Forecasting of minimum temperature over Gangtok

A study has been conducted to assess day-to-day changes, departure and persistence of minimum temperature and the frequency of cold wave and severe cold wave over Gangtok for five winter months i.e., November-March for the years 1969 to 1992. Regression models have also been formulated to forecast minimum temperature with the knowledge of dew point, cloud amount, maximum temperature and minimum temperature recorded on previous day. In case of changes, ‘little change’ and ‘no change’ constitute about four-fifth of total changes. The cases of nearly normal were found maximum when departure of minimum temperature from normal was considered. Frequency of cold wave and severe cold wave has been recorded more in January and February respectively. It has been observed that there is a gradual fall in the percentage frequency with the increase in the magnitude of variation. Regression model gives good results from November to February.

Some statistical characteristics of occurrence of fog over Patna airport

bl 'kks/k i= esa o"kZ 2000 ls 2010 rd 10 o"kksZa ds uoacj ls Qjojh ekg dh vof/k ds vk¡dMksa dk mi;ksx djrs gq, iVuk gokbZ vMMs ij Nkus okys dqgjs dh lkaf[;dh; fo’ks"krkvksa tSls & dksgjk Nkus dh ckjEckjrk] Nkus dk le;] vof/k] l?kurk rFkk folfjr gksus ds le; dk v/;;u fd;k x;k gSA bl v/;;u ls izkIr gq, ifj.kke ls irk pyk gS fd foxr 10 o"kksZa ds nkSjku iVuk gokbZ vMMs ij pkjksa gh eghuksa esa dqgjs dh ckjEckjrk esa o"kZ 1961&90 rFkk 1951&80 ds tyok;fodh esa miyC/k flukWfIVd rFkk rRdkfyd ekSkle izs{k.kksa dh rqyuk esa fo’ks"k :i ls o`f) gqbZ gSA iVuk gokbZ vMMs ij dqgjk Nkus dk lcls vuqdwy eghuk fnlEcj vkSj mlds ckn tuojh dk ekuk x;k gsA fnlacj vkSj tuojh ds eghuksa esa 5 ?kaVsa ls vf/kd vof/k rd dqgjk Nkus dh vko`fRr dh izfr’kr~rk vf/kdre jgh gS tcfd uoacj ,oa Qjojh ds eghuksa esa 2 ?kaVs ls de vof/k dh vko`fRr lcls vf/kd jgh gSA dqgjk dk cuuk vDlj 0000&0200 ;w-Vh-lh- ds nkSjku vkSj bldk {k; gksuk 0200&0500 ;w- Vh- lh- ds nkSjku ns[kk x;k gSA cgqr ?kus dqgjs dh vf/kdre vko`fRr & izfr’krrk uoacj ekg esa ns[kh xbZ gSA fnlacj vkSj tuojh ds eghuksa dh vf/kdrj fLFkfr;ksa esa 1200 ;w-Vh-ij vxyh jkr@lqcg ds le; iMs+ dksgjs ds jsfM;ksa lkSans ds vk¡dMksa ds vk/kkj ij rS;kj fd, x, dqgjk LFkkf;Ro lwpdkad ¼,Q-,l-vkbZ-½ 40 ls de ik;k x;k gSA In this paper some statistical characteristics of fog, such as frequencies of occurrence, time of onset, duration, intensity and time of dispersal over Patna airport are studied making use of 10 years data for the period November-February, 2000-2010. The result shows that during the last ten years frequency of fog over Patna airport has increased significantly in all the four months as compared to the climatology based on available synoptic and current weather observations during 1961-90 and 1951-80. The most favourable month for occurrence of fog over Patna airport has been identified as December followed by January. Percentage frequency is highest for duration of fog for more than 5 hours in the months of December and January whereas in the months of November and February frequency is highest for duration less than 2 hours. The formation of fog mostly observed during 0000-0200 UTC and dissipation during 0200-0500 UTC. Percentage frequency of very thick fog was found to be highest in the month of November. In the months of December and January in most of the cases Fog Stability Index (FSI) based on 1200 UTC radiosonde data leading to occurrence of fog during following night/morning has been found to be less than 40.

