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Hyperspectral unmixing is a process to find number of spectral component
(called endmember), estimation of endmember signatures and their
abundance fractions in each pixel on the scene. Geometric based
algorithms are developed for hyperspectral unmixing problem in the
literature. The distribution of spectra (points in n-dimensional
scatterplot) can be used to estimate endmember signatures geometrically.
Impulse denoising before unmixing process can help getting better
results for endmember extraction. For this reason, General Prior
Algorithm (GAP) is used before unmixing process. Experiments using real
data demonstrate that this preprocessing step provided better results
for endmember estimation. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes better estimation of endmember signatures on
geometric based unmixing algorithms by applying spatio-spectral
correlation for impulse denoising. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 05-2016 Issue: 5
Moving Target Tracking in Infrared Image Sequences Based on Differential Kernel Covariance Descriptor
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
Forward looking infrared (FLIR) imaging has been used in many areas of
research and everyday life, but it has been mostly employed in military
and security domains. In these fields, remote infrared target tracking
is a crucial element for surveillance. However, long-range captured IR
image sequences generally have poor contrast, variable illumination, and
high background clutter. These challenges make target tracking
difficult. This paper suggests a technique for target tracking in
different ranges in challenging FLIR image sequences, based on
Differential Kernel Covariance Descriptor (DKCD). This new method
diminishes rotation and illumination variation effects. The proposed
technique calculates the differential kernel matrix of reference target
by using various statistical and spatial features such as first and
second derivatives, location information, and the intensity value of
pixels. Later, the differential covariance matrix is constructed by
using different pixel features and applying the appropriate kernel
function to the matrix. Thanks to the kernel functions, the algorithm
redefines the target's differential spatial features in Hilbert space.
This process makes the descriptor non-linear. The predicted position of
the target is calculated with the nearest neighbor algorithm in the
candidate regions in the sub-frame. The performance of the suggested
single target tracking system is then tested on challenging real-life
video sequences. Contribution/ Originality
This paper proposes a new nonlinear descriptor which mainly uses kernel
covariance matrix based on difference of features. The technique
minimizes the effect of pose variation, illumination, size, and
background changes. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 05-2016 Issue: 5
Improving Cloud System Performances by Adopting Nvram-Based Storage Systems
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
NVRAM is being considered as an additional memory/storage component of
future cloud computing systems. This paper investigates how much
performance improvement can be obtained if we add NVRAM as the
memory/storage media of cloud systems. As NVRAM is put on DDR slots, it
is byte-accessible and hence can be used as a memory medium like DRAM.
It can also be utilized as swap or journal devices if we use it as a
block I/O device. We first consider NVRAM as a storage cache, and then,
we measure the performance of systems that additionally use NVRAM as
memory, swap, and journal devices. We use two workloads, I/O and memory
intensive workloads. Our experiments show that using NVRAM as a journal
device performs the best in I/O-intensive workload as it performs
journaling I/O on NVRAM instead of slow storage. Using NVRAM as memory
or swap devices does not show good results in I/O-intensive workload.
