Dried cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) waste meal decreases blood cholesterol but does not alter growth performance, and physiological indices of weaned pigs.

The study investigated the potentials of dried cabbage waste meal (DCWM) on growth performance, blood biochemical characteristics, physiological indices, and economics of production of weaned pigs. Ninety crossbred (Large white X Landrace; 8.01 ± 0.18 kg body weight) clinically certified weaned pigs of equal sexes were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments containing DCWM. Each treatment consisted of 18 pigs replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. Diet 1 (control diet) contained no DCWM whereas diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg levels of inclusion of DCWM, respectively, replacing parts of the feed. The study lasted for 8-weeks. Feed and water were available ad-libitum. Average daily feed intake (715.76-780.03 g/d) increased (p < 0.05) while average daily weight (294.17-301.74 g/d) and feed conversion ratio (2.39-2.65) were similar (p > 0.05). White blood cell (12.11-14.62 × 109/L), lymphocytes (62.93-70.30%), Uric acid (7.74-9.99 mmol/L), HDL (0.89-1.27 mmol/L) and K (130.90-145.72 mmol/L) concentrations increased (p < 0.05) whereas cholesterol (2.30-5.06 mmol/L) and triglyceride (0.33-0.87 mmol/L) concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) in response to increased DCWM in the diets. Total cost of feeding ($17.96-20.89) reduced (p < 0.05) while gross benefits ($48.97-52.30) were significantly better (p < 0.05) for pigs fed 100, 150 and 200 g/kg DCWM compared to those fed 0 and 50 g/kg diets. DCWM in pig diets up to 200 g/kg had positive influence on blood cholesterol and economics of production.

Awareness and Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Breast Examination amongst Undergraduate Students. Mixed Method Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death amongst women, and the stage at presentation has been found to be an important prognostic index. The study aims to assess breast cancer awareness, including breast cancer education and knowledge of breast self-examination, among undergraduate students with the hope of improving their knowledge of breast cancer. METHODS: The study used the mixed method approach, to evaluate during breast cancer awareness month. All consenting participants completed a pre-test questionnaire before a breast health seminar, after which the post-test questionnaire was filled out. Consenting participants also had clinical breast examinations performed on them. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen participants filled out the pre-test questionnaire while 127 participants filled out the post-test. There was a significant change following the seminar. About 87.9% of respondents knew about breast cancer but had poor knowledge of the predisposing factors (11.3%). Most participants (94.3%) knew about self-breast examination (SBE), however, only 46% examined themselves in the past with only 21% aware of the correct timing for SBE. Clinical breast exams were conducted on 80 participants, six (7.5%) breast lumps were found and two had excision biopsies with histopathology diagnosis of fibroadenoma. CONCLUSION: Breast education is important, as knowledge about breast cancer is still low, even among undergraduate students. Continuous breast education should be encouraged.

INTRODUCTION: Le cancer du sein est la cause la plus fréquente de décès par cancer chez les femmes, et le stade de la maladie au moment de la présentation s'est avéré être un indice pronostique important. L'étude vise à évaluer la sensibilisation au cancer du sein, y compris l'éducation au cancer du sein et la connaissance de l'auto-examen des seins, chez les étudiantes de premier cycle, dans l'espoir d'améliorer leurs connaissances sur le cancer du sein. MÉTHODES: L'étude a utilisé une méthode mixte pour évaluer la sensibilisation au cancer du sein pendant le mois de la sensibilisation au cancer du sein. Toutes les participantes consentantes ont rempli un questionnaire de pré-test avant un séminaire sur la santé des seins, après quoi le questionnaire de post-test a été rempli. Les participantes consentantes ont également subi un examen clinique des seins. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de la version 24 d'IBM SPSS. RÉSULTATS: Cent treize participantes ont rempli le questionnaire du pré-test et 127 celui du post-test. Des changements significatifs ont été observés à la suite du séminaire. Environ 87,9 % des personnes interrogées connaissaient le cancer du sein, mais avaient une faible connaissance des facteurs prédisposants (11,3 %). La plupart des participantes (94,3 %) connaissaient l'auto-examen des seins, mais seulement 46 % d'entre elles s'étaient déjà examinées et 21 % connaissaient le bon moment pour le faire. Des examens cliniques des seins ont été effectués sur 80 participantes, six (7,5 %) masses mammaires ont été trouvées et deux ont subi des biopsies d'excision avec un diagnostic histopathologique de fibroadénome. CONCLUSION: L'éducation mammaire est importante, car les connaissances sur le cancer du sein sont encore faibles, même chez les étudiantes de premier cycle. Il convient d'encourager la formation continue sur le cancer du sein. Mots-clés: Auto-examen des seins, Cancer du sein, Étudiantes de premier cycle, Méthode mixte.

