Metal Drums Research Articles

Spatial distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in relation to geo-ecological features in South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

The study was undertaken in South Andaman district, comprising three tehsils, viz. Port Blair, Ferrargunj and Little Andaman Tehsils, respectively. Intensive pupal infestation surveys were carried out along the National Highway (NH 223), the main passenger and trade route, referred to as Great Andaman Trunk Road. Sampling locations at every 3 km were geo-referenced with global positioning system unit. A total of 17314 water collections were examined from 29 locations across the South Andaman district, among which 1021 (5.9%) were colonized by immature stages of Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti and other mosquito species. Ae. aegypti were found in 12 locations, showing higher infestation in the densely built Aberdeen Bazaar. Breeding populations of Ae. albopictus were observed in 27 sampling locations. Both the species were not recorded in two Northern localities. In the areas where both the species are present, they were often found in the same developmental sites, suggesting convergent habitat selection. The most frequently encountered man-made, artificial and natural developmental sites were fixed cement tanks, plastic drums, plastic cans, metal drums, metal pots, discarded tires, coconut shells, leaf axils and tree holes. Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were observed in varying proportions in Port Blair and Ferrargunj Tehsils, while the former species appeared to be absent in Little Andaman. This study elucidates the spatial distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus with preponderance of the latter species, pointing towards arboviral transmission and assumes public health importance in South Andaman district, endemic for dengue.

Infrared thermography as a complementary tool for the evaluation of heat transfer in the freezing of fruit juice model solutions

The heat transfer process during the freezing of 600 kg of fruit juice model solutions in common containers (boxes, buckets and metallic drums), and different settings in a freezing tunnel, was studied. The air velocity was measured at several points in the entire tunnel. Thermocouples were installed to monitor the temperature profiles within the solution, at the packaging surface and cooling air. To measure the experimental effective heat transfer coefficients conventional temperature measurements with thermocouples and infrared thermography technology were used to map the distribution of the coefficients throughout the surface. Energy consumption involved in each configuration was evaluated. The higher velocities occurred at greater height (above the stacking and drums), being possible to verify the existence of preferential airflow pathways near the door and at the tunnel bottom. The highest air velocities observed were 2.85 m s−1; 2.72 m s−1, and 2.62 m s−1 for drums, boxes and buckets, respectively. The movement of the freezing front has begun from the outermost containers toward those located in the center of the stacks and the average freezing time was 51 h (plastic boxes), 55 h (plastic buckets) and 102 h for metal drums. The energy consumption for drums has been almost the double when comparing with buckets and boxes. The distribution of the local convective heat coefficients throughout the freezing process was not constant. Variations and different intensities of scatter were observed for the different packaging configurations and for the different periods during the freezing process (precooling, phase change and tempering). Thermal imaging technology proved useful in the study of heat transfer coefficients, allowing their complete mapping on the surface of the packaging, without the necessity of direct contact with the product.

Novel Coiled-Tubing Perforation Technique and Stimulation in Carbonate Gas Well

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 18880, “Novel Abrasive Perforating With Acid-Soluble Material and Subsequent Coiled-Tubing Jetting-Assisted Stimulation Provide Outstanding Results in Carbonate Gas Well,” by Adrian Buenrostro, Nahr Abulhamayel, Usman Malik, Mohammad Bu Suwaileh, and Saad Driweesh, Saudi Aramco, and Alejandro Chacon, José Camilo Jimenez Fadul, and José Noguera, Halliburton, prepared for the 2016 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 14–16 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2016 International Petroleum Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission. Abrasive perforating with coiled tubing (CT) is a technique that has proved to be a valuable alternative to conventional perforating with electric line. The application is particularly valuable whenever a high rate or fracture-stimulation treatment is to follow because of the significant reduction in tortuosity and pumping friction losses across perforations. This paper discusses a novel approach to abrasive perforating, including the first-ever use of an acid-soluble abrasive material and ending with CT-jetting-assisted nitrified stimulation. Introduction Many carbonate gas wells located in the northern section of the Ghawar reservoir exhibit a low-permeability profile and are characterized by having low reservoir pressure. Fracture gradients in a formation in this area of the field are on the order of 1.12 psi/ft, which is considerably greater than that of more-conventional tight gas formations. One particular well, located on the flank of the reservoir, was designed to be completed with a plug-and-perforate acid-fracturing operation, but issues arose with this option that finally caused the abandonment of the fracturing treatment. To find a solution that would be feasible and economically viable, an innovative perforation and stimulation technique was engineered for this well. Design of the Perforation Technique and Yard Testing The team was able to source a newly developed acid-soluble abrasive material that enabled the same quality of perforations to be created without performing a cleanout run because the acid from the stimulation would dissolve the abrasive material, saving at least 2 days of operation. The abrasive material was sourced, and several yard tests were completed to determine if the material had the same abrasive characteristics as common 20/40- or 100-mesh sand. It was necessary to compare the time required to penetrate the steel and cement with the results obtained using common sand. This benchmarking was key to determining if additional time and fluid resources were necessary to obtain the same penetration. A yard test was set up with two metallic 55-gal drums cut halfway lengthwise and then welded together. This created a receptacle that allowed the team to place a 6⅝-in. casing section with 100% standoff and then fill the entire annular space with cement. The drum was then set on top of cement blocks, and the abrasive-jetting tool was introduced.

