PRODUCTION OF AN INDOOR INTERACTIVE GAME TO IMPROVE CHILDREN`S MOTOR SKILL

Azu Kiyokawa,Daewoong Kim,Tatsuro Ishii 한국디자인학회 2015 한국디자인학회 학술발표대회 논문집 Vol.2015 No.10

In recent years, there has been a decline of exercise among children and this is diminishing their motor skill. An indoor interactive game is being developed in order to improve children’s motor skills. Using video contents, any environment can be arranged in order to play the game. The target age of the children is set from 5 to 8 years old. This game contains movements necessary for everyday life and can be played intuitively. The users can play the game in a way that matches their needs by choosing the game difficulty and the number of players.

Evaluation of novel Mg/Al/Ni-BaFe ternary layered hydroxides uptake of methyl orange dye from water

Nuhu Dalhat Mu’azu,Nabeel Jarrah,Mukarram Zubair,Mohammad Saood Manzar,Taye Saheed Kazeem,Mamdouh Al-Harthi 한국화학공학회 2019 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.36 No.12

MgAlNi-BaFe ternary layered hydroxide (UMLDH) and its calcined (CMLDH) form were synthesized and tested as adsorbents for methyl orange dye (MO) uptake from water. The adsorptive performances of the new magnetic nanocomposites were modeled, evaluated and optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). The UMLDH and CMLDH maximum removal efficiency and adsorption capacities data were fitted into RSM models with insignificant lack of fit (p-values<0.05) and high R2=0.991-0.997. The UMLDH and CMLDH MO adsorption capacities increased with decrease in both pH and initial MO concentration and decreased when the temperature was increased. Under optimal operating conditions, pseudo-second-order described kinetics of MO sorption on the nanocomposites, while the Freundlich isotherm gave the best fits for both the two adsorbents. The MO uptake simultaneously incorporated both mono and multi-layer surface adsorption involving strong electrostatic attraction and chemical interactions between MO and the adsorbents surface functional groups. Respectively, the obtained maximum Langmuir theoretical sorption capacity of 715.44 and 708mg/g, indicated profoundly improved MO sorption capacities compared with many other magnetic-LDHs. These results demonstrate the potential of MgAlNi-BaFe as excellent adsorbents for effective remediation of dyes wastewater effluents.

Induction of apoptosis in activated RAW 264.7 cells and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators in rat air pouch by ethylacetate fraction of Ocimum gratissimum leaves

Ajayi Abayomi Mayowa,Ben-Azu Benneth,Sikiru O. Balogun,Ruberlei Godinho de Oliveira,Umukoro Solomon,Domingos Tabajara de Oliveira,Olusegun G. Ademowo 경희대학교 융합한의과학연구소 2022 Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine Vol.22 No.3

Ocimum gratissimum L. has attracted substantial consideration from researchers because of its anti-inflammatory uses in ethnomedicine in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. This study investigated the effect of flavonoid-rich ethylacetate fraction of O. gratissimum (EAFOg) in apoptosis induction of activated macrophages and inflammatory response in LPS-induced air pouch in rats. Apoptotic effect of EAFOg in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was evaluated using flow cytometry after staining with annexin-V and 7-aminoactinomycin D. Its effects on inflammatory cells and mediators were investigated utilizing 6 day old subcutaneous air pouch-rats. Sterile saline (0.9%) or LPS (100 ng/mL) was injected into the air pouch on 6th day after EAFOg (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) pretreatment. Rectal body temperature was recorded hourly for 5 h after LPS injection. Thereafter, the neutrophil count, nitrite, TNF-α, PGE2, nitrite, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in the pouch lavage. The activities of myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as immunohistochemical staining for cyclooxygenase-2 were also performed. EAFOg (10, 30 and 100 μg/mL) induced apoptosis in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The EAFOg reduced hyperthermia and decreased neutrophil counts, TNF-α, PGE2, nitrite, myeloperoxidase as well as cyclooxygenase-2 expression evoked by LPS in rats. It also reduced malondialdehyde, and increased GSH and SOD levels in LPS-induced air pouch in vivo. The results of this study suggest that the EAFOg

Monosodium glutamate induces memory and hepatic dysfunctions in mice: ameliorative role of Jobelyn® through the augmentation of cellular antioxidant defense machineries

Omogbiya Adrian Itivere,Ben-Azu Benneth,Eduviere Anthony Taghogho,Eneni Aya-Ebi Okubo,Nwokoye Prisilla O.,Ajayi Abayomi Mayowa,Umukoro Solomon 한국독성학회 2021 Toxicological Research Vol.37 No.3