A non-linear mathematical model for analysing the impact of COVID-19 disease on higher education in developing countries.

This study proposes a non-linear mathematical model for analysing the effect of COVID-19 dynamics on the student population in higher education institutions. The theory of positivity and boundedness of solution is used to investigate the well-posedness of the model. The disease-free equilibrium solution is examined analytically. The next-generation operator method calculates the basic reproduction number (R0). Sensitivity analyses are carried out to determine the relative importance of the model parameters in spreading COVID-19. In light of the sensitivity analysis results, the model is further extended to an optimal control problem by introducing four time-dependent control variables: personal protective measures, quarantine (or self-isolation), treatment, and management measures to mitigate the community spread of COVID-19 in the population. Simulations evaluate the effects of different combinations of the control variables in minimizing COVID-19 infection. Moreover, a cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted to ascertain the most effective and least expensive strategy for preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 with limited resources in the student population.

Platelet Indices and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate are useful Parameters in the Assessment of a Cohort of Nigerian Women with Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: The study compared some haematological parameters in normotensive pregnant women with those of women with pre-eclampsia (PE) to identify those parameters that may reinforce the occurrence and severity of PE. METHODS: The study was a case-control study involving 40 pre-eclamptic women as subjects and 40 normotensive pregnant women as controls. The subjects were classified into mild and severe based on their blood pressure of >140/90 mmHg and >169/100 mmHg, respectively. Full blood count (FBC) was done using a haematology autoanalyzer, D-dimer and fibrinogen were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, while Prothrombin Time (PT) and activated plasma thromboplastin time (aPTT) were done manually. RESULTS: The mean PCV was higher while the mean WBC was lower in PE but the differences were not statistically significant. The ESR was significantly higher (50.48 ± 2.90mm/hr vs 41.05 ± 3.74mm/hr, p < 0.049). The mean neutrophil (59.38 ± 7.77% vs 64.95 ± 6.68%; p < 0.001) and lymphocyte (31.35±7.67% vs 7.63±7.47%, p = 0.031) counts were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in PE. Although the mean platelet count in PE was lower, the plateletcrit, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) were significantly higher in PE (p = 0.01, 0.04, 0.001, respectively). The D-dimer was significantly higher in the women with PE (p < 0.001), while the PT, aPTT and fibrinogen concentrations were not statistically different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that low platelet count, high MPV, PDW, PCT and ESR in PE women may reinforce the diagnosis while a high MPV may, in addition, discriminate between severe and mild Pre-eclampsia.

