prevalence and Pattern of Migraine, Tension Type Headache and Chronic Daily Headache among Medical and Nursing Students in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Aim: To assess the lifetime prevalence of tension-type headache, migraine and chronic daily headache, including the primary headaches in a student population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected from consecutive consenting students by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to assess demographic data, headache profiles and medical consultation. Results: Four hundred and forty-nine (89.8%) out of 500 students who were interviewed were analyzed. The lifetime prevalence of primary headache was 89.8%;it 90.5% and 88.6% in females and males respectively. The overall prevalence of migraine was 8.9%, with a prevalence of 10.6% in females and 6.5% in males. Migraine without aura was most commonly seen at 73%. The prevalence of migraine without aura was 7.6% in females and 4.9% in males. Tension type headache (TTH) had an overall prevalence of 22.9%, with a prevalence of 28.4% in females and 15.1% in males. Migraine and tension type headache co-existed in 5.8% of the students. About 8.5% suffered from chronic daily headache: chronic migraine 2.9%, chronic tension headache 3.1%. The rate of medical consultation was 54.8% (males 49.7%, females 58.3%). Conclusions: Headache is a common health problem among medical and nursing students in Enugu South East Nigeria where 89.8% of respondents have had primary headaches. The prevalence of migraine, TTH and chronic daily headache was 8.9%, 22.9% and 8.5% respectively. Headaches therefore, represent one of the most challenging neurological disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa where most sufferers do not have access to specialist care.

Correlates of Tobacco and Marijuana Use among Urban Dwellers in Enugu, Nigeria

Introduction: Tobacco and marijuana use is a public health challenge all over the world and especially in Sub Saharan Africa. The combination of low socioeconomic status and substance use can be described as a social and economic disaster for many poor families of Africa. While majority of studies concentrated on cigarette smoking, few studies in Nigeria has been conducted on non-smoke forms of tobacco. The burden of marijuana abuse is also rising in the Nigeria. Similar to cigarette smoking, cannabis use is more common among males. Knowledge of the pattern of tobacco and cannabis use in the community is important considering the public health implications. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco (cigarette smoking and snuff) and cannabis use among adults in an urban communities Enugu, southeast Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in urban slum settlements in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. Using a semi structured questionnaire, we collected data selected socio-demographic characteristics, including tobacco use and cannabis use in the last 30 days. The study was conducted between August and December 2013. For database management and statistical analyses, we used the SPSS version 23. Results: The total number of individuals recruited in the study was 1572;844 (52.8%) females and 728 (45.5%) males with a male to female ratio of 0.9:1. Tobacco was used by a total of 270 (17.2%) individuals within the last 4 weeks and marijuana by 23 (1.5%) of the population. Overall, 280 (17.8%) used either one or both tobacco and marijuana. While snuff was predominately used from 60 years and above, cigarette smoking peaked at 30 - 39 years and marijuana use peaked at a younger age of 20 - 29 years. Cigarette smoking positively correlated with male gender (male 1, female 0) and alcohol use (Yes 1, No 0). P Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette smoking (5.5%), snuff (11.6%) and marijuana use (1.6%) was found in an urban settlement in Enugu. Predictors of tobacco use were older age, male gender and alcohol use. Public health intervention programs should reemphasize the health-related issues associated with these substances and the need to quit using them.

Spatial Assessment of Flood Vulnerability in Aba Urban Using Geographic Information System Technology and Rainfall Information

This study investigated the relationship between topographic information and trends in rainfall in Aba urban, South Eastern Nigeria. GIS data were applied to generate topographical information on?runoff characteristics, the slope, the contour, the aspect and the digital elevation model. The Mann-Kendall Trend was applied to the rainfall data to show if a monotonic increase, decrease or stability trend exist for the rainfall data of Aba metropolis for the period 2000-2010. Results showed that virtually all parts of Aba were liable to floods expect Ogbor hill axis. The flood vulnerability map indicated that 71.65% of the study area was vulnerable to flood. Rainfall trend showed a decrease in six out of the ten year period. Since within this period, flood intensity had generally remained the same, we concluded that topography, poor drainage infrastructure and non-compliance with building, planning and environmental regulations rather than rainfall trend were the key cause of flood problem in the study area.