Finding a Balance between Mood and Energy Level in a Rotational Work System

The impact of rotational work system on the mood and energy level among Oil and Gas workers was evaluated. The design was set in Port Harcourt metropolis Nigeria and questionnaire, cohort session and interviews were the instruments deployed. Questionnaires were administered to randomly selected workers from international Oil and Gas Companies located in Port Harcourt, Questions that bothered on the effect of rotational work on the mood and energy level of Oil and Gas workers were posed. It was observed that 38.8% and 41.2% agree and strongly agree that their mood is affected on site while 13.8% remained neutral. Interestingly, over 80% of Oil and Gas workers agreed to feeling of anxiety from the interview and cohort sessions. 40% and 43.8% of workers agree and strongly agree respectively that rotational work does affect their energy on site. Obtained median of 4 means that over 50% of the response belongs to the category that agree strongly agree while a mode of 5 has more responses in the category of strongly agree which is in agreement with results from the percentage frequency. Rotational workers were affected by absence from family and loved ones, social isolation and constant reminder of hazard and working in hazardous environment with work pressures and unrealistic deadlines. These cause depression and general dissatisfaction with life. Results from interviews revealed neglect of mental wellness of workers. The Oil and Gas workers are willing to face these hazards because of the economic gains arising from their work, however provision of recreational amenities and making policies that bring the Oil and Gas workers back home every seven days forbidding the schedule of trainings and workshops during time off duty will make rotational work more bearable.

Body mass index, serum rheumatoid factor and c-reactive protein among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in Kano Metropolis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is becoming a global health menace associated with joints swelling, pain, stiffness, and progressive loss of function of extremities etc. This study aimed at evaluating the Body Mass Index (BMI), Serum Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) among RA Patients in Kano Metropolis. Methods: A total of 111 participants comprising 74 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and 37 apparently healthy controls were recruited for this study. Exactly 29 were males while 44 were females aged between 25 to 75 years. Using standard techniques, BMI was calculated using the weight and height taken from the participants. Blood samples were collected for serum RF and CRP and were analysed using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used for the analysis of data. Results: Our findings reveal that, females recorded higher percentage frequency of 45 (60.8%) while males recorded a lower percentage frequency of 29(39.2%) of RA patients with the ratio of 1.55:1, the higher percentage frequencies of 35(47.3%) was observed in overweight BMI patients of between 25- 29.9 kg m-2. The mean serum value of RF was significantly (p = 0.00) higher in case group (4.4 ±1.5 ng/ml) compared with the control group (2.0 ±1.5 ng/ml) and also the mean serum value of CRP was significantly (p = 0.00) higher in case group (13.0 ±5.0 mg/L) compared with the control group (5.5±5.0 mg/L). A significant positive correlation was established between serum RF and CRP (r = 0.48, p=0.00). Conclusion: Our findings show increased RF and CRP in RA case group. Quantitative evaluation of immunological parameter such as RF, CRP and BMI monitoring may aid in proper management of RA patients.

Study on prevalence of mycoflora on seeds of spring wheat in the conditions of the Samara region

Wheat seeds are a favorable environment for pathogenic mycoflora, which in turn causes a decrease in seed viability and the release of various mycotoxins that significantly affect the growth and development of plants. The study of the phytosanitary condition of spring soft wheat seed material of competitive variety testing for the seed borne pathogen was carried out. As a result of research, a high degree of infection of seeds with pathogens of root rot and mold on a natural infectious background was revealed. The studied seed samples were dominated by fungi: Alternaria sp. (with a percentage frequency from 3 to 23% in favorable years and 36-53% in unfavorable years, and a relative abundance of 7.9-54.8% and 48-69. 2%, respectively), Fusarium sp. (with a percentage frequency from 8 to 26% in favorable years and 1-19% in unfavorable years, and a relative abundance of 17.9-61.9% and 8-33. 3%, respectively) and a group of fungi that cause seed mold. Differences in precipitation and relative humidity may be a possible reason for differences in the frequency of occurrence and in the form of fungi found on wheat seeds in different years.

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE DECLINING STANDARD OF PRIMARY EDUCATION IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

The study assesses the Factors that led to the Declining Standard of Primary Education in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study involves 1,966 primary schools of Adamawa state and a total of 335 respondents. Percentage, Frequency and mean score statistical tools were used in analyzing the data. The general objectives of the study is to assess the Factors that led to Declining Standard of Primary Education in Adamawa State, Nigeria, below are the specific objectives: To identify the human factors that lead to the declining standard of primary education in Adamawa State, Nigeria. To identify the non- human factors that lead to the declining standard of primary education in Adamawa State, Nigeria and to develop policy and recommendation for the improvement of primary education in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The findings of the study indicated that highest average value 3.70 mean score of the factors led to declining standard of primary education in Adamawa state, Nigeria. The study recommended the following: Recruitment, training and regular teachers workshops, conducive learning environment must be provided by government, teachers salary scheme to be reviewed, adequate teaching materials to be provided, establishing good rapport between teachers and the community. Reviewing the Curriculum Structure and further research should be carried out periodically.