CONTEXTE: L'étude a comparé certains paramètres hématologiques chez des femmes enceintes normotendues à ceux de femmes atteintes de pré-éclampsie (PE) afin d'identifier les paramètres qui peuvent renforcer l'occurrence et la gravité de la PE. MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude cas-témoins impliquant 40 femmes pré-éclamptiques comme sujets et 40 femmes enceintes normotendues comme témoins. Les sujets ont été classés en légers et sévères sur la base de leur pression artérielle de > 140/90 mmHg et >169/100 mmHg respectivement. La formule sanguine complète (FBC) a été réalisée à l'aide d'un auto-analyseur d'hématologie, les D-dimères et le fibrinogène ont été évalués par la méthode ELISA (enzymelinked immunosorbent assay), tandis que le temps de prothrombine (PT) et le temps de thromboplastine plasmatique activé (aPTT) ont été réalisés manuellement. RÉSULTATS: Le VPC moyen était plus élevé tandis que le nombre moyen de globules blancs était plus faible dans l'EP, mais les différences n'étaient pas statistiquement significatives. L'ESR était significativement plus élevé (50.48 ± 2.90mm/hr vs 41.05 ± 3.74mm/hr, p < 0.049). Les numérations moyennes des neutrophiles (59,38 ±7,77 % contre 64,95 ± 6,68 % ; p < 0,001) et des lymphocytes (31,35±7,67 % contre 27,63±7,47 %, p = 0,031) étaient respectivement plus faibles et plus élevées de manière statistiquement significative dans l'EP. Bien que la numération plaquettaire moyenne dans l'EP soit plus faible, le critère plaquettaire, le volume plaquettaire moyen (VPM) et la largeur de distribution plaquettaire (LDP) étaient significativement plus élevés dans l'EP (p = 0,01, 0,04, 0,001 respectivement). Le D-dimère était significativement plus élevé chez les femmes atteintes d'EP (p < 0,001), tandis que les concentrations de PT, aPTT et fibrinogène n'étaient pas statistiquement différentes entre les deux groupes. CONCLUSION: On peut conclure qu'une faible numération plaquettaire, un VPM élevé, un PDW, un PCT et un ESR chez les femmes atteintes d'EP peuvent renforcer le diagnostic, tandis qu'un VPM élevé peut, en outre, faire la distinction entre une pré-éclampsie grave et une pré-éclampsie légère. Mots clés: Prééclampsie, Numération plaquettaire, Indices plaquettaires, ESR, D-Dimères, Gravité.

Impact of Parity on Cardiac Structure and Function in Apparently Healthy Pregnant Nigerian Women.

BACKGROUND: There are few and conflicting reports in the literature about the relationship between parity and maternal cardiac function. The study aimed to assess the impact of parity on cardiac structure and function in apparently healthy pregnant women in Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in 3 tertiary centers in Kano, and 1 in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. 112 apparently healthy pregnant women were consecutively recruited between the 28th and 38th weeks of gestation, and their cardiac structure and function assessed using echocardiography. Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction was defined as LV ejection fraction of below 50%, and diastolic dysfunction was graded using mitral filling and tissue Doppler velocities. RESULTS: LV systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction were found in 6 (5.4%) subjects and 20 (17.9%) subjects, respectively. Age (p= <0.0001), left atrial (LA) size (P<0.0001), interventricular septal thickness at end diastole (IVSD) (p= 0.005), posterior wall thickness at end diastole (PWTD) (p=0.004) and QRS duration (p= <0.0001) all increased progressively with higher parity, while tricuspid annular systolic excursion (p=0.320) decreased with higher parity. There was significant positive correlation between parity and age (r= 0.475, p= <0.0001), LA size (r=0.332, p= <0.0001), IVSD (r=0.264, p= 0.005) and PWTD (r= 0.343, p= <0.0001). LV systolic function was not significantly associated with parity. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that parity was significantly associated with myocardial remodeling in apparently healthy pregnant women.