However, in case of memory-intensive workload, NVRAM memory
significantly improves the performance, and NVRAM swap also gains a
certain level of improvement. We expect that our experiments will be
helpful in the design of NVRAM-based cloud systems for memory or I/O
intensive workload situations. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding the NVRAM’s effectiveness on
the performance of future cloud systems. Specifically, we show the
effectiveness of NVRAM if it is used as storage cache, main memory,
journal device, or swap device in the memory hierarchy of cloud
computing systems. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 06-2016 Issue: 6
Structural Design of A Linear-Motion Type Semi-Active Damper by Finite Element Method
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
The purpose of this study is to design a structure of a linear-motion
type semi-active damper which can reduce the vibration caused by an
earthquake. This paper proposes the more effective structure of the
linear motion semi-active damper by magnetic-structure interaction
analysis of finite element method using ANSYS. The semi-active damper
has a simple structure that a linear mover, a magnet bar, reciprocates
in coils of a stator. The size of the coils and the size of the magnetic
material cover which can produce the maximum damping force are
simulated under the condition that the size of the mover is fixed. The
electromotive force is calculated based on the change of the produced
magnetic field according to the change of the given velocity of the
mover in a short time. The damping force is calculated according to the
electric current which the electromotive force supplies to the connected
resistance. By the simulations, more than 120 [N s/m] of the maximum
damping coefficient is acquired in the case that the coil is wound up
from 28.0[mm] of the inner diameter to 60.0 [mm] of the outer diameter. Contribution/ Originality
The purpose of this paper is to design a fuzzy control system for
generating hydrogen at a desired level by a reaction between water and
activated aluminum particles. The activated aluminum particles are
produced shredded aluminum sawdust. It is difficult to characterize the
reaction quantitatively because the characteristics of hydrogen
generating reaction vary as depending on the samples, the environment of
the reaction and so on. The experimental system consists of a fuel cell
(FC) of 100[W], a water tank, a reaction vessel, pressure sensors, a
water pump, a radiator and a one-chip microcomputer. The fuzzy control
system is designed to determine the quantum of water which is supplied
to the activated aluminum particles. The error forms a desired value of
the pressure of the reaction vessel and the change of the error are
chosen as the labels of the fuzzy membership functions. The proposed
fuzzy control system is applied to maintain the pressure of the reaction
vessel of the developed hydrogen generation system at a certain level.
The developed hydrogen generation system is confirmed to provide
hydrogen to the FC by experiments under various conditions. Contribution/ Originality
This study analyzed productivity of farmland values in food crop
production in natural disasters prone areas of Imo State, Nigeria. The
study specifically determined farmland values, productivity of food
crop farmers by farmland values, and factors influencing food crop
farmers productivity in the different farmland values. Data were
collected with questionnaire from 280 proportionately and randomly
selected food crop farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics, farmland value model, productivity model, and multiple