Comparative Study of Ethanolic Wild African Nutmeg (Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw.) Stem Bark Extract Potentials and Selected Conventional Toothpaste against Hidden Resident Mouth Cavity Microfora

The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of ethanolic stem extract of (Wild African nutmeg) Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw.) and some commercially available toothpaste against bacteria isolated from the hidden resident mouth cavity microfora. Bacteria were isolated from swabs of apparently healthy individuals and were identified using Staining procedure biochemical tests and the use of Bergey’s manual of bacteria identification The assay for antibacterial activity of Pycnanthus angolensis stem bark extract and the four toothpastes were determined using agar well diffusion method. The Gram positive bacteria isolated were Streptococcus sangus, Streptococcus ratti, Stomatococcus mucilaginous., Peptostreptococcus sp., and Streptococcus mutans and the Gram negative bacteria were Veillonella atypical, Veillonella parvula, Veillonella dispar and Acidiaminococcus sp. Oral B toothpaste showed maximum efficacy of inhibition with inhibition zone diameter as wide as 20 mm at 100 mg/ml. Percentage frequency distribution of antibacterial activity of conventional toothpaste (Close-up) against hidden resident mouth cavity microfora depicts Acidaminococcus sp.13%, Veillonella parvula (10%), Veillonella dispar (12%), Peptostreptococcus sp.(12%), Stomatococcus mucilaginous.(9%), Streptococcus ratti (13%), Veillonella atypical (11%), Streptococcus sangus (9%) and Streptococcus mutans (11%), Percentage frequency distribution of antibacterial activity of conventional toothpaste (Oral B toothpaste) against hidden resident mouth cavity microfora reveals Acidaminococcus sp.(11%,) Veillonella dispar (11%), Veillonella parvula (10%), Peptostreptococcus sp. (12%), Stomatococcus mucilaginous.(15%), Streptococcus ratti (11%), Veillonella atypical (8%), Streptococcus sangus (10%), and Streptococcus mutans (12%), Percentage frequency distribution of antibacterial activity of conventional toothpaste (MyMy toothpaste) against hidden resident mouth cavity microfora depicts Acidaminococcus sp.(12%), Veillonella dispar (9%), Veillonella parvula (8%), Peptostreptococcus sp.(10%), Stomatococcus mucilaginous.(16%), Streptococcus ratti (9%), Veillonella atypical (15%),Streptococcus sangus (9%) and Streptococcus mutans (12%), Percentage frequency distribution of antibacterial activity of conventional toothpaste (Olive toothpaste) against hidden resident mouth cavity microfora shows Acidaminococcus sp.(9%), Veillonella dispar (10%), Veillonella parvula (10%), Peptostreptococcus sp.(12%), Stomatococcus mucilaginous.(13%), Streptococcus ratti (10%) ,Veillonella atypical (17%), Streptococcus sangus (7%), and Streptococcus mutans (12%). Pycnanthus Angolensis stem bark extract inhibited the growth of the oral bacterial isolates with of zones of inhibition diameter ranging from 6 mm to 17 mm at a concentration of 100mg/ml. Secondary metabolite (Phytochemical) screening shows the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, reducing sugars, steroid, phenol, terpenoid, pyrrolozidine alkaloid, glycoside and cardiac glycoside with glycoside and terpenoid most present. However, anthraquinones and volatile oil were absent. With menial antibacterial activity, P. angolensis can be use in the formulation of herbal toothpaste. It should be advocated that Pycnanthus angolensis should be added to our convention toothpaste to improve the functional ingredient of the toothpaste and Plant-based traditional knowledge has become a recognized tool in search for new sources of drugs. It is clear that the use of these herbal plants can offer a platform for further research.