Mechanical dissipation in MoRe superconducting metal drums

We experimentally investigate dissipation in mechanical resonators made of a disordered superconducting thin film of a Molybdenum-Rhenium(MoRe) alloy. Electrostatically driving the drum with a resonant AC voltage, we detect its motion using a superconducting microwave cavity. From the temperature dependence of mechanical resonance frequencies and quality factors, we find evidence for non-resonant, mechanically active two-level systems (TLSs) limiting its quality factor at low temperature. In addition, we observe a strong suppression of mechanical dissipation at large mechanical driving amplitudes, suggesting an unconventional saturation of the non-resonant TLSs. These observations shed light on the mechanism of mechanical damping in superconducting drums and routes towards understanding dissipation in such devices.

Depth Estimates of Buried Utility Systems Using the GPR Method: Studies at the IAG/USP Geophysics Test Site

Identifying underground utilities and predicting their depth are fundamental when it comes to civil engineering excavations, for example, to install or repair water, sewer, gas, electric systems and others. The accidental rupture of these systems can lead to unplanned repair costs, delays in completing the service, and risk injury or death of workers. One way to detect underground utilities is using the GPR-Ground Penetrating Radar geophysical method. To estimate depth, the travel time (two-way travel time) information provided by a radargram is used in conjunction with ground wave velocity, which depends on the dielectric constant of materials, where it is usually assumed to be constant for the area under investigation. This procedure provides satisfactory results in most cases. However, wrong depth estimates can result in damage to public utilities, rupturing pipes, cutting lines and so on. These cases occur mainly in areas that have a marked variation of water content and/or soil lithology, thus greater care is required to determine the depth of the targets. The present work demonstrates how the interval velocity of Dix (1955) can be applied in radargram to estimate the depth of underground utilities compared to the conventional technique of constant velocity applied to the same data set. To accomplish this, synthetic and real GPR data were used to verify the applicability of the interval velocity technique and to determine the accuracy of the depth estimates obtained. The studies were carried out at the IAG/USP test site, a controlled environment, where metallic drums are buried in known positions and depths allowing the comparison of real to estimated depths. Numerical studies were also carried out aiming to simulate the real environment with variation of dielectric constant in depth and to validate the results with real data. The results showed that the depths of the targets were estimated more accurately by means of the interval velocity technique in contrast to the constant velocity technique, minimizing the risks of accidents during excavation.

Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds Evaluation of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Freis) Quell Fruit bodies Grown on Different Wood Logs in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the nutritional and bioactive compounds composition of Pleurotus pulmonarius fruit bodies cultivated on tree logs of Dacryodes edulis, Mangifera indica and Treculia africana. Pure mycelium culture of P. pulmonarius was aseptically bulked in sorghum grains. Logs were cut into average length of 18 cm with inoculation holes of 3 cm × 15 mm diameter; using High Speed Drill (HSD) of 5 drill bit and allowed to decompose for 8months. During mushroom cultivation, logs were soaked in tap water for 24 hrs and pasteurized at 80°C in an improvised metallic drum (IMD) for 1hour; using cooking gas as heat source and allowed to cool overnight. 10 g of grain based spawn was inserted into 2/3 of each hole by way of inoculation and sealed with sterile polybag for mycelium incubation. Polybags were cut open after spawn run following primordial initiation. Fruit bodies were harvested at maturity, sun-dried ground and packed in airtight container prior to further analysis. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and mean separation by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) while levels of significance were determined at 5%. Results indicate that P. pulmonarius fruit bodies harvested from various tree logs were significantly different p<0.05 in their nutritional and bioactive compounds composition. Fruit body samples were rich in protein, carbohydrates, Na, K, and Ca. It was also observed that fruit bodies contained significant amount of Alkaloids, Tannins and Saponins; and could be useful in drug synthesis. Therefore, adopting this technique in oyster mushroom cultivation would lead to more jobs creation and food security; but this must be done with careful regulations to avoid indiscriminate felling of trees.

Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds: Evaluation of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fries) Quel. Fruit Bodies Grown on Different Wood Logs in Abia State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional and bioactive compounds composition of Pleurotus pulmonarius fruit bodies cultivated on tree logs of Dacryodes edulis, Mangifera indica and Treculia africana. Pure mycelium culture of P. pulmonarius was aseptically bulked in sorghum grains. Logs were cut into average length of 18 cm with inoculation holes of 3 cm × 15 mm diameter; using high speed drill (HSD) of 5 drill bit and allowed to decompose for 8 months. During mushroom cultivation, logs were soaked in tap water for 24 hrs and pasteurized at 80°C in an improvised metallic drum (IMD) for 1 hour; using cooking gas as heat source and allowed to cool overnight. 10 g of grain based spawn was inserted into 2/3 of each hole by way of inoculation and sealed with sterile polybag for mycelium incubation. Polybags were cut open after spawn run following primordial initiation. Fruit bodies were harvested at maturity, sundried ground and packed in airtight container prior to further analysis. Data was analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and mean separation by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) while levels of significance were determined at 5%. Results indicate that P. pulmonarius fruit bodies harvested from various tree logs were significantly different p<0.05 in their nutritional and bioactive compounds composition. Fruit body samples were rich in protein, carbohydrates, Na, K, and Ca. It was also observed that fruit bodies contained significant amount of Alkaloids, Tannins and Saponins; and could be useful in drug synthesis. Therefore adopting this technique in oyster mushroom cultivation would lead to more jobs creation and food security; but this must be done with careful regulations to avoid indiscriminate falling of trees.

The effect of α-irradiation from enriched uranium on the leaching properties of PTFE

Abstract In the uranium enrichment plants of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Ltd (Necsa), sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filters were used to remove gas entrained solid particles, in order to prevent blocking of the isotope separating elements. When these plants were decommissioned and dismantled, the filters which mostly contained solid uranium fluoride and uranium oxyfluoride compounds and compressor ring dust, were broken into pieces, put into metal drums, and stored. This waste contains enriched uranium and can't be disposed of at the current disposal site (Vaalputs), which only accepts low and intermediate level waste. Initial attempts, directly after removal from the enrichment plants, to decontaminate these filters using various aqueous solutions, were unsuccessful probably because of the known non-wettability of PTFE surfaces. However, recent attempts to leach the absorbed enriched uranium were successful. This resulted in a study to determine the effect of mainly α-irradiation from the enriched uranium on the morphology of PTFE. A Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code (MCNP), a general purpose radiation transport code modelling the interaction of radiation with materials that simulate nuclear processes, was used to determine the rate of PTFE radiolysis. The results confirmed that the dose rate received from mainly the α-particles (97%) during the storage period had caused significant structural damage to the PTFE depending on the enrichment grade and the amount of uranium on the filters. To confirm the modelling data, analytical techniques, including micro X-ray tomography, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction were used to study the morphology changes in the PTFE structure of the research samples. Experimental results indicated that the crystallinity increased while the molecular weight of the PTFE decreased. This could be attributed to the radiation induced degradation of the PTFE by the absorbed enriched uranium.

Modified UTD-based UHF RFID tag antenna with two-pronged fork slot for coated metallic cylindrical surface

This research has proposed a modified uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD) for radiation to investigate the radiation pattern on the coated metallic curved surface. The modified UTD, which accounts for the existence of the impedance surface (coating), is applied to the development of a compact UHF RFID passive tag antenna with a two-pronged fork slot to be mounted on the coated metallic cylindrical drum. In the calculation, the UHF RFID tag was initially represented by electric tangential (Ez-source) and equivalent magnetic tangential to the surface (Mz-source). The results indicated that the Mz-source could achieve a greater communication area, and thus the design of the tag antenna is of equivalent magnetic source. Simulations were then carried out to determine the optimal antenna parameters, and an antenna prototype was fabricated and tested. The simulation and measured results are in agreement. The research findings validate the effectiveness of the modified UTD-based UHF RFID tag for application on the coated metallic curved surface.