CONTEXTE: Il existe peu de données contradictoires dans la littérature sur la relation entre la parité et la fonction cardiaque maternelle. L'étude visait à évaluer l'impact de la parité sur la structure et la fonction cardiaques chez des femmes enceintes apparemment en bonne santé au Nigeria. METHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale menée dans 3 centres tertiaires à Kano et 1 à Ile-Ife, au Nigeria. 112 femmes enceintes apparemment en bonne santé ont été recrutées consécutivement entre la 28* et la 38* semaine de gestation, et leur structure et fonction cardiaques ont été évaluées par échocardiographie. La dysfonction systolique du ventricule gauche (VG) a été définie comme une fraction d'éjection du VG inférieure à 50 %, et la dysfonction diastolique a été graduée en utilisant le remplissage mitral et les vitesses Doppler tissulaires. RESULTATS: Un dysfonctionnement systolique VG et un dysfonctionnement diastolique ont été trouvés chez 6 (5,4 %) sujets et 20 (17,9 %) sujets respectivement. Âge (p=<0,0001), taille de l'oreillette gauche (LA) (P<0,0001), épaisseur du septum interventriculaire en fin de diastole (IVSD) (p=0,005), épaisseur de la paroi postérieure en fin de diastole (PWTD)(p=0,004) et La durée du QRS (p = <0,0001) a augmenté progressivement avec une parité plus élevée, tandis que l'excursion systolique annulaire tricuspide (p = 0,320) a diminué avec une parité plus élevée. Il y avait une corrélation positive significative entre la parité et l'âge (r = 0,475, p = <0,0001), la taille LA (r = 0,332, p = <0,0001), IVSD (r = 0,264, p = 0,005) et PWTD (r = 0,343, p=<0,0001). La fonction systolique VG était associée à la parité. CONCLUSION: Nos résultats suggèrent que la parité est significativement associée au remodelage du myocarde chez les femmes enceintes apparemment en bonne santé. n'était pas significatif. Mots clés: Grossesse, Parité, Structure Cardiaque, Registre peace.

Hemodynamical analysis of MHD two phase blood flow through a curved permeable artery having variable viscosity with heat and mass transfer.

A numerical investigation of MHD blood flow through a stenosed permeable curved artery has been done in this study. Blood flow is considered in two-phases; core and plasma region, respectively. Viscosity of the core region is considered as temperature-dependent, while constant viscosity is considered in plasma region. The governing equations of the proposed two-phase blood flow model are considered in the toroidal coordinate system. The second-order finite difference method is adopted to solve governing equations with [Formula: see text] tolerance in the iteration process. A comparative study of Darcy number (Da) is performed to understand the influence of permeable and impermeable wall conditions. The effect of various physical parameters such as magnetic field (M), viscosity variation parameter ([Formula: see text]), Darcy number (Da), heat source (H) and chemical reaction parameter ([Formula: see text]) is displayed graphically on the flow velocity, temperature, concentration, wall shear stress and frictional resistance profiles. A comparison with published work has also been displayed through the graph to validate the present model, and it is in fair agreement with the existing work. The present study suggested that the curvature and permeability of the arterial wall raise the risk of atherosclerosis formation, while the implication of heat source on the blood flow lower this risk.

Group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in pregnant women living with HIV infection: prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility at HIV referral centers in Lagos, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization of the genital tract is often asymptomatic yet associated with increased risks of maternal and neonatal morbidity especially amongst women living with HIV infection. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of GBS colonization of the genital tract in women living with HIV infection and antibiotic susceptibility of GBS in the genital tract. METHOD: This cross-sectional study recruited 244 pregnant women (122 women living with HIV infection and 122 HIV-uninfected women) between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. GBS colonization was determined by collecting lower vaginal and anal swabs at recruitment. Swabs were cultured in Todd Hewitt's broth and confirmed by Christie, Atkins, and Munch-Peterson (CAMP) test. Most recent CD4 count and viral load estimates were retrieved from the women's records. Maternal and neonatal outcomes and antibiotic susceptibility were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed at 95% confidence interval at a statistical significance of p < .005. RESULTS: The prevalence of GBS colonization of the genital tract in all participants was 3.3%; GBS was isolated in 4 (3.3%) of 122 pregnant women living with HIV. No woman with a GBS-colonized genital tract developed puerperal sepsis and no neonatal infection occurred in neonates born to GBS-positive women, irrespective of HIV infection status. In women living with HIV, GBS isolate was resistant to Ampicillin (100%), Ceftriaxone (100%), Vancomycin (100%), yet partially sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (50%). CONCLUSION: Pregnant women living with HIV do not have an increased risk of genital GBS colonization. Vaginal GBS colonization was not associated with an adverse perinatal outcome. Antibiotic use for GBS colonization should be based on sensitivity pattern and not empiric.