Determination of Magnetic susceptibility of hydrocarbon contaminated soils in Port Harcourt and Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria

In this study, determination of magnetic susceptibility were carried out on 366 soil samples using MS2B magnetic susceptibility meter connected to a computer system using MULTISUS2 software. The soil samples were selected from six sites namely: Shell environment, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas environment, Port Harcourt Refining Company James Hart, New Jerusalem and Port Harcourt respectively. Three of the six sites; Shell, NLNG and Port-Harcourt Refining Company environments have their soils contaminated with hydrocarbon. One hundred and ninety two (192) soil samples were collected from these hydrocarbon contaminated sites and 174 from non-hydrocarbon contaminated soil (control samples). The magnetic susceptibility values obtained from Shell environment and for hydrocarbon samples showed higher (enhanced) magnetic susceptibility with average values of 117.54x10-8 m3kg-1 and 2016.39x10-8 m3kg-1 and a moderate magnetic susceptibility for with an average value of 20.83x10-8 m3kg-1 in comparison to magnetic susceptibility values obtained from the control samples whose average values were 2.39x10-8 m3kg-1, 12.42x10-8 m3kg-1 and 3.31x10-8 m3kg-1 for James Hart, New Jerusalem and Port Harcourt respectively. This means that the hydrocarbon sites are highly magnetic which could be indication of pollution. The results of the percentage frequency dependent susceptibility (χFD%) obtained in the hydrocarbon samples showed about 16% of the samples had percentage frequency dependent susceptibility (χFD%) values between 0-2%, 53% had values of χFD% between 2-10% and 31% had χFD% between 10-12% and above while about 21% of the control samples had χFD% values between 0-2%, 58% between 2-10% and 21% between 10-12% and above. The high magnetic susceptibility value in the hydrocarbon soil samples is an indication of pollution due to hydrocarbon deposit. The Government is therefore advised to monitor the location and activities of the oil companies and initiate quick mop up strategies should be put in place in the eventuality of oil spillage.

Análise significativa, para parturientes, da assistência prestada pelo enfermeiro no processo de parir: contexto hospitalar

Estudo exploratório-descritivo, com abordagem quantiqualitativa, que objetivou analisar o significado para as parturientes da assistência prestada pelo enfermeiro no processo de parir no contexto hospitalar. Participaram da investigação 50 mulheres enquadradas no critério: puérperas que foram assistidas pelo enfermeiro ou por enfermeiro e médico no pré-natal, trabalho de parto e parto. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de fevereiro a março de 2019, por meio do instrumento adaptado do Questionário Hospitalar: Puérpera. Os dados quantitativos foram apresentados em frequência absoluta e percentual, e a análise de conteúdo foi fundamentada na proposta de Bardin. Os resultados revelaram que, para a maioria das mulheres, os sentimentos e expectativas gerados durante o pré-natal foram supridos. Já que a experiência com o enfermeiro foi de boa qualidade como, também, com o próprio trabalho de parto e parir no hospital.Descritores: Assistência ao Parto, Enfermeiros, Parturientes. Significant analysis, for parturients, of the care provided by nurses in the delivery process: hospital contextAbstract: An exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative and qualitative approach, which aimed to analyze the meaning for parturients of the care provided by nurses in the process of giving birth in the hospital context. The study included 50 women who met the criteria: mothers who were assisted by the nurse or nurse and doctor in prenatal, labor and delivery. Data collection took place from February to March 2019, through the instrument adapted from the Hospital Questionnaire: Puérpera. Quantitative data were presented in absolute and percentage frequency, and content analysis was based on Bardin's proposal. The results revealed that, for most women, the feelings and expectations generated during prenatal care were met. Since the experience with the nurse was of good quality as well as with the labor itself and giving birth in the hospital.Descriptors: Childbirth Care, Nurses, Parturients. Análisis significativo, para parturientas, de la atención brindada por las enfermeras en el proceso de entrega: contexto hospitalarioResumen: Un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo con un enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo, cuyo objetivo fue analizar el significado para las parturientas de la atención brindada por las enfermeras en el proceso de dar a luz en el contexto hospitalario. El estudio incluyó a 50 mujeres que cumplían los criterios: madres atendidas por la enfermera o la enfermera y el médico en prenatal, parto y parto. La recolección de datos se realizó de febrero a marzo de 2019, a través del instrumento adaptado del Cuestionario del Hospital: Puérpera. Los datos cuantitativos se presentaron en frecuencia absoluta y porcentual, y el análisis de contenido se basó en la propuesta de Bardin. Los resultados revelaron que, para la mayoría de las mujeres, se cumplieron los sentimientos y expectativas generados durante la atención prenatal. Dado que la experiencia con la enfermera fue de buena calidad, así como con el trabajo de parto y el parto en el hospital.Descriptores: Atención del Parto, Enfermeras, Parturientas.