Predicting the depositional environments and transportation mechanisms of sediments using granulometric parameters, bivariate and multivariate analyses

Grain size distribution and classes present in sedimentary rocks are responsive to the physical changes of the transporting media and the basin of deposition. Analyzing grain size data is germane in reconstructing the sedimentary processes including identifying the palaeoenvironment of deposition. Twenty-three (23) samples, mainly sandstones, collected within latitude 6055’-6059’N and Longitude 005044’-005053’E in the Anambra Basin, were subjected to granulometric analysis, where grain size parameters (mean grain size, sorting, skewness and kurtosis) sensitive to environmental conditions were calculated. These parameters were integrated with bivariate and multivariate analyses. Graphic mean (Mz) in the study area range from 1.1 to 2.27 ɸ with an average value of 1.7 ɸ, suggesting that grains are predominantly fine to medium; sorting range from 0.71 to 1.36 ɸ with an average value of 1.02 ɸ, suggesting sediments are moderately sorted; skewness range from -0.57 to 0.51 ɸ with an average value of 1.28 ɸ suggesting coarsely skewed to fine skewed with a predominating near symmetrical skewness and kurtosis range from 0.57 to 1.51ɸ, with an average of 1.28 ɸ suggesting a very platykurtic to leptokurtic character. Bivariate scatter plots of the grains size parameters predicted the environment of deposition as shallow marine. Multivariate analysis calculated from established functions suggested environments that range from beach (backshore) to shallow marine (subtidal). The integration of the granulometric parameters, bivariate and multivariate plots predict an environment that is dominated by high energy indicating that the sediments of the study area were deposited in shallow marine environment. In addition, the Visher and Passega’s C-M diagrams characterized the transport mechanism of the sediments as predominantly by saltation although traction and suspension modes also play some roles

Organic geochemical analysis of shaly facies from two wells within Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria

Organic geochemical analysis of two selected wells penetrating shale facies of the Anambra basin was conducted with the view of evaluating the section in terms of quantity and quality of organic matter, genetic potential, organic matter type, thermal maturity as well as determining the type of hydrocarbon that could be generated. Geochemical parameters such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), S1 (representing free and adsorbed hydrocarbons present), S2 (representing hydrocarbons generated directly from the kerogen), S3 (carbon dioxide CO2 present) and maximum temperature (Tmax) as well as Hydrogen Index (HI), Oxygen Index (OI), Production Index (PI) and Genetic Potential (GP) were derived and calculated from the pyrolysis data. Result indicated that Well 1 samples have an average TOC of 1.21 wt % which is considered good in organic matter quantity and fair in quality, while Well 2 samples are organically lean, poor in quantity and quality with average TOC value of 0.15 wt %. The Genetic Potential (GP) expressed as (S1+S2) for Well 1 and Well 2 averages 2.03 and 0.68 mg HC/g respectively, indicating, a poor generational potential. The HI, OI and S2/S3 values of Well 1 samples are 146.56 mg HC/g, 226.78 mg HC/g and 0.86 respectively which on plots suggest the kerogen as type IV although few samples fall within the type III area. This contrasts with Well 2 samples having HI, OI and S2/S3 values as 343.67 mg HC/g, 276.78 mg HC/g and 1.26 respectively. Thus making the kerogen type to be interpreted as type III. Judging from Tmax (average of 441.670C for Well 1 and 470.440C for Well 2) and PI (average of 0.13 for Well 1 and 0.24 for Well 2) values, Well 1 samples are within the oil generating window whereas Well 2 samples are overmatured generating dry gas. Deductions from the result of geochemical analysis, depicts that the kerogen of Well 1 samples will generate oil while that of Well 2 samples have propensity to generate dry gas

Investigation of Wear Land and Rate of Locally Made HSS Cutting Tool

Production technology and machining are inseparable with cutting operation playing important roles. Investigation of wear land and rate of cutting tool developed locally (C=0.56%) with an HSS cutting tool (C=0.65%) as a control was carried out. Wear rate test was carried out using Rotopol –V and Impact tester. The samples (12) of locally made cutting tools and one (1) sample of a control HSS cutting tool were weighed to get the initial weight and grit was fixed at a point for the sample to revolve at a specific time of 10 mins interval. Approach of macro transfer particles that involved mechanism of abrasion and adhesion which was termed as mechanical wear to handle abrasion adhesion processes was used in developing equation for growth wear at flank. It was observed from the wear test that best minimum wear rate of 1.09 x10-8 and 2.053x10-8 for the tools developed and control were measured. MATLAB was used to simulate the wear land and rate under different conditions. Validated results of both the experimental and modeling showed that cutting speed has effect on wear rate while cutting time has predicted measure on wear land. Both experimental and modeling result showed best performances of tools developed over the control