Electrical Conductivity of Spark Plasma Sintered W-Cu and Mo-Cu Composites for Electrical Contact Applications

Tungsten copper and molybdenum copper composites, with weight percent copper in the range of 20% - 40%, have been produced using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. Other specimens having similar compositions were also developed using the conventional techniques of Liquid Phase Sintering (LPS) and Infiltration. Electrical conductivity measurements showed that the specimens produced by the SPS process had substantially higher levels of electrical conductivity than those produced by the other methods. Relative density measurements showed that the SPS specimens achieved very high densification, with relative densities in the range of 99.1% - 100%. On the other hand, the specimens produced by LPS and infiltration had relative densities in the range of 88% - 92% and 96% - 98% respectively. The superior conductivity of the SPS specimens has been attributed to the virtually full densification achieved by the process. The effect of porosity on electrical conductivity has been discussed and three standard models were assessed using results from porous sintered skeletons of pure tungsten and pure molybdenum.

Glaucoma Awareness and Knowledge, and Attitude to Screening, in a Rural Community in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Awareness, knowledge, beliefs and the sociocultural and religious practices, are believed to influence the treatment-seeking behavior of people as well as their uptake of services. This study was carried out to assess the awareness and knowledge about glaucoma, and the attitude to glaucoma screening in Nchokko village in Igbeagu community, Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 22. Results show that a total of 402 respondents— 228 (56.7%) women and 174 (43.3%) men—were interviewed. The mean age of respondents was 31.7 ± 11.9 years;82.8% of the respondents had secondary education or less;53% were married;and 38.1% were farmers. Only 21.1% of the respondents were aware of glaucoma. Gender, education, and positive family history were significantly associated with awareness. Only 6.3% of the respondents had good knowledge about the disease. A large proportion of respondents (62.1%) exhibited a positive attitude towards glaucoma screening;however, only 5% had ever undergone glaucoma screening. We conclude that glaucoma awareness and knowledge were poor in this rural community, but a high proportion of respondents had a positive attitude towards glaucoma screening. We therefore recommend a focused community health education campaign that will raise awareness and impart adequate knowledge about glaucoma. Eye care providers should make use of every opportunity to convey information on glaucoma to patients.

Structural Modification of Sand Cast Eutectic Al-Si Alloys with Sulfur/Sodium and Its Effect on Mechanical Properties

In the present study, the structural modification of sand cast Al-12wt%Si alloy with sulfur/sodium and its effect on mechanical properties were investigated. Different addition levels of sulfur and sodium were used to modify and produce castings of the same shape and size from the alloy. The results indicated that the addition of sodium or sulfur to eutectic Al-Si alloy can modify the Al-Si eutectic morphology from needle-like eutectic silicon structure to fine-scale eutectic silicon structure with significant improvement in mechanical properties of the alloy. The optimum levels of modification by sodium flux (60% NaF and 40% NaCl) and sulfur were found to be 0.6% - 1.0% and 0.02% - 0.05% of the weight of the alloy respectively. The alloy modified with 0.6% Na flux had the best mechanical properties closely followed by the one modified with 0.02% sulfur. Over modification of the alloy with sodium produced over modification band which consisted of aluminum dendrites and coarse silicon particles in the microstructure of the alloy. Increase in concentration of sulfur decreased the degree of fineness of the eutectic silicon structure with significant decrease in mechanical properties of the alloy and this is suggested to be as a result of the presence of a brittle sulfur compound at the grain interfaces of the alloy.

Patients’ Perception and Satisfaction with Waiting Time, and Facilities Available in a State Teaching Hospital Eye Clinic, Southeast, Nigeria

Patients’ satisfaction with waiting time and the facilities in eye clinics is an important indication of the patients’ assessment of the quality of service in the eye clinic. In this study, waiting time was defined as time spent from arrival to time when the patient is seen by a doctor. Some factors that affect patients’ waiting time in health clinics include: healthcare setting, availability of adequate resources and personnel, efficient deployment of available resources and competence of healthcare workers, and punctuality of healthcare workers. The physical environment, comfort of patients, and level of infrastructure in the hospital also influence patients’ satisfaction. This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among patients that attended an eye care clinic, in a tertiary hospital, and 348 respondents were interviewed. Most of the respondents were aged 40 years and above (64.4%), females (63.5%), Igbos by tribe (94.8%), married (63.2%), Christians (96.6%), and had at least a secondary level of education (78.4%). Most perceived waiting time as being very long or long (60.1%), and only 48.8 were satisfied or very satisfied with the waiting time. Most also perceived the cleanliness of the eye clinic as being clean or very clean (85.0%), and 70.7% perceived the ventilation as being adequate or very adequate. The majority reported that a health talk was given (71.6%), and 62.7% were satisfied or very satisfied with the talk. More respondents (46.8%) perceived the waiting space as very inadequate or inadequate, as against 43.4% that perceived it as adequate or very adequate. More reported that prescribed drugs were completely unavailable or few available (48.0%), while 42.3% reported drugs as being reasonably or completely available. It is important that management of health facilities that offer eye care services, work towards improving patients’ perception and satisfaction with services provided in the eye clinics.

