Isolation and Identification of Air Borne Fungal Spores and Fragments in Buildings Within Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria

- Indoor air contains a complex mixture of microorganisms, microorganism fragments, and by products such as molds, bacteria, endotoxins, mycotoxins, and volatile microbial organic compounds. Airborne fungi and bacteria can be toxic, allergenic and/or infectious. A research was conducted to determine the number and types of airborne fungal spores in Buildings of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria. Five (5) areas were chosen within the University for the Survey, these were student Hostel, Staff Quarters, Botanical garden, Microbiology laboratory and city campus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. . A total number of fifteen (15) petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar each were vertically placed in each sampler and exposed at end of each height and site for 10 and 20 minutes respectively. A total of thirteen (13) different fungal specie were identified namely; Aspergillus Niger, A. flavus, A fumigates, A. ustus, A. terreus, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Alterneria altenata, Rhizopus oryzae, R. stolonifer, Helminthosporum sp., Penicillum candidum and Absedia corymbifera. Aspergillus Niger had the highest frequency of occurrence of (14.9%), Helminthosporus species had the least frequency of occurrence of (1.5%). Conclusively it was observed that the concentration of fungal spores was high in the upper surface than the ground level at the time of the survey

Transport on flexible Rydberg aggregates using circular states

Assemblies of interacting Rydberg atoms show promise for the quantum simulation of transport phenomena, quantum chemistry and condensed matter systems. Such schemes are typically limited by the finite lifetime of Rydberg states. Circular Rydberg states have the longest lifetimes among Rydberg states but lack the energetic isolation in the spectrum characteristic of low angular momentum states. The latter is required to obtain simple transport models with few electronic states per atom. Simple models can however even be realized with circular states, by exploiting dipole-dipole selection rules or external fields. We show here that this approach can be particularly fruitful for scenarios where quantum transport is coupled to atomic motion, in adiabatic excitation transport or quantum simulations of electron-phonon coupling in light harvesting. Additionally, we explore practical limitations of flexible Rydberg aggregates with circular states and to which extent interactions among circular Rydberg atoms can be described using classical models.Comment: 9 Pages, 5 Figure

Quasi-potential landscape in complex multi-stable systems

Developmental dynamics of multicellular organism is a process that takes place in a multi-stable system in which each attractor state represents a cell type and attractor transitions correspond to cell differentiation paths. This new understanding has revived the idea of a quasi-potential landscape, first proposed by Waddington as a metaphor. To describe development one is interested in the "relative stabilities" of N attractors (N>2). Existing theories of state transition between local minima on some potential landscape deal with the exit in the transition between a pair attractor but do not offer the notion of a global potential function that relate more than two attractors to each other. Several ad hoc methods have been used in systems biology to compute a landscape in non-gradient systems, such as gene regulatory networks. Here we present an overview of the currently available methods, discuss their limitations and propose a new decomposition of vector fields that permit the computation of a quasi-potential function that is equivalent to the Freidlin-Wentzell potential but is not limited to two attractors. Several examples of decomposition are given and the significance of such a quasi-potential function is discussed.Comment: 30 pages, 6 figure

Is the prevalence of HIV wrongly estimated in Nigeria? Some insights from a 2017 World AIDS day experience from a Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisation

Introduction: HIV is still a major public health challenge, especially in resource-limited settings. In Nigeria, it is estimated that over 50% of those infected with HIV do not know their status. With the recent Nigerian governmental approval of a "Test and Start Strategy", we embarked on HIV testing and services in four defined locations to mark 2017 World AIDS Day. The aim of this report is to document the process and outcome of the exercise. Methods: four teams led by senior clinical associates implemented the services and were mandated to test at least 100 persons per location. At each location, we carried out the following activities: (1) short advocacy to community leaders, (2) HIV testing and counselling, (3) disclosure of results, post-test counselling and healthy life-style education and (4) distribution of free male condoms and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material. Results: a total of 237 people (male 195, female 42) were tested, the majority of whom were between 19 and 49 years (93.7%). Two people were found to be positive, giving a 0.84% positivity rate. Informal interactions between service providers and the people tested revealed that people were aware of HIV as a public health problem, and people positively received HIV services. Although there is a selection bias, as those tested will not be truly representative of the population, the current positively rate of less than 1% is low compared to previous Nigerian estimates, which are based on antenatal testing. However, the exercise showed a willingness to be tested and fair knowledge of HIV as a problem. Population-based data from across Nigeria should be aggregated to determine community prevalence pending the National population-based HIV survey in 2018. Such information will inform evidence-based decisions on the necessity of such large-scale surveys in future years. Conclusion: there is an urgent need to define the real prevalence of HIV in Nigeria through a well planned and executed community based survey

Acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of hydromethanol leaves extract of Allophylus africanus Beauv in rats

Introduction: The leaves of Allophylus africanus are traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, hemorrhoids, dysentery, venereal diseases and malnutrition. This study was carried out to evaluate the acute toxicity and antiinflammatory activity of the hydro-methanol leaves extract of A. africanus on laboratory rats. Methods:Allophylus africanus leaves were extracted with 80% methanol using cold maceration for 5 days. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity study and antiinflammatory evaluation using carrageenan induced paw edema in laboratory rats. Results: The phytochemical screening of the aqueous methanol leaves extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, steroids/triterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. The extract was found to have median lethal dose (LD50) of 3807.89 mg/kg body weight orally and the aqueous methanol leaves extract at doses 250 and 1000 mg/kg produced significant anti-inflammatory effect at the 3rd, 4th and 5th hours with the effect being dose dependent at the 4th and 5th hours. There were remarkable reductions of paw edema in the rats. Conclusion: Allophylus africanus leaves has anti-inflammatory activity which explains the basis of its use in traditional medicine in the management of inflammation and related inflammatory disorder

The state of sustainability reporting assurance in the United Kingdom: perspectives of assurance providers and stakeholders

Sustainability reporting assurance is considered as a practice that enhances the credibility and quality of reported information (Dando and Swift, 2003; ACCA, 2004). However, studies have found significant variances and inconsistencies that exist across assurance statements but little attention has been paid to understanding more about the nature of the variances beyond the examination of assurance statements. The apparent variances affect the ability of sustainability assurance to deliver robust levels of stakeholder accountability; as such a detailed exploration behind the dynamics of stakeholder consideration in the practice is required. Hence, this study presents an updated and expanded assessment of sustainability reporting assurance practices by adopting a three-stage mixed methods investigative approach. The first stage is a content analysis of assurance statements published by FTSE350 companies using a specifically developed evaluation template. Core elements such as scope of assurance, level of assurance, addresses, guidelines used, independence of assurance providers, assurance work undertaken, stakeholder consideration and conclusions were of particular focus. Data obtained on these elements were explored further in the subsequent stages of the study. The second stage involved semi-structured interviews with 13 assurance providers focusing on their roles in the process and the apparent variances that appear in assurance statements. The third stage is comprised of further semi-structured interviews with representatives of 11 different stakeholders. All data generated were analysed and interpreted through the audit theoretical conception by Power (1991, 1994, 1999) as well as the legitimacy, institutional and stakeholder theories. Sustainability reporting assurance remains largely a valuable practice but there is a fundamental absence of consistent and comprehensive shared meaning and approach on the practice. This has manifested in the different application of sustainability assurance processes thus making it challenging for a single approach to be generally accepted. Also, considerable evidence of managerial capture was observed as assurance providers confirmed the vast degree of influence exerted by reporting companies in assurance processes, an issue that no direct solution or effort was acknowledged to assist in alleviating. The presence of a sustainability assurance expectations gap serves as a key factor that drives the severe caution expressed by stakeholders about the practice. The lack of stakeholder influence was apparent, thus limiting their ability to put companies and assurance providers under pressure towards a more stakeholder oriented provision of sustainability assurance. In general, the findings of this study call into question the ability of the current state of sustainability reporting assurance to enhance transparency and hence discharge effective corporate accountability to stakeholders