regression techniques. Results showed that farmland suitability index
ranged from < 0.499 to 0.948 with a mean of 0.350.Majority (72.1%) of
the farmers cultivated on non-suitable farmlands, 22.9% of them
cultivated on marginally suitable farmlands while few (5%) of the
farmers cultivated on suitable farmlands, implying that majority of the
farmlands cultivated for food crop production in the study area are not
suitable. Food crop farmers’ productivity increases with suitability of
farmland and the productivity of farmland increases from 1.35 to 2.25
and 3.14 as farmland moves from non-suitable to marginally suitable and
suitable values respectively, thus making marginally suitable and
suitable farmlands about 48% and 133% higher in farmland productivity
than non-suitable farmlands. Farmland rent, quantity of fertilizer
applied, quantity of organic manure applied, education level, quality
of planting materials, and distance of farmland from farmer’s home have
significant influence on marginally suitable farmlands productivity.
Farm size, quantity of fertilizer applied, quantity of organic manure
applied, farming experience, and quality of planting materials
significantly influenced suitable farmlands productivity. Crop farmers
cultivating non-suitable farmland should explore measures to improve the
fertility of their farmlands or minimize wastage of production
resources through reduction in the size of farmlands, cultivated. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents productivity of farmland values in food crop
production in the natural disaster prone areas, using farmland value and
productivity models. The paper’s major contribution is finding that the
majority of farmlands cultivated by the farmers is non-suitable due to
the influence of natural disasters. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2016 Issue: 2
Straw Composting with Biological Agent Inoculation and Application Biofertilizer to Increase Rice Production
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
Problems using straw directly include the contamination of germs on the
straw from the previous crop. Alternatives that can be done are giving
inoculant of biological decomposers The purpose of the research to test
isolates decomposer in the rate of straw decomposition in soil and to
test isolates biofertilizer on rice plants in soil treated straw
compost. Greenhouse experiment was conducted for selecting isolates and
formulations decomposer consortium and biological agents as well as the
selection and formulation of biological fertilizers isolates. This
experiment was consisted of treatments, i.e. incubation time composting
(1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) and inoculant (formulation A containing microbes
T. harzianum, Bacillus subtililis, Cytophaga sp. and Bacillus
licheniformis; i2 = Formulation B containing microbes B. subtililis,
Cytophaga sp., and B. licheniformis, Streptomyces sp.) The field
experiment was conducted to determine the effect of straw compost and
biofertilizer inoculants (nitrogen fixation bacteria and phosphate
solubilizing bacteria) on rice. Research at this stage using split plot
experimental design was repeated three times. The main plot was the
doses of straw compost + biofertilizer consisting of 8 treatments (0;
2.5; 5.0; 7.5 t ha-1 without and with biofertilizer 400 g ha-1). The
subplot was doses of inorganic fertilizer N, P and K consisting of 5
levels (100%, 90%, 80%, 70% and 60% of recommendations dosages). The
results showed that the A formulation containing T. harzianum, B.