Mathematical Analysis of an Industrial HIV/AIDS Model that Incorporates Carefree Attitude Towards Sex.

A nonlinear differential equation model is proposed to study the dynamics of HIV/AIDS and its effects on workforce productivity. The disease-free equilibrium point of the model is shown to be locally asymptotically stable when the associated basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] is less than unity. The model is also shown to exhibit multiple endemic states for some parameter values when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Global asymptotic stability of the disease-free equilibrium is guaranteed only when the fractions of the Susceptible subclass populations are within some bounds. Optimal control analysis of the model revealed that the most cost effective strategy that should be adopted in the fight against HIV/AIDS spread within the workforce is one that seeks to prevent infections and the treatment of infected individuals.

Bacterial contaminants and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in ready-to-eat foods vended in Ogun state, Nigeria.

Contamination of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods by pathogenic bacteria may predispose consumers to foodborne diseases. This study investigated the presence of bacterial contaminants and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in three locally processed RTE foods (eko, fufu and zobo) vended in urban markets in Ogun state, Nigeria. Bacteria isolated from a total of 120 RTE food samples were identified by 16S rRNA gene phylogeny while susceptibility patterns to eight classes of antibiotics were determined by the disc diffusion method. Species belonging to the genera Acinetobacter and Enterobacter were recovered from all RTE food types investigated, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus were recovered from eko and fufu samples, while those of Shigella were recovered from eko samples. Enterobacter hormaechei was the most prevalent species in all three RTE food types. Precisely 99% of 149 isolates were multidrug-resistant, suggesting a high risk for RTE food handlers and consumers. Co-resistance to ampicillin and cephalothin was the most frequently observed resistance phenotype. Results demonstrate that improved hygiene practices by food processors and vendors are urgently required during RTE processing and retail. Also, adequate food safety guidelines, regulation and enforcement by relevant government agencies are needed to improve the safety of RTE foods and ensure the protection of consumer health.

EVALUATION OF SOME COMMERCIAL ANTIMICROBIAL OINTMENTS ON SELECTED BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL STRAINS OF CLINICAL IMPORTANCE.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial ointments are topical products used for the treatment of common skin infections. Potency superiority between certain ointments and creams used in the treatment of skin infections has been a controversial subject among clinicians. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to investigate the activities of some antimicrobial ointments on selected bacteria and fungi of clinical importance that caused skin infections. METHODOS: Three brands of antibacterial; gentamicin, chloramphenicol, bactroban and two brands of antifungal ointments; nystatin and Whitefield's were evaluated by agar - cup diffusion method for their antimicrobial activity. Minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of the ointments were determined. Kinetic study of bactroban on all the clinical isolates was evaluated to determine their efficacy within a specific time lag. RESULTS: All the isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosa were susceptible to bactroban while 4 of the 5 isolates ofStreptococcus pyogenes were resistant. Three of the five isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible to bactroban. Gentamicin had no activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa while 4 of the 5 isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes were susceptible to gentamicin. Three of the 5 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible to gentamicin and varied resistance were recorded for chloramphenicol and antifungal agents. The MIC''s values recorded for the antimicrobial ointments examined varied with respect to concentrations and composition. Bactroban and gentamicin gave the MIC's 20mg/mL - 2000mg/mL and 50mg/mL - 400mg/mL while the MIC's range 160mg/ mL - 400mg/mL, 100mg/mL -160mg/mL and 180mg/mL -200mg/mL were also recoded for chloramphenicol, nystatin and Whitefield's against the isolates concerned respectively. The MBC's and MFC's values recorded against the isolates doubled the values obtained from the MIC's. Kinetic studies showed various population reduction to zero at varied contact time for clinical isolates of bacterial and fungi exposed to bactroban. CONCLUSION: These findings elicited potency differences among the ointments tested on the selected clinical microbial isolates examined, this could be useful in the selection of antimicrobial ointments for the management of skin infections caused by the microorganisms tested and their closely related strains.

Entropy optimized MHD 3D nanomaterial of non-Newtonian fluid: A combined approach to good absorber of solar energy and intensification of heat transport.