Thermal, mechanical and fluid flow aspects of the high power beam dump for FRIB

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) under construction at Michigan State University is based on a 400kW heavy ion accelerator and uses in-flight production and separation to generate rare isotope beams. The first section of the fragment separator houses the rare isotope production target, and the primary beam dump to stop the unreacted primary beam. The experimental program will use 400kW ion beams from 16O to 238U. After interaction with the production target, over 300kW in remaining beam power must be absorbed by the beam dump. A rotating water-cooled thin-shell metal drum was chosen as the basic concept for the beam dump. Extensive thermal, mechanical and fluid flow analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of the high power density in the beam dump shell and in the water. Many properties were optimized simultaneously, such as shell temperature, mechanical strength, fatigue strength, and radiation resistance. Results of the analyses of the beam dump performance with different design options will be discussed. For example, it was found that a design modification to the initial water flow pattern resulted in a substantial increase in the wall heat transfer coefficient. A detailed evaluation of materials for the shell is in progress. The widely used titanium alloy, Ti–6Al–4V (wt%), is presently considered as the best candidate, and is the subject of specific tests, such as studies of performance under heavy ion irradiation.

Used-Oil Generation and Its Disposal along East-West Road, Port Harcourt Nigeria

Environmental Pollution from anthropogenic activities has contributed greatly towards the loss of biodiversity, and some organisms are at the verge of extinction and total extermination. Used oil as one of the wastes from automobile engines have contribute immensely towards the degradation of the environment and the problem of this has been traced to the poor handling of used oil and the ignorance of the major disposers of this used-oil. Out of 20 automobile mechanics interviewed in this study, 60% admitted that they dispose of used-oil on the land, 30% said that they sell it and only 10% acknowledge that they reuse it. On the issue of awareness about recycling, 50% admitted that they are aware, 30% claimed ignorance while 20% do not see the need for recycling. While considering storage method, 55% said that they do not store used oil, 25% store it in a metal drum, and 20% store in plastic drum. The mechanics estimated that about 418 cars are serviced weekly and a total of 1628.50 litres of used-oil are produced. For this result it is worth knowing that indiscriminate disposal of used oil as is commonly observed in our society can be of great environmental concern.

HPGe and Scintillation Detectors Comparisons on Waste Drums Radioactivity Measurement

Two measurement systems, one being comprised of three HPGe detectors and the other being a 4π measurement system of the assembly of 10 sets of scintillation detectors, were compared for their measurement performance in operations of radioactive waste drum radioactivity measurement and clearance and release operation of decommissioning. The system features of the former were high costs, capable of identifying radionuclides, a measurement time of about 1000 sec. The system features of the latter were high sensibility, capable of identifying hotspots, a measurement time of about 100 sec. Various comparisons were made for the differences of the two systems on reference drums, whole-drum homogeneous and non-homogeneous metal drums and non-metal drums, whole-drums of different filling rates. The aim was to compare the differences of the two measurement systems in measuring radioactivity of critical radionuclides of 137Cs, 54Mn and 60Co.

Container Preference of the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Kathmandu and Lalitpur Districts of Nepal

In various countries the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a known vector of dengue and chikungunya viruses and other pathogens, but its ecology and role in disease transmission in Nepal has not been studied yet. Here, we report on an investigation of the seasonal distribution of potential artificial breeding habitats of A. albopictus in urban areas of the Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts of Nepal. Larval collections were performed from April 2009 to March 2010 simultaneously in all the wet containers present in and around the houses of the study areas. Altogether 1873 water containers in Kathmandu district and 1807 in Lalitpur district were searched in 12 months, out of which 107 (5.7%) and 129 (7.1%), respectively, were found positive for A. albopictus breeding. Within the urban agglomeration of both districts, the breeding was found to vary between localities. Immature stages of A. albopictus were recorded in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons as 1.9%, 6.7% and 5.6%, respectively, in wet containers in Kathmandu district. In Lalitpur district, A. albopictus larvae were detected in 4.6%, 7.6% and 7.1% of the wet containers in the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon, respectively. The breeding preference ratio during all seasons was highest for discarded tires lying outdoors in both Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts. Among nine container types searched and examined, 95% of discarded tires were found positive for A. albopictus larvae and pupae, followed by metal drums (2%) and plastic drums (1.25%). Continued and increased urbanization and vehicle movement in Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts have resulted in increased amounts of non-biodegradable containers such as tires around human dwellings, thereby creating ideal breeding habitats for A. albopictus.J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 26, 2012: 181-193