subtililis, Cytophaga sp. and B. Licheniformis whereas B formulation
contains B. subtililis, Cytophaga sp., and B. Licheniformis,
Streptomyces sp. B formulation capable of decomposing straw is better
than A formulation. Application of straw compost and biofertilizer (5,0
t ha-1 + 400 g ha-1) could increase the yield of rice to 13.3% and
substitute 20% of inorganic fertilizer (N, P and K). Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated to obtain
decomposers consortium formulation which can be effective to straw
composting and to study the effect of biofertilizer inoculants on rice
plants in soil treated with straw compost. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 09-2016 Issue: 3
Comparative Effect of Organic and In-Organic Fertilizer Treatment on the Growth and Tuberyeild of Sweet Potato (Ipomea Batata L)
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
The experiment was conducted at the teaching and Research farm of the
Federal University Wukari Taraba State, Nigeria to assess, evaluate and
compare the effect of organic fertilizers such as poultry manure, cow
dung, organic manure and in-organic fertilizers such as NPK and urea on
the growth and tuber yield of sweet potato. The recommended rates of cow
dung (10t/ha) poultry manure (10t/ha), organic manure (10t/ha)
NPK15:15:15 (400kg/ha) and urea (200kgN/ha) were applied as treatment to
sweet potato with a control at (0kg/ha). These were arranged in a
randomized complete block design with three replications. Measurement
were taken on the growth and tuber yield at harvest such as the length
of primary vein, number of secondary vein number of leaves, number of
tuber and tuber weight. Data collected were analyzed using (ANOVA) and
the significant means separated using Duncan multiple difference at 5%
probability level. The result revealed or showed that numbers of leaves
were significant in all the treatments. Application of urea fertilizer
produced the highest number of tuber per plant, while tuber weight was
not significantly different, but poultry manure application had the
higher mean value of (2.34kg). It was concluding that application of
poultry manure as organic fertilizer are better and can compare readily
with inorganic fertilizer (urea) in the production of sweet potato. Contribution/ Originality
Sweet potato is one of the most important field crop in the world and
many studies have been carried out on the growth, productivity and
nutritional properties including the effect of organic and inorganic
fertilizers applications.The study therefore compares the effectiveness
of available organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and tuber
yield of the crop. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 09-2016 Issue: 3
Performance of Multi-Purpose Cooperatives in the Shiselweni Region of Swaziland
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
A multi-purpose cooperative is a business that is a mixture of two or
more different types of cooperatives. The study examined the performance
of multi-purpose cooperatives in Swaziland. The objectives of the study
were to; establish the performance of multi-purpose-cooperatives,
identify factors influencing the performance of multi-purpose
cooperatives, and identify constraints faced by multi-purpose
cooperatives. A descriptive research design was used where quantitative
and qualitative methods were employed to collect and analyse data. The
target population was all registered and active multi-purpose
cooperatives in the Shiselweni region. A sample (n=120) was drawn using a
two-stage stratified random sampling procedure and it comprised of 80
cooperative members, 35 committee members and 5 cooperative officers who
were purposely selected. Face to face personal interviews were used to
collect the data. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). The study found that the performance
of multi-purpose cooperatives was influenced by gender and
accountability. The study further found that cooperative officers
educated and trained cooperative members once a year. Major constraints
included poor capital base, most members being too old to perform
cooperative activities, and poor record-keeping. The study concluded
that cooperatives were not performing well financially, since there were
making losses. It is recommended that cooperatives should ensure the
financial statements were prepared on time and audited. There is need to
encourage young farmers to join multi-purpose cooperative since most of
the farmers were old. The frequency of training provided to members
need to be improved. The study also recommends that other studies be
carried out to cover the whole of Swaziland in order to generalise the
findings. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by analyzing the
performance of multipurpose Cooperatives. The study not only established
the performance of multi-purpose cooperatives, but also identified the
factors affecting the performance of multi-purpose cooperatives,
especially in Swaziland. The study used primary data, hence it is
original. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2016 Issue: 4
Perception of Kogi State University Agricultural Students on Farming as a Career
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
This study examined the perception of Kogi State University Agricultural
Students on farming as a career. Primary data were collected using
structured interview schedule to pick 150 students in the study area.
Stratified random sampling technique was used to pick 30 students from
each level (100-500). Data collected were analyzed using descriptive
statistics such as frequency count, percentage and mean score on a 3
point likert-type of scale. The result of the study indicated that a
large percentage (42.7%) of students were from household size of 4 to 6
which is fairly large for the needed labour force for agricultural
activities. Many (56%) of the students had no farming experience before
their enrolment into the university. The study further showed that most
of the students had negative attitude when they resumed in 100 level
mean score (X) (2.30) but are now greatly influenced by agricultural
education impacted by trained agricultural experts (X) (2.67). Students
Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) programme had also positively
changed the students attitude to farming (2.25). Most respondents (X)
(2.58) 86% showed willingness to engage in practical agricultural
enterprise if supplied with the necessary agricultural inputs. Also
willingness to embark on poultry farming had (X) (2.73), fish farming
had ms (2.49), cash crop farming had (X) (2.19) and arable crop farming
had (X) (2.12) which represented a popular perception among the
respondents. Piggery farming with (X) (1.47) and beekeeping with (X)
(1.33) had the least indication of interest by the students.
Implementation of government agricultural policies that will ensure
regular input and attractive market price could motivate agricultural
graduates to embrace farming as a career. Contribution/ Originality
Climate change in the planet is currently creating many environmental,
economic and social problems which are probably going to multiply in the
near future. Reduction of greenhouse gases emitted from fossil fuels
could result in the mitigation of greenhouse effect and the climate
change. Agricultural greenhouses consume large amounts of energy mainly
derived from fossil fuels, for the cultivation of various crops.