BACKGROUND: The present work provides important insights regarding three dimensional unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow and entropy generation of micropolar Casson Cross nanofluid subject to nonlinear thermal radiation and chemical reaction. The Buongiorno's nanofluid model featured with Brownian movement and thermophoresis is considered. Realistic aspects namely convective boundary condition, viscous dissipation and joule heating are introduced. The present problem is modeled by momentum, temperature, microrotation and nanoparticles concentration equations. METHOD: The non-dimensional highly nonlinear differential equations are solved numerically via shooting iteration technique together with 4th order Runge-Kutta integration scheme. RESULTS: The current study imparts a reasonable, pragmatic and realistic approach to a good absorber of solar energy. In addition, strong and visionary profiles of velocity, microrotation, temperature, nanoparticles concentration, entropy generation rate and Bejan number for concern nanofluids are presented. Besides, intensive physical interpretation of the involved thermophycal parameters has been well-addressed. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation shows that strengthening of Weissenberg number uplifts the axial as well transverse fluid velocities while that of Hartmann number turns out to be a reverse trend. Furthermore, heat and mass transfer rates exhibit ascending and descending trends for intensified Brownian motion and thermophoresis respectively. Improved thermal boundary layer due to the upgrading temperature ratio parameter is another outcome of the current analysis.

Haemogram and Serum Biochemical Values of Four Indigenous Species of Monkeys in South West Nigeria.

Haematological and serum biochemical values are useful guides and biomarkers in health and diseases for reaching a diagnosis, estimating disease prognosis and monitoring treatment progress, in mammals. Reference ranges for some parameters differ among species of mammals and between sexes within a species. There is dearth of information on standard reference value for blood parameters for Nigerian indigenous monkeys. Whole blood and serum samples obtained from 50 apparently healthy adult monkeys in both captivity and from the wild in southwest Nigeria were subjected to haematology and serum biochemistry to obtain preliminary reference values for haematological and serum biochemical analytes for Cercocebus sebaeus (Green monkey), Cercopithecus mona (Mona monkey), Erythrocebus patas (Patas monkey) and Papio anubis (Anubis baboon). Numerical data were summarized as mean and standard deviation and subjected to statistical analysis; Student t test and analysis of variance, to compare values of blood parameters obtained between species and gender. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The hematocrit of male animals were significantly higher than that of females (P=0.01) in all the 4 species studied but there was no significant difference in other blood parameters such as total white blood cell and the differential counts, platelet count, serum aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total plasma protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations between the sexes. Generally, there was no significant difference between total white blood cell and the differential counts, hematocrit, red cell count, haemoglobin concentration, platelet count, serum aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total plasma protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations among the monkey species.

A bio-inspired approach for the design of a multifunctional robotic end-effector customized for automated maintenance of a reconfigurable vibrating screen.