Seed Security: Exploring the Potential for Smallholder Production of Certified Seed Crop at Household Level

Most smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa face food and nutrition security challenges arising from small land size, unavailability of, and poor access to quality seed, inter alia. A survey was conducted in the Zaka district of Masvingo province in Zimbabwe, to investigate the factors that limit smallholder farmers’ ability to produce, store or sell certified seed. The factors considered were the availability of certified seed, the appropriateness of storage facilities for seed storage at household level and stored seed pest management. A standard structured questionnaire was administered, between January and May 2013 to 301 farming households. The results showed that the majority of the farmers (66 %) could not procure locally all the seed they required. The only crop which farmers were assured of local availability as certified seed was maize. Farmers reported that the main reasons for the lack of seed for the other crops were: shortage of foundation seed (39.5 %), lack of knowledge on seed production (34.8 %), seed storage problems (16.2 %) and small land size (8.6 %). The majority of the farmers had their stored seed affected by pests with insects accounting for 82.7 % of the damage and loss. The storage facilities used by farmers were not appropriate for effective pest control. Farmers used bedrooms (57 %), granaries (19 %), metal drums (11.5 %), kitchens (10.4 %) and other places (2.5%) to store seed. Some of the facilities such as bedrooms create pest management challenges. The significant correlation between some seed storage factors indicate these factors should be monitored concurrently when dealing with smallholder farmers as they affect each other. Any seed intervention aimed at increasing availability of quality seed to farmers needs a holistic lens which considers the whole seed value chain from production, storage, pest management up to marketing, for it to have any meaningful impact. Not all other crop seeds were available, with sugar bean seed having the highest shortage. There is potential for business development if the seed crops in short supply are produced locally, especially after further verification of effective demand. Research institutions should explore mechanisms of increasing the uptake of their newer varieties by smallholder farmers through increased early interactions with the farmers. Smallholder farmers can be contracted by seed-houses to produce certified seed or to establish community seed enterprises that supply certified seed in their local communities. This would require adequate capacity building and availing desired foundation seed.

Feasibility and Performance Evaluation of Different Low-Tech Composter Prototypes

Decentralized composting has become a powerful option for municipal organic waste management. This technology, not only is an effective tool to treat organic waste, producing compost as a valuable by-product, but also represents an innovative way to involve waste generators in treatment operations. Decentralized composting contributes to reducing waste transportation, treatment costs and landfilling volumes thus resulting in a positive impact on municipal waste management programs. In this work, three lowtech composter prototypes were designed and built using discarded metallic oil drums and recycled plastic materials. The composting experience was carried out at an oilfield, using food waste from a catering service for 65 people. Temperature was used as the main indicator of the composting process, and final product quality was characterized through the following variables: total nitrogen, total phosphorous, extractable phosphorous, pH, organic matter and electrical conductivity. Results confirm the effectiveness of this composting technology for organic waste treatment: thermophilic temperatures were reached in all prototypes, and final products obtained from all composters showed high nutrient and organic matter contents, but also high pH and electrical conductivity values, which frequently appear in decentralized composting product; however, obtained values are still adequate for agronomic applications. Nevertheless, some significant differences were found for these variables among the prototypes, possibly related to design characteristics. Finally, composters construction could be optimised by recycling other waste, as shown in this experience (metallic drums, high density polyethylene and accessories), in order to improve the strategies for decentralised composting. KeywordsDecentralised Composting; Composter; Organic Waste; Oilfield Solid Waste

Seed availability, landscape suitability and the regeneration of perennial grasses in moderately degraded rangelands in semiarid Australia