Models and Optimization of Rice Husk,Ash-Clay Soil Stabilization

Soil stabilization has been found to be very effective in upgrading the bearing capacity of weak soils for construction purposes. The stabilizing agent, for cost efficiency, ought to provide a cheaper alternative to other possible processes. With the rapid industrialization efforts around the globe, enormous quantities of waste materials are generated and there has not been adequate mechanism for recycling and re-use of such wastes to reduce the consequent environmental problems and hazardous situations created as a result. The objective of the study is to upgrade expansive soils from Eke Obinagu, Ugwuaji in Enugu State and Egbede in Abia State Nigeria, as constructions material using RHA （rice husk ash）. Expansive clay soils were mixed with this ash, remolded and tested to examine the effect on the OMC （optimum moisture content） and the CBR （California Bearing Ratio）. The characterization of the soils was done in accordance with BS1377 and 1990b, with respect to their engineering properties which include OMC, MDD, Soaked CBR, Liquid Limit, Classification and Sieve Analysis. The rice husk was burnt and prepared in a cylindrical incinerator to form the ash. The results of classification showed A-7-5, A-6, A-2-7 soils for Eke Obinagu, Egbede and Ugwuaji, respectively. The CBR values showed increase from 5% to 29%, 7% to 13% and 5% to 23% for A-7-5, A-6 ~nd A-2-7 respectively at optimal value of 17.5% stabilization. There was also an appreciable increase in the OMC values from 15% to 33%, 14% to 25% and 15% to 31% for A-7-5, A-6 and A-2-7 soils respectively at 17.5% stabilization. Empirical models based on Scheffe＇s model were developed with the experimental results and the equations resulting from the second degree polynomials of Scheffe＇s models were solved using the least square method. The models developed showed close correlation with the experimental results for the A-7-5 and A-6 soils and will form good guide in pavement and foundation designs in the study areas.

Correlation between Age and Electrical Axes of the Heart in Adult Nigerians

Background: P wave axis, QRS axis, T wave axis and QRS-T angle have prognostic values on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet the effect of age on these important electrocardiographic parameters has not been well studied in adult Nigerians, knowing that some electrocardiographic parameters are affected by age. Objectives: This study was aimed at determining the effect of age on P frontal axis, QRS frontal axis, T frontal axis and frontal QRS-T angle among adult Nigerians. Methods: This was a retrospective study in which P frontal axis, QRS frontal axis and T frontal axis of adult patients who attended a university teaching hospital were determined from 12-lead ECG. Frontal QRS-T angle was calculated as the absolute difference between the QRS frontal axis and T wave frontal axis. The electrical axes and QRS-T angle were correlated with age. Results: There were 85 cases aged between 20 and 66 years, which included 42 males and 43 females. P frontal axis correlated positively and non-significantly with age (r = -0.032, p = 0.773), QRS frontal axis correlated negatively and significantly with age (r = -0.295, p = 0.006), T frontal axis correlated negatively and non-significantly with age (r = -0.002, p = 0.984), while frontal QRS-T angle correlated negatively and significantly with age (r = -0.266, p = 0.014). Conclusion: There were significant age related changes in both QRS frontal axis and frontal QRS-T angle. No significant age related changes were found in P frontal axis and T frontal axis.

Correlation between the Bearing Capacity of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil of Mgbede and the Percentage Contamination

This study was conducted in Mgbede, River State, Nigeria, hosting up to, or even more than 100 oil wells. It examined the relationship between the bearing capacity of crude oil contaminated soil and the percentage contamination. Four uncontaminated soil samples were randomly collected at 1.5 m depth within the oil field with hand auger and analyzed for the load bearing properties limited to cohesion, angle of internal friction and bulk density. With these parameters, the bearing capacity was determined for each sample. Crude oil, collected from one of the oil wells with viscosity 0.02611 poises at 40~C and specific gravity 0.8227 g/cm3, was used as the contaminant. This was mixed with the soil sample at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% concentrations. The mean values of the bearing capacity were 582.458 KN/m2, 495.35 KN/m2 for square and strip footings respectively at 0% contamination, 240.735 KN/m2 and 204.753 KN/m2 at 5%, 321.683 KN/m2 and 274.593 KN/m2 at 10%, 127.003 KN/m2 and 109.12 KN/m2 at 15%, 105.28 KN/m2 and 90.758 KN/m2 at 20% for square and strip footings, respectively. The results showed a consistent decrease in the load bearing values as the crude oil content increased. The result of the null hypothesis established a strong and significant relationship between the bearing capacity of crude oil contaminated soil and the percentage contamination.