The development of a robotic-driven maintenance solution capable of automatically maintaining reconfigurable vibrating screen (RVS) machine when utilized in dangerous and hazardous underground mining environment has called for the design of a multifunctional robotic end-effector capable of carrying out all the maintenance tasks on the RVS machine. In view of this, the paper presents a bio-inspired approach which unfolds the design of a novel multifunctional robotic end-effector embedded with mechanical and control mechanisms capable of automatically maintaining the RVS machine. To achieve this, therblig and morphological methodologies (which classifies the motions as well as the actions required by the robotic end-effector in carrying out RVS machine maintenance tasks), obtained from a detailed analogy of how human being (i.e. a machine maintenance manager) will carry out different maintenance tasks on the RVS machine, were used to obtain the maintenance objective functions or goals of the multifunctional robotic end-effector as well as the maintenance activity constraints of the RVS machine that must be adhered to by the multifunctional robotic end-effector during the machine maintenance. The results of the therblig and morphological analyses of five (5) different maintenance tasks capture and classify one hundred and thirty-four (134) repetitive motions and fifty-four (54) functions required in automating the maintenance tasks of the RVS machine. Based on these findings, a worm-gear mechanism embedded with fingers extruded with a hexagonal shaped heads capable of carrying out the "gripping and ungrasping" and "loosening and bolting" functions of the robotic end-effector and an electric cylinder actuator module capable of carrying out "unpinning and hammering" functions of the robotic end-effector were integrated together to produce the customized multifunctional robotic end-effector capable of automatically maintaining the RVS machine. The axial forces ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]), normal forces ([Formula: see text]) and total load [Formula: see text] acting on the teeth of the worm-gear module of the multifunctional robotic end-effector during the gripping of worn-out or new RVS machine subsystems, which are 978.547, 1245.06 and 1016.406 N, respectively, were satisfactory. The nominal bending and torsional stresses acting on the shoulder of the socket module of the multifunctional robotic end-effector during the loosing and tightening of bolts, which are 1450.72 and 179.523 MPa, respectively, were satisfactory. The hammering and unpinning forces utilized by the electric cylinder actuator module of the multifunctional robotic end-effector during the unpinning and hammering of screen panel pins out of and into the screen panels were satisfactory.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Changes During Normal Pregnancy Among Nigerians.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a physiological process associated with an increased hemodynamic load and cardiac structural remodeling. Limited echocardiographic information exists on cardiac chambers, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions, and LV mass during trimesters of normal pregnancy among African women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Echocardiography was done at the beginning of the second trimester, beginning of the third trimester, and middle of the third trimester for 100 normal pregnant women and at one visit for age-matched 100 nonpregnant women. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 software. Analysis of variance was used to compare within trimesters, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean (SD) ages of the patients and controls were 28.20 (±5.91) and 28.35 (±6.06) years, respectively (age range = 19-44 years, P = 0.86). Cardiac chambers, LV systolic function, and LV mass and its index increased significantly during pregnancy. A significant increase in A-wave velocity but slight increase in E-wave velocity and a reduction in tissue e' velocity at the septal margin but a progressive increase in a' velocity were also observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cardiac chamber dimensions, LV wall thickness, and mass, most indices of LV systolic and diastolic function, though within normal range, were significantly higher in pregnant than in nonpregnant Nigerian women.

Overcrowding as a risk factor for domestic violence and antisocial behaviour among adolescents in Ejigbo, Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to investigate the relationships between overcrowding, domestic violence, and antisocial behaviour in a sample of adolescents in Lagos metropolitan area, Nigeria. Possible gender differences and differences due to religious affiliation concerning domestic violence and antisocial behaviour were also investigated. METHOD: A questionnaire was filled in by 238 Nigerian adolescents, 12-20 years of age; the sample included 122 females (m = 15.1 years, s.d. = 2.0) and 116 males (m = 15.8 years, s.d. = 2.0). The respondents were from junior and senior secondary schools in Ejigbo and surrounding cities (Isolo, Egbe and Ago-Palace Lagos). Six scales were included: adolescents as victims of adult and sibling aggression, respectively, witnessing of domestic violence, parental negativity towards adolescents, antisocial behaviour among adolescents and poverty in the home. Overcrowding, gender and religious affiliation served as independent variables. RESULTS: According to a multivariate analysis of variance with level of poverty as covariate, overcrowding showed significant associations with four of five scales measuring aggressive and antisocial behaviours. Gender and religion were associated with three variables each. However, multiple regression analyses revealed that overcrowding tended to partial out the effects of both gender and religion showing that overcrowding was the most important factor determining negative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results have implications for housing policies in Nigeria. Moreover, these results may also have implications for research and policy making in other nations and parts of the world.

A co-infection model of malaria and cholera diseases with optimal control.

In this paper we formulate a mathematical model for malaria-cholera co-infection in order to investigate their synergistic relationship in the presence of treatments. We first analyze the single infection steady states, calculate the basic reproduction number and then investigate the existence and stability of equilibria. We then analyze the co-infection model, which is found to exhibit backward bifurcation. The impact of malaria and its treatment on the dynamics of cholera is further investigated. Secondly, we incorporate time dependent controls, using Pontryagin's Maximum Principle to derive necessary conditions for the optimal control of the disease. We found that malaria infection may be associated with an increased risk of cholera but however, cholera infection is not associated with an increased risk for malaria. Therefore, to effectively control malaria, the malaria intervention strategies by policy makers must at the same time also include cholera control.