Two experimental sites were selected in the semiarid rangelands of north-west New South Wales, Australia. The sites had contrasting soil types and vegetation communities, but were similar in the existence of topographically high areas occupied by populations of perennial grasses. Adjacent slopes had very low numbers of perennial grass plants, indicating a moderate level of degradation. Shrubs, including Eremophila sturtii R.Br. (turpentine), were present but had not thickened to cause severe degradation. The topographically high areas were fenced as seed production areas. Replicates of a control and two cultural treatments: (1) piles of fine branches of turpentine placed along the topographic contour and (2) pits dug by a revolving metal drum, were established on the adjacent slopes. Maximum regeneration of perennial grasses took place, during favourable seasonal weather conditions, under the piles of branches on the site characterised by long gentle slopes of relatively impervious hard-setting red earths. Seed availability was not a limiting factor and a significant amount of seed was apparently sourced from the seed production areas. The piles of branches were very effective in promoting germination and survival of the perennial grasses, Monachather paradoxus Steud. and Aristida jerichoensis (Domin) Henrad, and species with large seed-retaining inflorescences, but not Thyridolepis mitchelliana (Nees) S.T. Blake. The piles of branches increased capture of seed, developed an improved seedbed and established a more mesic micro-environment and were, therefore, effective in enhancing natural landscape processes. At the site characterised by a medium-textured lithosol, even during favourable seasonal weather conditions, numbers of new plants were much lower. Pits were obliterated during the first heavy rains and the piles of branches had a negative impact on the survival of the second cohort of T. mitchelliana. At both sites, levels of germination and survival needed for regeneration of perennial grasses only occurred where a treatment effective in enhancing natural landscape processes had been established prior to favourable seasonal conditions. Pits were not effective in doing this at either site, nor for any of the perennial grass species.

Evaluation of Carbonization of the Hedgehog of Brazil Nut in Oven Type Metal Drums

This work aimed to evaluate the production of charcoal from the hedgehog of the Brazil nut using metal drums as a reactor, considering the adaptive feature for mobility, typical of this exploitation. The average time of carbonization was relatively short, 4:45 hours, which generated a yield of charcoal of 19.11%. The content of material with incomplete carbonization was of 35.77%. His basic density was 0.631g.cm -3 , since the bulk density was 0.231 g.cm-3. The average moisture content of the charcoal produced was 4.71%. Volatile materials, amounted to 20.79% of the total mass. The ash content was 0.87% and the fixed carbon was 78.33%. The calorific value was 7252.98 kCal.kg -1 . Thus, it can be conclude that the method of the drum is adapted to charcoal producing from the hedgehog of the Brazil nut, however, improvements in thermal insulation of the reactor can be proposed for future work; gravimetric yield in charcoal was low when its performance is compared to other methods of carbonization, probably by the lack of thermal insulation; carbonization time in the reactor was considerably lower than those obtained for the carbonization in muffle for similar products.

Adoption of cowpea hermetic storage by women in Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso

In this study, 2741 randomly selected rural women were interviewed about their cowpea storage practices in 101 villages in Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria in late 2010 and early 2011. The overall objective was to determine their cowpea storage practices and identify the most important factors in choosing Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) triple bag storage. About two thirds of women said they used some type of hermetic storage. The hermetic containers included metal drums, plastic jugs, double bags and triple bags. The weighted percentage of women using PICS triple layer bags is 46%. Quantity of cowpea stored by technology showed similar patterns. Overall the percentage of cowpea in hermetic storage was 64%. The study estimated that women stored 50% of their cowpea in PICS bags. The percentage of cowpea in hermetic storage overall and in PICS bags specifically is higher for women than for men in a parallel 2012 ten-country study of mostly male household heads. In PICS villages, the women cite PICS technicians as the most important source of information. In Non-PICS villages, radio was the most important. Most women say that higher income is the major benefit of PICS. The 2009–2010 three country weighted average of the net cash flow from cowpea storage in PICS bags is $10.81/100 kg bag and $39.27 per respondent. Overall, the women indicated that local unavailability was the primary constraint to use of PICS bags. The LOGIT regression analysis shows that the most important factor influencing use of PICS technology is living in a village where PICS demonstrations occurred. The regression shows that radio and the PICS technicians have key roles as information sources. Being able to attend mixed gender meetings was statistically significant only in Burkina Faso where PICS did not organize many women-only PICS activities.

Effect Of Processed Cassava Peel Meal On The Haematology Of Pullets

Haematological characteristics was studied in 108 Dominant black pullets fed diets with varying levels of cassava peel meal (CPM). The birds were assigned into three experimental groups; A, B & C comprising 36 pullets each. The first group, Group A was given the control diets containing 0% CPM, while Groups C and B diets contained 10% and 20% CPM respectively. The packed cell volume (PCV) values in diet C at the 37 th week was significantly higher (P 0.05) difference among the various treatments. I. Introduction The recent global escalation of food crises call for sober reflection, owing to the fact that the world is facing a worsening food crises period unseen in the last 30years and that has a potential of leading to a catastrophe. Nigeria's population growth rate of over 3% per annum far outstrips the less than 2% annual growth in food production. Whereas her population increased at an annual rate of between 3% and 3.32%, total food production rose by no more than an average of 1.5% per annum between 1983 and 1990 (World Bank, 1988; 1995), and 1.03% per annum between 1990 and 2000 (CBN, 2002). The strong correlation that has been established between Nigeria's total GDP and the agriculture GDP suggests that the prospects of the non-oil sub- sector and the overall economy are closely tied to the performance of the agricultural sector (Eboh, 2005). One of the alternatives to partial replacement of maize in animal diets is processed cassava peel meal (Abu and Onifade, 1996; Ikurior and Onu, 1996; Eruvbetine et al., 1996; Salami 1999 and 2000). Aside from the lower values of crude protein and energy of the peel relative to those of maize, the greatest limitation to the use of cassava peels as a substitute for maize is that of it's hydrocyanic acid (HCN) content which is harmful to the monogastrics. Several processing methods have been applied to fresh cassava peels to reduce the cyanide content. The levels of various substances in the blood can provide clues to the animals condition. The best indicator of animals well being and it's potential for production is it's health status. Haematological profiles are important indicators of health and disease in animals and have become indispensable in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of many diseases. II. Materials and Methods This experiment was carried out in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Dominant black pullet chicks for this research were purchased from Global Millennium Chicks Hatchery in Ibadan, Nigeria. One hundred and eighty pullets were used in this research. The pullets were housed in an open-sided poultry house, which was partitioned into homogenous pens. The experimental diets consisted of a control diet without cassava peel meal; T1(0%) and others containing cassava peel meal at graded levels; T2 (10%) and T3 (20%) respectively. After soaking the cassava peels inside a closed metal drum for 5 days, the peels were removed from the sticky water and drained with a basket and subsequently sun-dried for 3 - 5 days. Haematological parameters determined included the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, total white bl.ood cell counts (total leucocytes count). Blood was collected from the jugular vein of the pullets into clean dry glass tubes containing a pinch of the anticolgulant, ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA) and taken to the laboratory for haematological analysis. The PCV, Hb concentration and total leucocytes count were evaluated on the 12 th , 24 th and 37 th weeks of the study. Four samples were collected from each group (treatment). The PCV was determined by the microhaematocril method (Coles, 1986), the Hb concentration was determined by the cyanomethaemoglobin method (Kachmar, 1970), while the total white blood cell count was determined using the method of Schalm, et al. (1975). III. Results and Discussion

Automated measurement of spectral sensitivity of motion vision during optokinetic behavior

Optokinetic behavior is a commonly used paradigm to conveniently determine sensitivities of motion vision in animals. The optokinetic reflex (OKR) compensates global image motion on the retina by head and eye movements. It can reliably be elicited without training the test animal. In most OKR behavior experiments the animal is stimulated either with a rotating drum containing a pattern of vertical stripes or with computer monitors displaying a moving stripe pattern. In many of these studies, sensitivity thresholds are measured based on the subjective judgment of the experimenter. In this paper, we describe an alternative method to induce and measure OKR behavior. Our setup consists of a metal drum into which a slide is projected via a 360° panoramic mirror, using a spectrally filtered LED as light source. The slide is mounted on a motor-driven turntable whose rotation leads to a horizontal movement of the stimulus on the drum’s wall, accordingly. By this means a spatial, temporal, and spectral well-defined and flexible panoramic stimulation is achieved. The animal’s head movements are video recorded under infrared illumination and tracked online. We introduce an objective criterion to automatically determine sensitivity thresholds based on the correlation of the animal’s head angle with the stimulus position. We exemplarily used this setup for an experiment that could not be performed with the state-of-the-art setup consisting of four monitors—the measurement of spectral sensitivity thresholds of the OKR behavior in turtles.