Reduction of their carbon footprint is of primary importance to day. In
order to investigate the possibilities of reducing their carbon
footprint, the energy consumption during their operation has been
estimated and the sustainable energy technologies which could be used
for substitution of fossil fuels used have been analyzed. It has been
found that a modern greenhouse located in Mediterranean region with a
covered area of 1,000 m2 and a total annual energy consumption of 200
KWh/m2 emits 76,900 kg CO2 per year. Total elimination of their CO2
emissions could be achieved with the investment of 44,000 € in renewable
energy technologies, including solid biomass for heating and solar-PV
for power generation and resulting in lower energy cost during their
operation. The payback time of the abovementioned investments has been
estimated at 4.84 years. Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes in the existing literature regarding the
improvement of the sustainability in agricultural greenhouses. It
indicates the possibility of using various renewable energy sources
instead of fossil fuels for covering their energy requirements resulting
in zeroing their CO2 emissions due to energy use in them. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 03-2017 Issue: 1
Multi-Environment Variety Testing (Pre-Met) for Irrigated Ecosystem in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
A set of 100 IRRI bred advanced breeding lines were tested at Gazipur
(as moderate productive control site) and at Habiganj (as high
productive site) following row-column design with 2 replications. The
breeding lines were highly variable in days to maturity and plant height
but not in grain yield. However the interaction effects between
genotype and environment (GXE) were significant for all three traits. At
Gazipur, the breeding lines yielded with range between 3.3 to 7.3 t/ha
with a growth duration range of 138-154 days, while at Habiganj they
yielded 5.1-7.9 t/ha with growth duration of 139-159 days. The highest
yielding genotype was IR99092-B-B-78 followed by IR13A390,
IR99061-B-B-7, IR14D111, etc at Gazipur, while IR13A390 followed by
IR100008-91-B yielded the highest at Habiganj site. Based on yield and
growth duration, 22 breeding lines showing better performance at
Gazipur, 9 lines at Habiganj and 2 lines for both locations were
selected for further evaluation. Contribution/ Originality
Rice is the major staple food for more than half of the world’s
population. The study therefore the breeding lines were highly variable
in days to maturity and plant height but not in grain yield. However the
interaction effects between genotype and environment (GXE) were
significant for all three traits. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 03-2017 Issue: 1
A Theoretical Analysis Upon the Environmental Health and Justice Issue: A Case Study for a Comparison Between G20s Unitary and Federal Members
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
Environmental health and its ties with carbon emission policies have
gradually become a hot topic in environmental agenda of nations. In this
study, we discuss the issue as environmental health and justice issue
in different types of governmental approaches in public management. In
this respect, the comparative position of federal and unitary
governments were paid attention and the status about sustainable
development prospects were analyzed together through looking at the CO2
emission rates and the workers who are under the effect of those
policies, benefiting from disability adjusted life years (DALY)
statistics. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature on the relation
between disability adjusted life years and environmental justice
policies. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 06-2016 Issue: 2
Academic Mobility for Engineering and Technology Graduates in Africa: Lessons and Experiences from the Implementation
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
This paper was inspired by lessons and experiences arising from the
implementation of an on-going academic mobility project supported by the
Intra-ACP European Commission Program. Twelve universities (11 in
Africa and the University of Gent in Belgium, Europe) in a consortium
brokered by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in
Africa (RUFORUM) conceived and successfully put a proposal in response
to the 2013 Intra-ACP Academic Mobility Call. The project “Mobility for
Engineering and Technology Graduates in Africa (METEGA)” is on-going and
entails academic mobility of 72 beneficiaries (44 at Masters level, 20
at Doctoral level, and 8 at the staff and faculty level) in sixteen
countries of the five sub-regions in Africa. Africa is lagging behind in
terms of numbers of graduate students in engineering fields. The METEGA
project is one of the 15 partnerships on academic mobility supported by
the EU Intra-ACP Academic Mobility Scheme; and constitutes significant a
contribution towards increasing the number of graduate students in
Africa. The project has provided opportunity to leverage resources among
participating universities. The participating universities offered
three and nine quality Doctoral and Masters training programs. This