Awareness, knowledge and attitude on cleft lip and palate among antenatal clinic attendees of tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Adequate knowledge and awareness of cleft lip and palate (CLP) deformity may help to counter the negative beliefs and attitudes toward the condition. The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness, knowledge and attitude of women attending antenatal clinics about CLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study with the aid of a structured interview administered questionnaire was conducted among 200 women attending antenatal clinics in three Federal Government Teaching Hospitals in the Northern and Southwestern regions of Nigeria. The main outcome measure was the level of awareness and the mean cumulative knowledge score. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 28.9 ± 5.1 years (age range: 16-42 years). Half of the women (50.5%) reported that they had seen or heard about CLP. The mean cumulative knowledge score was 6.9, with only 19.8% having adequate knowledge. Many respondents had neither read an article on CLP nor participated in any public enlightenment program, and 31.5% indicated that they would like to know more about the condition. Level of educational attainment had a statistically significant effect on the level of awareness and knowledge on CLP, as more educated respondents tend to be more aware and knowledgeable ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is need for increased public enlightenment/health education to increase awareness and subsequently help develop more positive attitudes toward children with CLP. Such programs should include distribution of pamphlets on CLP at clinics, especially antenatal clinics, media campaigns on radio, TV and newspaper as well as establishment of cleft support groups by the relevant governmental and professional organizations.

Numerical investigation of entropy generation in unsteady MHD generalized Couette flow with variable electrical conductivity.

The thermodynamic second law analysis is utilized to investigate the inherent irreversibility in an unsteady hydromagnetic generalized Couette flow with variable electrical conductivity in the presence of induced electric field. Based on some simplified assumption, the model nonlinear governing equations are obtained and solved numerically using semidiscretization finite difference techniques. Effects of various thermophysical parameters on the fluid velocity, temperature, current density, skin friction, the Nusselt number, entropy generation number, and the Bejan number are presented graphically and discussed quantitatively.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION: ARE WE WINNING?

BACKGROUND: For more than 25 years, efforts have been geared towards curtailing the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in countries like Nigeria. This study was designed to see if all these efforts have made any impact in reducing the prevalence of FGM appreciably in the south-West of Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of female genital mutilation and profiling the trends of FGM affected patients. DESIGN: A prospective study based on direct observation of the external genitalia by health-care workers . SUBJECTS: Five hundred and sixty five females less than 15 years of age. SETTING: The children emergency and gynaecological wards of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria from 1st of January to December 31s 2007. RESULTS: Forty one point nine percent of the patients examined had female genital mutilation, 93.2% of these had the procedure before attaining the age of one year. Type 2 FGM predominated (58.22%). The procedure was performed predominantly (64.6%) by traditional birth attendants. The decision to have the procedure done was influenced in 78% of cases by mothers and grandmothers. In 35.4% of cases, there were immediate and short term complications. Demands of tradition predominated (59.1%) as the most important reason for the practice of female genital mutilation. CONCLUSION: The practice of FGM appears to be still highly prevalent and resistant to change probably due to deep rooted socio-cultural factors. Strategies such as public education campaigns highlighting its negative impact on health and disregard for human rights should be evolved.

Impact of chemo-therapy on optimal control of malaria disease with infected immigrants.

We derived and analyzed rigorously a mathematical model that describes the dynamics of malaria infection with the recruitment of infected immigrants, treatment of infectives and spray of insecticides against mosquitoes in the population. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the deterministic model are performed with respect to stability of the disease free and endemic equilibria. It is found that in the absence of infected immigrants disease-free equilibrium is achievable and is locally asymptotically stable. Using Pontryagin's Maximum Principle, the optimal strategies for disease control are established. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the analytical results.