Absolute quantitation of coronary steal induced by intravenous dipyridamole

AbstractOBJECTIVESThe study was done to determine whether coronary steal (defined as an absolute decrease in perfusion from resting blood flow) is induced by intravenous (IV) dipyridamole in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD).BACKGROUNDMyocardial ischemia during coronary vasodilation is usually attributed to coronary steal. However, there is limited data on the absolute magnitude of coronary steal in humans.METHODSEighteen patients with multivessel CAD underwent dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 13NH3at rest and after infusion of IV dipyridamole. Eight myocardial sectors were analyzed per short axis slice and myocardial blood flow calculated with a two-compartment model in absolute terms.RESULTSCoronary steal occurred in 8 of the 18 patients. In the 8 patients with coronary steal, myocardial blood flow decreased from 90 ± 18 ml/100 g/min at rest to 68 ± 27 ml/100 g/min following dipyridamole in the segments with steal, and increased from 87 ± 19 to 138 ± 16 ml/100 g/min following dipyridamole in the segments without steal. Significant clinical correlates of coronary steal were either ST elevation or the combination of ST depression and angina.CONCLUSIONSCoronary vasodilation with IV dipyridamole is associated with significant reductions in blood flow to collateral-dependent myocardium consistent with coronary steal in about 45% of patients with severe CAD

Cost of Corrosion of Metallic Products in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

The cost of corrosion has been increasing drastically due to the degradation of the metallic materials. This study was carried out to estimate the “Cost of Corrosion of Metallic Products in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)”. Questionnaires were administered and interviews were also conducted to gather necessary information. The cost of corrosion from 2013-2015 was estimated and analysed with the aid of engineering economy method and statistical analysis method. For the cost of corrosion prevention methods, cleaning gave the highest cost contribution (69%), followed by the use of oil (30%), use of grease (1%), and painting gave zero percent of the total cost. While on the cost of corrosion maintenance methods, repair gave the highest cost contributions (66%), and prevention gave (34%) of the total cost. The overall cost of corrosion from (2013-2015) gave an upward trend, but a downward trend in future value and the annualized value. While the forecast cost from (2013-2016) at (95%) confidence level and (5%) significance level gave an upward trend. The present value, future value, and annualized value from (2013-2016) increased by (66%, 43%, and 75%) respectively. The total cost and the total annualized value of corrosion from (2013-2015) were estimated to be N 166,955,641 and N 93,791,024, and with the forecast (2013-2016) were found to be N 277,650,388 and N 163,672,460 respectively. Under the corrosion prevention methods and corrosion maintenance methods, cleaning and repair gave highest cost contribution respectively. Corrosion prevention methods need to be added to bring down the repair cost of those facilities for saving cost

Experimental Analysis of the Wear Properties of Carburized HSS (ASTM A600) Cutting Tool

Prediction and control of undesirable deterioration of cutting tools are the most essential challenges emanating in the design of tool which has to be checked. As a result of an increase in wear rate of HSS cutting tools, so has the need for wear resistant. The result has been a progression of carburizing the tools for better performance. Based on the theoretical analysis and study of tool wear and parameters that mitigates against wear resistance of cutting tools, this research work presents an experimental investigation and analysis of the wear properties of carburized HSS cutting tools. Twelve Samples under consideration were carburized HSS (ASTM A600) tools (0.65% C) treated at 800,850,900 and 950oC with holding time of 60, 90 and 120 minutes respectively. The wear properties of weight loss, wear volume, wear resistance and wear rate were carried out using Rotopol –V, impact tester, polisher, grinder and weight scale. It was found from the experiment carried out that cutting tool(sample 5) carburized at holding temperature and time of 800 oC and 90 minutes has the lowest cutting weight loss, volume and wear rate of 0.002 g, 0.00026 cm3 and 5.476 X10-10 cm2 with maximum wear resistance of 1.83X109 . This showed that sample 5 has the best wear properties which undermined the general believe that the sample with highest holding temperature and time should have the highest wear properties. This experiment has further established carburization as one of the heat treatment methods that involved carbon penetration to the depth that improved wear rate and resistance of a material

Serum metabolites of broilers fed graded levels of beniseed (Sesamum indicum L.) waste meal in place of maize (Zea mays linn)

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary replacement of maize with beniseed waste meal (BSW) on the carcass  characteristics, organs weights, hematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chicken. A total of 180 days old Marshal broiler chicks were randomly allotted to six treatments, each having three replicates of ten birds per replicate. Six experimental diets were formulated as follows; D1 (100% Maize: 0% BSW), D2 (80% Maize: 20% BSW), D3 (60% Maize: 40% BSW), D4 (40% Maize: 60% BSW), D5 (20% Maize: 80% BSW) and D6 (0% Maize: 100% BSW) for both broiler starters and finishers. The live weight, eviscerated weight, dressed weight, neck, thigh, wings and lower back weights were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. The highest percentage dressed weight (63.52) obtained in D3 (40% BSW) was significantly (P < 0.05) different from 60.87 (0% BSW), 61.68 (20% BSW) 60.00 (60% BSW), 55.18 (80% BSW) and 56.52 (100% BSW). The organs (lungs, liver, kidney, intestine, gizzard and proventriculus) monitored were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. Heart, pancreas and spleen were similar among the treatments. The serum biochemistry and haematological parameters measured were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that maize could be safely replaced with beniseed waste meal up to 100% level (55% BSW) in broilers diets. Key words: beniseed waste meal, maize, broilers, barcass, health statu