Adenovirus and Rotavirus Associated Diarrhoea in under 5 Children from Enugu Rural Communities, South East Nigeria

Globally, diarrhoea is the second commonest infectious cause of death in children less than 5 years old. It is estimated that more than one billion diarrhoea episodes occur every year causing up to 700,000 deaths among children younger than 5 years of age. Seventy-two percent of these deaths occur in children below two years and enteric viruses have been recognized as a major cause of childhood diarrhoea. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of enteric Adenoviruses and Rotaviruses in children with diarrhoea in rural Enugu communities of Enugu State South East Nigeria. Methods: Stool samples were collected from children less than 5 years with diarrhoea seen in any of the participating hospitals in Enugu State. Samples were collected between June 2015 and May 2017. Detection of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus antigens were performed using commercially available ELISA kit (Oxoid-ProspecT&#174;). Demographic data of the children were also collected. Results: Of the 290 stool samples that had sufficient materials for adenovirus and rotavirus ELISA, 14 (4.8%) and 89 (30.7%) were positive for enteric adenovirus and rotavirus respectively. 3 (1%) were co-infected with adenovirus and rotavirus. Rotavirus positive cases were more among hospitalized patients while enteric adenovirus was more among outpatients. Marked peaks of rotavirus positivity were seen in January of each year but no peak was seen among adenovirus positive cases. Higher vomiting frequencies and severe dehydration were more among rotavirus positive cases compared to adenovirus positive cases (p = 0.030 and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Many diarrhoea cases among children aged <5 in the population studied were associated with enteric adenoviruses and rotavirus. This finding suggests that enteric viral agents (adenovirus and rotavirus) are important aetiologies for childhood diarrhoea in Enugu state Nigeria. Appropriate preventive, diagnostic and treatment interventions should be instituted so as to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with these viruses.

Determinants of Breast-Feeding Initiation Time among Newborns Delivered in a Tertiary Baby Friendly Health Facility in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: The importance of early breastfeeding initiation to both the mother and infant is enormous as it reduces the likelihood of neonatal mortality as well as maternal postpartum haemorrhage. The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence and determinants of correct breastfeeding initiation time among newborns delivered at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study. Relevant maternal and new-born birth characteristics were obtained using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors that are significantly associated with correct breastfeeding initiation time with the level of significance set at p Results: A total of 321 mother-newborn pairs were studied. 86 (26.8%) of the respondents correctly initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery. Planned pregnancy, pre-pregnancy decision on infant feeding options, primiparity, vaginal delivery and breast milk as first food given to the neonate post-delivery were associated with increased likelihood of correct breastfeeding initiation time. Conclusion: Correct breastfeeding initiation time among respondents is low. Planned pregnancy, pre-pregnancy decision on infant feeding option before pregnancy, primiparity, vaginal delivery and breast milk as first food given to the neonate after delivery were associated with having correct breastfeeding initiation time among respondents. Efforts should be made to complement Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative with baby friendly community initiative in order to improve the rate of correct breastfeeding initiation time in our setting.

The Prevalence of Stroke Survivors in Urban Slums in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Stroke is one of the commonest non-communicable diseases and the commonest cause of death in adult neurology wards. Stroke preva-lence in sub Saharan Africa has dramatically increased over the past decades possibly due to changing life styles, poverty, poor health infrastructures which had led to increased risk factors for stroke. Poor nutrition and lack of access to standard medical care, predispose to high rates of stroke morbidity and mor-tality hence possible low prevalence. Little is known about the prevalence of stroke in people with low socio-economic status in Nigeria. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of stroke in two urban slums in south east Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out in two slums in Enugu, South East Nige-ria. Participants were screened using a stroke specific questionnaire and further examined by two independent neurologists for evidence of focal neurological deficits. Analysis was done by SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 1440 par-ticipants were surveyed in the study;769 (53.4) females and 671 (46.6%) males. About 22.3% (321) screened positive for various neurological diseases out of which 17 (5.3%) had evidence for stroke giving an overall prevalence of 1.2% (males 9 (1.3%) vs females 8 (1%) p = 0.6). The mean age of stroke sur-vivors was 60.1 years, similar in males and females (p = 0.6). The odds ratio for stroke from 40 years showed progress increment doubling between 60 and 70 years and tripled between 40 and 70 years. Age, lower level of education, positive history of hypertension, sickle cell disease, leg swelling and use of snuff positively are correlated with clinical diagnosis of stroke. Conclusion: The prevalence of stroke in two urban slums in Enugu metropolis was 12/1000. Hypertension, diabetes, use of snuff, and low levels of education were signifi-cant risk factors for stroke. Public health educational measures, promoting prevention and early detection of diabetes should be encouraged.