This study investigated the effect of high doses of monosodium glutamate (MSG), a known food additive on hepatic, memory and locomotor functions in mice, and the ameliorative potentials of Jobelyn ® (JB), a unique dietary supplement. Twenty four male Swiss mice divided into 4 groups (n = 6) were given MSG (2, 4 and 8 g/kg) or normal saline (10 mL/kg) orally for 14 days. In the intervention study, another set of 30 male Swiss mice distributed into 5 groups (n = 6) received normal saline, MSG (8 g/kg) alone or in combination with JB (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) orally, for 14 days. Memory and locomotor functions as well as brain oxido-nitrergic stress biomarkers were then assessed in both studies. The hepatic oxido-nitrergic stress biomarkers, liver enzymes functions and histomorphology of the liver were also assessed. MSG (2, 4 and 8 g/kg) produced memory dysfunction, hyperlocomotion, increased malondialdehyde and nitrite levels accompanied by decreased antioxidant status in the brain and hepatic tissues. MSG-treated mice had increased hepatic enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and distorted cyto-architectural integrity of the liver. These findings further suggest that MSG compromised hepatic functioning, which might also contribute to its neurotoxicity. However, JB (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o) attenuated the memory deficit, hyperlocomotion, increased oxido-nitrergic stress responses in the brain and hepatic tissues induced by MSG (8 g/kg, p.o). JB also normalized hepatic enzymes activities and histomorphological changes in MSG-treated mice. Taken together, JB mitigated MSG-induced toxicity through mechanisms relating to enhancement of cellular antioxidant-machineries and normalization of hepatic enzymatic functions.

Ectopic Pregnancy; A Nigerian Urban Experience

( Etuknwa Bassey Tom,Frcs ),( Frcs Azu Onyemaechi Okpara ),( Peter Aniekan Imo ),( Ekandem Gabriel John ),( Bsc Olaifa Kayode ),( Aquaisua Aquaisua Nyong ),( Ikpeme Enobong ) 대한산부인과학회 2012 Obstetrics & Gynecology Science Vol.55 No.5

Objective To assess the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in St. Luke`s Hospital, Anua in Uyo metropolis, Nigeria. Data on EP incidence in developing countries are rare and often out of date, particularly in Nigeria. Methods A fi ve-year retrospective study (2000-2004) was carried out, examining all cases of EP registered in the medical fi les of records in the casualty, maternity and surgical departments of St. Luke`s Hospital, Anua in Uyo metropolis, which before the advent of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, in 2002, was the hub of medical activities in Akwa Ibom State. Results Within the period under study, 2,3951 pregnancies was registered in that hospital out of which 72 cases of ectopic pregnancies was reported (3/1,000 pregnancies). Most of the affected females were young single women and students with 81.9% of them between 21 and 30 years of age. Mortality was 1.4% in the study. Related risk factors included pelvic inflammatory disease, previous history of abortions, infertility and a previous history of EP. These problems are compounded by social issues leading to multiple sexual partners and fi nancial stress resulting from the palpable poverty in Nigeria today. Conclusion Reports of hospital-based incidence of EP in various centers across Nigeria varies but has increased over the last decade. Health professionals and public health offi cials in developing countries, especially those in Africa, should consider EP as a major obstetric problem for maternal morbidity. Early detection and more public education as well as advocacy programs targeted at women are needed to solve the problem of EP in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.

Computational optimized finite element modelling of mechanical interaction of concrete with fiber reinforced polymer

Khosro Shahpoori Arani,Yousef Zandi,Binh Thai Pham,M.A. Mu’azu,Javad Katebi,Mohammad Mohammadhassani,Seyedamirhesam Khalafi,Edy Tonnizam Mohamad,Karzan Wakil,Majid Khorami 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2019 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.23 No.1

This paper presents a computational rational model to predict the ultimate and optimized load capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened by a combination of longitudinal and transverse fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite plates/sheets (flexure and shear strengthening system). Several experimental and analytical studies on the confinement effect and failure mechanisms of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapped columns have been conducted over recent years. Although typical axial members are large-scale square/ rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) columns in practice, the majority of such studies have concentrated on the behavior of small-scale circular concrete specimens. A high performance concrete, known as polymer concrete, made up of natural aggregates and an orthophthalic polyester binder, reinforced with non-metallic bars (glass reinforced polymer) has been studied. The material is described at micro and macro level, presenting the key physical and mechanical properties using different experimental techniques. Furthermore, a full description of non-metallic bars is presented to evaluate its structural expectancies, embedded in the polymer concrete matrix. In this paper, the mechanism of mechanical interaction of smooth and lugged FRP rods with concrete is presented. A general modeling and application of various elements are demonstrated. The contact parameters are defined and the procedures of calculation and evaluation of contact parameters are introduced. The method of calibration of the calculated parameters is presented. Finally, the numerical results are obtained for different bond parameters which show a good agreement with experimental results reported in literature.