project represents a significant effort towards internationalization of
higher education in the sciences and has served as an opportunity for
graduates and faculty to gain skills, relevant experience as well as
learn from the implementation process. This paper presents lessons and
experiences of the METEGA project, including institutional and
operational issues that can be used to inform future academic mobility
arrangements in Africa and elsewhere in the world. Contribution/ Originality
This paper documents a successful case of academic mobility in Africa in
higher education and research which is based on a collaborative
engagement among universities. Higher Education Institutions can learn
from this example and leverage resources for quality postgraduate
training and research. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 09-2016 Issue: 3
A Review of Cross Border Higher Education in Africa: Focus on Graduate Level Training in Engineering and Technology
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
Cross border education has become part of the options for higher
education in countries with inadequate education opportunities. This is
based on the fact that education is one of the pillar for economic
development and improved living standards. Thus, many nationals from
different African countries are taking higher education seriously and
are seeking every available opportunity to pursue it. Consequently, this
translates to an ever increasing demand for higher education in the
continent. Cross border higher education has potential to meet this
growing demand and provide more opportunities that can be leveraged to
meet the engineering threshold for Africa and provide home grown
technological solutions. This paper was motivated by the Mobility for
Engineering and Technology Graduates (METEGA) in Africa and similar
projects that have seen students move to other countries in the
continent for graduate training. The paper presents a review of cross
border higher education with a focus on graduate level training in
engineering and technology. Contribution/ Originality
This paper presents useful synthesis on trends in cross border higher
education focusing Engineering and Technology. Africa needs more
engineers and this paper presents a case for a concerted efforts for
stakeholders to address cross border hurdles linked to training quality
engineers for Africa. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 12-2016 Issue: 4
Occurrence and Anti-Fungal Sensitivity Testing of Candida Species Isolated from Canine Conjunctivitis
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research
Fungal infection in dogs and other domestic pets caused by Candida
species have been previously reported. Several available antifungal
drugs for treatment of yeast associated infections have been used with
diverse effects. This study establishes antifungal susceptibility
profile on identified Candida species isolates associated with canine
conjunctivitis using disks diffusion method as described by NCCLS
(M44-A). The antifungal disks used include Amphotericin-B (20mcg),
Nystatin (100units), Itraconazole (10mcg), Ketaconazole (10mcg),
Fluconazole (25mcg). The identified Candida species were C. albicans, C.
krusei, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis. Percentage susceptibility
was high in both Amphotericin B (77.27%) and Nystatin (58.18%), while
Itraconazole showed (54.54%), Ketoconazole (55.45%) and Fluconazole was
least (11.82%). The sensitivity ranking showed Amphothericin B >
Nystatin > Itraconazole > Ketoconazole > Fluconazole and
increased resistance amongst the Azoles especially Fluconazole (70.90%)
in comparison with Polyenes. C. albicans showed the highest resistance
(84.51%) to both Fluconazole and ketoconazole (67.61%). C. parapsilosis
showed 63.64% and 61.54% percentage resistance to Nystatin and
Itraconazole respectively. In conclusion, this finding showed that
Amphotericin B and Nystatin were most effective against isolated Candida
species. Proper diagnosis of the underlying ailment is necessary in
conjunction with routine anti-fungal susceptibility testing to avoid
drug abuse and resistance. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature of canine Candida
species epidemiology and control using conventional cultural,
characterization and antifungal sensitivity test methodology. This first
preliminary study conducted in Abuja-FCT, Nigeria revealed
effectiveness of Amphotericin B and Nystatin on Candida species isolates
associated with canine conjunctivitis. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research » Month: 06-2016 Issue: 2
Biochemical and Electron Microscopic Changes Induced by Giardia in Experimentally Infected Lambs
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Giardia on the
biochemical serum constituents of experimentally infected lambs, in
addition to studying the observed alterations accompanying Giardia
infection in the intestinal mucosa using scanning electron microscopy.
Twenty lambs were allotted into two equal groups, Group A ( non
infected) was kept as control negative and Group B (infected) was orally
inoculated by 104 Giardia cysts. The biochemical changes were assessed
in both groups on 7th. 14th, 21th and 30th days post inoculation (dpi).