The effect of age, gender, level of adiposity and diabetes duration on glycated hemoglobin reduction after anti-diabetic therapy in type-2 diabetic patients

Background: It is established that glycemic control measures involving diet and oral medication reduce glycated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c) in type-2 diabetic patients. Aim: We aimed to determine whether HbA1c reduction after diabetic treatment is affected by age, gender, level of adiposity and diabetes duration in type-2 diabetic patients. Methods: One hundred and four type-2 diabetic patients participated in a 20-week diabetic control therapy involving oral medication (metformin) and lifestyle intervention (diet). We compared the HbA1c reduction after treatment between the elderly and non-elderly;males and females;overweight/obese and non-overweight/obese;and long-standing and newly diagnosed patients. Results: After the treatment, participants had mean HbA1c reduction of 1.1 ± 1.31% and weight loss of 2.46 ± 1.79 kg. Forty-six (44.2%) of the patients had acceptable HbA1c level of p p p < 0.001), respectively. HbA1c reduction did not indicate significant sex differences. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that treatment criteria for type-2 diabetes should account for the age, level of adiposity and diabetes duration of the patient in order to make optimal therapeutic decisions for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults.

Protein Enrichment of Potato Peels Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae via Solid-State Fermentation Process

In order to add value to potato peels and also curb their environmental pollution problems, this study investigated the protein enrichment of potato peels with Saccharomyces cerevisiae via Solid-State Fermentation (SSF). SSF is a fermentation process which involves solid matrix and is carried out in absence or near absence of free water. SSF of potato peel mashed was carried out with S. cerevisiae at 30°C, pH of 5.5, moisture adjustment between 40 and 90%, addition of ammonium sulphate and urea salts as nitrogen supplements for the microorganisms for 3 days. The results showed that the percentage crude protein content of all the fermented samples increased significantly when compared with the unfermented sample. 40% moisture content adjustment and ammonium sulphate as nitrogen source gave the best result. The crude protein increased from 12.5% to 21.86%, which is 74.88% increment for ammonium sulphate supplementation, and 12.5% to 18.42%, which is 47% increment for urea supplementation. Therefore, the fermented peels could serve as good source of cheap protein enriched feed for livestock.

A Comparative Study of Transesterification of Hydnocapus weightiana Seed Oil Using Calcined and Acid Activated Natural Heterogeneous Catalyst and Its Kinetic Study

The world’s total fossil fuel consumption has been significantly increasing with consequential increased environmental catastrophes. A hunt for an alternate energy source was stimulated. Biofuel is a plausible option in this pursuit due to its ideal qualities which included but are not limited to renewability and environmental friendliness. However, the pump price of biodiesel is still very high due mainly to the high cost of the production of the commodity which is influenced by the feedstock and the homogeneous nature of catalyst used. Heterogeneous catalyst was prepared by using Pila globosa sea snail shells prepared by calcination (CP8) and by acid activation (PTW1M). Hydnocapus weightiana seed oil (Non-edible feedstock) was extracted using the soxhlet extraction method and was used for biofuel production with a methanol oil ratio of 3:1. Agitation speed 800, 600 rmp, reaction temperatures of 70°C, 60°C, catalyst concentration (3.00, 2.00 wt%) and reaction time (70 and 60 min) was maintained for CP8 and PTW1M respectively. The rate of the reaction followed a reversible second-order reaction rate. Re-usability accessed. From TGA analysis, the best calcination temperature was 800°C. SEM results showed improved surface morphology after calcination, especially for CP8. FTIR analysis showed the elimination of volatiles and formation of CaO and CaO4Te after calcination. The reaction rate constant at different temperatures was 0.0287 at 30°C, 0.1200 at 50°C and 0.1142 at 70°C and activation energy of the ethyl ester was 49.49 KJ/mol. Using CP8. Most of the fuel properties met with ASTM 6751 standard. The result of the re-usability showed that the biodiesel yield declined as follows: 92, 86, 80, 73 and 69 % for CP8 and 85, 84, 81, 76, 65. For PTW1M. After the fifth regeneration cycle, both CP8 and PTW1M samples of Pila globosa sea snail shell catalyst proved effective in transesterification reaction of Hydnocapus weightiana seed oil using ethanol. It was observed that the calcined catalyst (CP8) showed a superior catalytic performance.