Evaluation of the parameters affecting the Schmidt rebound hammer reading using ANFIS method

Ali Toghroli,Ehsan Darvishmoghaddam,Yousef Zandi,Mahdi Parvan,Maryam Safa,Mu’azu Mohammed Abdullahi,Abbas Heydari,Karzan Wakil,Saad A.M. Gebreel,Majid Khorami 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2018 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.21 No.5

As a nondestructive testing method, the Schmidt rebound hammer is widely used for structural health monitoring. During application, a Schmidt hammer hits the surface of a concrete mass. According to the principle of rebound, concrete strength depends on the hardness of the concrete energy surface. Study aims to identify the main variables affecting the results of Schmidt rebound hammer reading and consequently the results of structural health monitoring of concrete structures using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The ANFIS process for variable selection was applied for this purpose. This procedure comprises some methods that determine a subsection of the entire set of detailed factors, which present analytical capability. ANFIS was applied to complete a flexible search. Afterward, this method was applied to conclude how the five main factors (namely, age, silica fume, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water) used in designing concrete mixture influence the Schmidt rebound hammer reading and consequently the structural health monitoring accuracy. Results show that water is considered the most significant parameter of the Schmidt rebound hammer reading. The details of this study are discussed thoroughly.

Graphene/ternary layered double hydroxide composites: Efficient removal of anionic dye from aqueous phase

Taye Saheed Kazeem,Mukarram Zubair,Muhammad Daud,Nuhu Dalhat Mu’azu,Mamdouh Ahmed Al-Harthi 한국화학공학회 2019 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.36 No.7

Ternary layered double hydroxide, MgCoAl (MCA) and its graphene-based composite (G/MCA) were fabricated via a simple co-precipitation technique. The composites along with their calcined products (MCA-C) and (G/ MCA-C) were used as adsorbents for the removal of an anionic dye, methyl orange (MO), from aqueous phase. The characterization results (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) revealed homogeneous dispersion of graphene onto the MCA. Calcination of G/MCA resulted in a rough and heterogeneous surface with significant improvement in oxygen functionalities and surface area, which plays a crucial role in improved dye adsorption performance. Adsorptive equilibrium was established at 240 min for MCA and G/MCA and 180min for MCA-C and G/MCA-C respectively at pH 3 and optimum dosage of 10mg. The Redlich-Peterson and Langmuir isotherm models closely describe the adsorption process with maximum adsorption capacities of 357.14, 384.62, 400.12 and 434.78mg/g for MCA, G/MCA, MCA-C, and G/MCA-C respectively. Kinetics modeling indicates the adequacy and fitness of the pseudo-second-order model. A thermodynamics evaluation substantiates the exothermic nature of the adsorption processes. The MO-graphene ternary LDH composite adsorption process is controlled by several mechanisms including hydrogen bonding, surface adsorption, chemical and electrostatic interactions with surface reconstruction. The high removal efficiency of the MO coupled with high recovery and reusability of these nanomaterials showcases their potential for deployment in wastewater treatment.

Coconut Oil Extract Mitigates Testicular Injury Following Adjuvant Treatment with Antiretroviral Drugs

Oluwatosin O Ogedengbe,Ayoola I Jegede,Ismail O Onanuga,Ugochukwu Offor,Edwin CS Naidu,Aniekan I Peter,Onyemaechi O Azu 한국독성학회 2016 Toxicological Research Vol.32 No.4

Increased access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has made the management of drug toxicities an increasingly crucial component of HIV. This study investigated the effects of adjuvant use of coconut oil and HAART on testicular morphology and seminal parameters in Sprague- Dawley rats. Twelve adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 153~169 g were distributed into four groups (A-D) and treated as follows: A served as control (distilled water); B (HAART cocktail- Zidovudine, Lamivudine and Nevirapine); C (HAART + Virgin coconut oil 10 mL/kg) and D (Virgin coconut oil 10 mL/kg). After 56 days of treatment, animals were killed and laparotomy to exercise the epididymis for seminal fluid analyses done whilst testicular tissues were processed for histo-morphometric studies. Result showed a significant decline in sperm motility (P < 0.05) and count (P < 0.0001) in HAART-treated animals while there was insignificant changes in other parameters in groups C and D except count that was reduced (P < 0.0001) when compared with controls. Histomorphological studies showed HAART caused disorders in seminiferous tubular architecture with significant (P < 0.01) decline in epithelial height closely mirrored by extensive reticulin framework and positive PAS cells. Adjuvant Virgin coconut oil + HAART resulted in significant decrease in seminiferous tubular diameter (P < 0.05), but other morphometric and histological parameters were similar to control or Virgin coconut oil alone (which showed normal histoarchitecture levels). While derangements in testicular and seminal fluid parameters occurred following HAART, adjuvant treatment with Virgin coconut oil restored the distortions emanating thereof.

Portland cement structure and its major oxides and fineness

A. Nosrati,Y. Zandi,M. Shariati,K. Khademi,M. Darvishnezhad Aliabad,A. Marto,M.A. Mu’azu,E. Ghanbari,M.B. Mahdizadeh,A. Shariati,M. Khorami 국제구조공학회 2018 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.22 No.4

Predicting the compressive strength of concrete has been considered as the initial phase across the cement production processing. The current study has focused on the integration of the concrete compressive strength in 28 days with the mix of the major oxides and fine aggregates as an experimental formula through the use of two types of Portland cement resulting the compressive strength of the concrete highly dependent on time.