The study disclosed that Giardia induced a significant drop in the
levels of serum electrolytes (chloride,sodium, potassium and calcium),
blood glucose, different enzymes (lipase, amylase and alkaline
phosphatase). Furthermore, the levels of urea, liver enzymes (alanine
aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), inflammatory marker
(C-reactive protein) and oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde) were
elevated, but nitric oxide was declined by 30th dpi. The scanning
electron microscopy of the intestinal mucosa of the infected lambs
revealed a notable alteration which was fully explained. All the
presented results interpret the pathophysiological effect of Giardia
which adversely affects the health status of lambs. Contribution/ Originality
Aphids and aphidophagous insects were monitored in a pecan orchard by
enumerating the insects collected on leaf samples and suction trap
samples. Season long monitoring of the pecan foliage revealed that the
aphid abundance prior to the late season outbreak on the leaves
increased to higher population levels than could not be explained by the
reproductive potential of the aphids. Concomitant season long sampling
of the air in the canopy indicated that fecund alate aphids were
continuously abundant in the air both before and between the outbreaks
on the leaves. The results have important implications for improving
scouting methods to predict aphid outbreaks and facilitate insecticide
applications for aphid control. Contribution/ Originality
This study is the first attempt to sample the pecan tree canopy with a
suction trap and describe the seasonal long activity of three aphid
species and associated beneficial insects in the pecan tree canopy from
series of samples. Agricultural Sciences » International Research Journal of Insect Sciences » Month: 03-2016 Issue: 1
Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) Infection Among HIV Patients Accessing Healthcare at Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections is a sexually transmitted
infection worldwide, which has a public health implications especially
as a driving force behind the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
epidemic. It is known to cause genital ulcer as well as lesions. It is a
lifelong recurrent disease with no cure. Due to the lack of documented
HSV-2 studies among HIV patients in this study area with an estimated
HIV prevalence of 38.7%, there was a need for estimating the
seroprevalence of HSV-2 infection in the study population. The sera of
223 consenting HIV positive patients were screened for HSV-2 specific
IgG using an ELISA test kit (Cortez Diagnostic, Inc, USA). The
chi-square test was performed to identify possible risk factors
associated with the viral seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of
the viral infection was 77.6%. Females recorded a prevalence of 84.5%
and males 51.0% (p > 0.05). Participants aged ≤ 20 and ≥ 61 years
recorded a prevalence of 100%, while the lowest prevalence (66.7%) was
observed in those aged 51-60 years (p > 0.05). There was a
statistically significant association between the seroprevalence of
HSV-2 in HIV patients in relation to locality. Patients from the rural
setting had a higher prevalence (85.2%) of the infection than those from
the urban setting (72.6%) (p ≤ 0.05). However, in this study, marital
status, occupation, level of education, antiretroviral therapy (ART)
status and CD4 counts, had no statistically significant association with
HSV-2 infection (p > 0.05). Awareness campaigns that will promote
behavioral change might be the most important strategy to mitigate
transmission as most of the infected persons usually show no clinical
symptoms. The role of vaccination and condom use among high risk groups
may help in combating the transmission. Contribution/ Originality
This study has contributed in documenting the prevalence of the
infection in Keffi using the ELISA test kit and has used the Chi square
statistical test. This study is one of the very few studies which have
investigated the prevalence of HSV-2 infection in North central,
Nigeria. The paper has contributed in logical analysis and in estimating
the prevalence and risk factors of the infection in Keffi. The study
documented a very high overall prevalence of the infection. It is
associated with gender, age and locality and not associated with marital
status, occupation, level of education, ART and CD4 counts. Medical Sciences » Journal of Diagnostics » Month: 12-2016 Issue: 2
Tumors of the Gnathic System with Multiple Histogenetic Characteristics
Background: There is a great confusion in the scientific literature
regarding tumors composed of tissues with different histogenetic and
molecular characteristics. Diagnosis of a neoplasm composed of more than
one tumoral tissue can be extremely challenging, so is the treatment.
Methods: This is an attempt, illustrated with several examples of these
types of tumors from the gnathic system, to gain a better understanding
of this issue. Conclusions: As the best of our knowledge, this is the
first report of a collision tumor between a sarcomatoid carcinoma and so
called keratocystic odontogenic tumor. It is critical to understand
these types of tumors, for correct diagnosis, staging and treatment. Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributes to the understanding of complex tumors that are
usually difficult to diagnose and treat. A tumor with more than one
histogenetic characteristic constitutes a challenge for the medical
profession. Medical Sciences » Journal of Diseases » Month: 02-2016 Issue: 2
Abstract