Issues in sustainability reporting assurance: evidence from interviews

Purpose This paper examines the processes of sustainability reporting assurance (SRA) and the influence they have on shaping perception from disclosures. Given the evidence of inconsistencies and ambiguities in assurance processes, this paper examine how legitimacy is attained and maintained at different stages of SRA. Design/methodology/approach Evidence collected from 23 semi-structured interviews with assurance providers (APs), consultants, professionals and NGOs (non-APs) was used to conduct a thematic analysis from the perspectives of interviewees. Findings Assurance Providers (APs) and non-Assurance Providers (non-APs) are united in recognising the value of SRA, although, perspectives on transparency between the two groups differ. Experience and industry knowledge are essential to SRA delivery with non-APs preferring accounting APs. Nevertheless, non-APs are concerned about the role of companies in deciding assurance scope as it can affect scrutiny. APs favour data accuracy (as opposed to data relevance) assurance due to team dynamics and internal review influences with the latter also restricting assurance innovation. APs are interested in accessing better evidence and stakeholder engagement evaluations. Providing advisory services was not rejected by all APs. The perspectives of APs and non-APs demonstrate how progress in SRA has gained pragmatic legitimacy with noticeable gaps that serve to undermine attainment of moral legitimacy. Research limitations/implications SRA is a developing practice that will adopt changes as it continues to mature, some of these changes could impact findings in this research. General perspectives on SRA was sought from interviewees, this affected the ability for an in-depth focus on any of the range of interesting SRA issues that arose over the course of the research. Interviews were conducted with relevant parties in the SRA space that operate in the UK. Perspectives of parties outside the UK were not solicited. Practical implications Companies make an important decision to commission SRA, findings in this research have highlighted specific non-APs issues of concern that can be useful in structuring operations and reporting regimes to facilitate assurance procedures. The findings will also be helpful to APs as they can direct more emphasis on stakeholder concerns towards demonstrating greater stakeholder accountability. Regulatory and standard setters can enact appropriate policies that can potentially drive the practice forward for assessment of cognitive legitimacy. Originality/value This research demonstrates the applicability of financial audit quality indicators in SRA processes; extends the debate around the effectiveness of new audit fields and highlight the challenges of maintaining legitimacy with different audiences. Social implications (limit 100 words) The findings provide relevant account of stakeholder voices on the quality of corporate disclosures that has a direct effect on the wellbeing of communities and sustainability of societies. Collective stakeholder input on expectations can shape sustainability discourse

Application of multi-group cfa in analysing moderation effect of socioeconomic attributes on public housing performance

This study analysed moderation effect of socioeconomic attributes of income and education on public housing performance model using the multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) method. The objectives of the study was to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic attributes of income and education on public housing performance using occupants’ experience, with a view to proffer recommendations on objective indicator of public housing performance. Literature revealed how little attention is given to effects of socioeconomic attributes on building performance in post occupancy evaluation (POE). This leads to misuse of resources in facilities management. Sample households of 350 were selected in Gombe metropolis, Nigeria, by systematic random sampling to answer questionnaires as the major instrument of data collection. SPSS Version 22 was used for preliminary analyses and AMOS version 21 was used to validate the constructs and develop Structural Equation Model (SEM) of building performance. Results indicated an acceptable SEM model for use in building performance evaluation, with all factor loadings above 0.5 and required fitness indexes achieved. Moderation effect of occupants’ education and income were proved not significant on their experience responses. The finding portrayed occupants’ experience as objective tool for measuring building performance Implication of this finding is in supporting the notion that experience is objective medium of measuring performance than satisfaction. Hence, scholars and professionals in housing should be cautious of the use of these terminologies interchangeably

Design and Implementation of a Microcontroller Based Three Tier Security Lock System

Security has being a major concern for humans since time immemorial. Several approaches towards protecting our homes and offices have being used over time. But there has being consistent failure in the security apparatus employed. This research employs the use of a three tier approach that uses a combination of secret multiuser card, voice recognition and code which will be controlled by an arduino microcontroller. It also uses a master code in case of emergency should the other approaches fail. The system performance was evaluated and the results gotten showed that it has more reliable as compare to other existing system

Cloud Computing in VANETs: Architecture, Taxonomy, and Challenges

Cloud Computing in VANETs (CC-V) has been investigated into two major themes of research including Vehicular Cloud Computing (VCC) and Vehicle using Cloud (VuC). VCC is the realization of autonomous cloud among vehicles to share their abundant resources. VuC is the efficient usage of conventional cloud by on-road vehicles via a reliable Internet connection. Recently, number of advancements have been made to address the issues and challenges in VCC and VuC. This paper qualitatively reviews CC-V with the emphasis on layered architecture, network component, taxonomy, and future challenges. Specifically, a four-layered architecture for CC-V is proposed including perception, co-ordination, artificial intelligence and smart application layers. Three network component of CC-V namely, vehicle, connection and computation are explored with their cooperative roles. A taxonomy for CC-V is presented considering major themes of research in the area including design of architecture, data dissemination, security, and applications. Related literature on each theme are critically investigated with comparative assessment of recent advances. Finally, some open research challenges are identified as future issues. The challenges are the outcome of the critical and qualitative assessment of literature on CC-V