Effects of graded levels of biscuit dough waste meal as replacement for maize in broiler starter diet on performance and blood indices

An experiment was conducted for 4 weeks to evaluate the effect of dietary substitution of biscuit dough waste meal (BDW) for maize on performance, haematological and biochemical indices of broiler chicks. A total of 150 day old Marshal broiler chicks were used for the study. The experiment was conducted by using a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 3 replicates, and 10 chicks in each replicate. Five experimental diets were formulated as follows: A (100%M: 0%BDW), B (75%M: 25%BDW), C (50%M: 50%BDW), D (25%M: 75%BDW), and E (0%M: 100%BDW). Growth, serum and haematological parameters of the experimental birds were measured. Variations obtained in the average final body weight (AFBW), average daily weight gain (ADWG), cost per kg feed (CPKF) and cost of feed per kg weight gain (CFPKWG) differed significantly (P < 0.05). The AFBW (g/b) were 638.10 (0% BDW) 587.30 (25% BDW), 565.47 (50% BDW), 544.44 (75% BDW), and 516.99 (100% BDW) respectively. The ADWG followed the same trend with respective values of 21.28, 19.48, 18.68, 17.93 and 16.97g/b/d in the same order. Lowest CFPKWG (₦246.15) obtained at 25% BDW was similar to ₦247.03 (0% BDW) and ₦248.71 (75% BDW) which were all significantly (P < 0.05) lower than ₦253.92 (50% BDW) and ₦268.46 (100% BDW). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), basophils and eosophils varied significantly (P < 0.05) among the dietary treatments. The study showed that biscuit dough waste meal inclusion up to 100% level of substitution for maize poses no health threat to the experimental birds, CFPKWG at 0%, 25% and 75% BDW were similar; 25% level of substitution being the cheapest, most economical and therefore recommended for broiler farmers.Keywords: Performance, Biscuit dough waste, Health status, Broiler

Electroplating of CdTe thin films from cadmium sulphate precursor and comparison of layers grown by 3-electrode and 2-electrode systems

Electrodeposition of CdTe thin films was carried out from the late 1970s using the cadmium sulphate precursor. The solar energy group at Sheffield Hallam University has carried out a comprehensive study of CdTe thin films electroplated using cadmium sulfate, cadmium nitrate and cadmium chloride precursors, in order to select the best electrolyte. Some of these results have been published elsewhere, and this manuscript presents the summary of the results obtained on CdTe layers grown from cadmium sulphate precursor. In addition, this research program has been exploring the ways of eliminating the reference electrode, since this is a possible source of detrimental impurities, such as K+ and Ag+ for CdS/CdTe solar cells. This paper compares the results obtained from CdTe layers grown by three-electrode (3E) and two-electrode (2E) systems for their material properties and performance in CdS/CdTe devices. Thin films were characterized using a wide range of analytical techniques for their structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties. These layers have also been used in device structures; glass/FTO/CdS/CdTe/Au and CdTe from both methods have produced solar cells to date with efficiencies in the region of 5%–13%. Comprehensive work carried out to date produced comparable and superior devices fabricated from materials grown using 2E system

Inhibition of neuroinflammation in BV2 microglia by the biflavonoid kolaviron is dependent on the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant protective mechanism

Kolaviron is a mixture of bioflavonoids found in the nut of the West African edible seed Garcinia kola, and it has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of kolaviron in neuroinflammation. The effects of kolaviron on the expression of nitric oxide/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)/cyclooxygenase-2, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Molecular mechanisms of the effects of kolaviron on NF-B and Nrf2/ARE signalling pathways were analysed by immunoblotting, binding assay, and reporter assay. RNA interference was used to investigate the role of Nrf2 in the anti-inflammatory effect of kolaviron. Neuroprotective effect of kolaviron was assessed in a BV2 microglia/HT22 hippocampal neuron co-culture. Kolaviron inhibited the protein levels of NO/iNOS, PGE2/COX-2, cellular ROS and the proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated microglia. Further mechanistic studies showed that kolaviron inhibited neuroinflammation by inhibiting IB/NF-B signalling pathway in LPS-activated BV2 microglia. Kolaviron produced antioxidant effect in BV2 microglia by increasing HO-1 via the Nrf2/ antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. RNAi experiments revealed that Nrf2 is need for the anti-inflammatory effect of kolaviron. Kolaviron protected HT22 neurons from neuroinflammation-induced toxicity. Kolaviron inhibits neuroinflammation through Nrf2-dependent mechanisms. This compound may therefore be beneficial in neuroinflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders