Archives-December 

Earthquake damage in most bridges is the result of excessive seismic displacements and large force demands that have been substantially underestimated during design. The detailed study is carried out for continuous box superstructure & substructure for two lane spans 25 m-35 m-25 m, using IRC class A & 70R loadings. For analysis SAP2000 software is used. The results for 12 different cases have been studied and variation of each parameter is documented in a detailed manner. The impact of class of seismic zones corresponding to different soil conditions are studied. The impact of class of seismic zones corresponding to different soil conditions are compared in Spectral Acceleration coefficient Sa/g, Horizontal seismic coefficient Ah, Vertical seismic coefficient Av, Base shear Vb, Displacement at superstructure level. When comparing spectral acceleration, which depends on dynamic property of structure and supporting soil medium, it varies from 1.36 to 1.67 times, when the soil from hard to soft nature. As far as base shear, displacements are concerned, it increases from 1.6 times of hard soil to medium soil, whereas from medium to soft soil it increases to 1.5 times of medium soil.

The corrosion inhibition efficacy of alcoholic extract of stem, leaves and fruits of plant Tribulus Terrestris for mild steel in H2SO4 has been studied in relation to the concentration of inhibitor and temperature by mass loss method. Inhibition efficiency increases with inhibitor concentration but decreases with increase of temperature. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that the inhibition of corrosion is due to adsorption of the inhibitor on the metal surface. The negative free energy values shows spontaneity of the adsorption process with the assumption of Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

In a globalized world, leaders are no longer selected on the basis of gender, but based on the abilities and qualifications in managing an organization. So, the women chose to be the head of the organization. Unfortunately, they labelled as weak, emotional, rigid and do not have confidence in the management of affairs. The objective of this study was to identify the patterns of women's leadership in the organization of technical and vocational education and motivation and relationship management organization subordinate to the leadership style of women in Technical and Vocational Education organization.

Education is back bone in the development of a society and teacher has a pivotal role in the education system. Every society invests in the teacher education by developing the teachers’ potential in teaching methodologies and strategies to ensure maximum outcomes from the system. In Pakistan primary teacher’s education has been a pivotal consideration of different national and international institutions. These institutions have been continuously contributing to develop the teacher’s proficiency at elementary level. The present study was designed to see the impact of teachers’ training teaching learnt through different periods in service training programs on the performance of the primary school teachers. The sample of the study consisted 100 male primary teachers and 100 female teaches and 40 district teacher educators. The performance of the teachers and district teacher educators was judged by the questionnaire. The observation scheduled comprised eight teaching skills. The study concluded that in-service trained teachers utilized microteaching skills hence their performance was comparatively better. The impact on the students showed better performance. The study recommended to continue in-service training programs on teaching methodologies and strategies for elementary school teachers by establishing independent cell at district level.

The access to agricultural information in Sudan continues to be challenging to farmers due to use of inadequate sources and traditional extension approaches. The rapid growth of smart-mobile phones usage in developing countries resulted in several advantages compared to other alternatives in term of costs, geographic coverage and ease of use. This research was conducted in North Kordofan Sate to explore the role of smart-mobile phone in accessing agricultural information. Primary data were obtained by structured questionnaires and focus group discussion through participatory rural appraisal and observation while secondary data were collected from scientific journals, books and authenticated web sources. A number of 230 respondents (10% from total farmers) were interviewed and five focus group discussions were done. Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze the data with aid of descriptive statistics and Chi-squire Test. The result indicated that most of the respondents fall in age group between 21-40 years, and they depend on farm activity. There was 90% of farmers processed mobile phone since more than three years ago, 90.8%continuedto use smart mobile phone to access agricultural information and showed positive contribution towards income generation. The results also revealed that there was positive perception towards using mobile phones which showed more efficient in use than radio and TVs. The results showed great advantages of using smart mobile phone where 75.2 % of respondents preferred to get agricultural information, logistics and other needs through successful communication in the mid of agricultural season. Results of Chi-squire test showed significant differences between the parameters tested. The study recommended that farmers should be connected with mobile phones to admit ease communication with agricultural extension offices and quick access to their needs and logistics.

Encapsulating peritonitis (EP) is defined as diffuse peritoneal fibrosis which can progress to true sclerosis, sheathing the intestinal loops and forming the cocoon, its diagnosis is often intraoperatively during laparoscopies or laparotomies. It is a rare complication with an unfavorable prognosis. Its clinical presentation can range from an asymptomatic patient to an occlusion. It is often secondary to peritoneal dialysis, intraperitoneal chemotherapy or tuberculous peritoneal inflammation syndrome. Imaging makes it possible to approach the diagnosis, but surgical exploration provides diagnostic certainty and allows a therapeutic procedure, histological examination shows a deposit of fibrin. Medical treatment is often disappointing, and surgery which consists of enterolysis is indicated in complete bowel obstructions, repetitive subocclusions and urgent situations (perforations, necrosis, hemorrhages). In the absence of treatment, the outcome is fatal in the majority of cases. Despite current progress in the therapeutic management of encapsulating peritonitis, the prognosis remains relatively poor. We report this exceptional case of encapsulating peritonitis to educate the medical team about its rare occurrence, which will be of paramount importance, due to diagnostic difficulties and in order to improve the prognosis.

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute mucocutaneous disease which has been associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and drugs. This report presents a case of EM minor with a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A 19-year-old male, a military recruit, reported with a chief complaint of multiple, diffuse, painful oral ulcerations for more than 3 days. An intraoral examination showed multiple large ulcers on the bilateral lateral borders and ventral surface of the tongue, bilateral buccal mucosae, and gingivae. “Target” lesion was found on the skin surface of his body or extremities. The patient was treated with corticosteroids. A follow-up oral examination revealed that all oral ulcers had completely cleared up after the 7-day corticosteroid treatment. One year after treatment, the patient remained disease-free. We concluded that EM is a mucocutaneous disease that requires a prompt and precise diagnosis. Once the disease is confirmed by the clinical presentation, it usually dramatically responds to treatment with a medium or high dose of corticosteroids. Key words: erythema multiforme, target lesion, corticosteroids.

A comprehensive environmental assessment of the Arabian Gulf Coast in the State of Kuwait was carried out by assessing levels of heavy, toxic and rare mineral pollutants in coastal sediments, beach sand, shells and sea water collected from the coastline. By Using (Inductively coupled plasma - Mass spectrometry) ICP-MS technique, we analyzed (Al, Mn, Mg, Na, K, Ca, Zn, Ba, Sr, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Ni, Fe). The results of potential environmental risks indicated that the study area was heavily enriched with (Al, Mn, Mg, Na, K, Ca), moderately enriched with (Zn, Ba, Sr, Co), and low levels of (Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Ni, Fe). However, in general, these pollutant levels were not exceed the EPA and the Canadian ISQG values and still lower than some standardized reference values all over the world. Furthermore, the bioaccumulation index indicated that gastropod shells and pelecypod shells had greater ability to concentrate Fe, Na, K and Al, which may be attributable to the shape of them. Regarding the seawater samples, Na and K levels were higher than their average oceanic metal concentrations. Moreover, the average concentrations of heavy metals in the studied area, especially those of Pb, K, Fe, and Zn, were lower than the coasts of many countries all over the world. The moderate enrichment of some metals in the studied area could be partially attributed to anthropogenic activities, notably oil spills from oil tankers and exploration, transportation and from saline water desalination plants in Kuwait Coast, the nearby nuclear reactors overlooking the Arabian Gulf and other industrial activities in the region. Results were in accordance with recommended daily intake allowance by WHO/FAO. From this study, it was noticed that the concentrations of Heavy, Toxic and Trace Metals for Kuwaiti Environmental Marine Samples are lower than the worldwide average value. Results obtained are discussed and compared with the international recommended data.

This paper is aimed at evaluating the prospecting potential of the reservoir sands of D-field onshore Niger Delta located around 23km west of Uyo, Nigeria. The field covers an area of approximately 6.9km2, located around latitudes 6o 13’N and 6o 14’N and longitudes 7o18’E and 7o20’E. Well logs from eight wells were used – together with the seismic section, to evaluate these potentials from two reservoirs (D-A and D-B) in the field. D-A revealed average porosity and permeability of 0.22 and 7,390md respectively while D-B revealed average porosity and permeability of 0.21 and 3,714md respectively. D-A has 23MBO of oil while D-B has 80MBO. Both reservoirs will yield their oil at irreducible water saturation condition.

Nutritional value of space-controlled, fertilized and air-dried F1 Pennisetum purpureum as basal diet for lactating ruminants in the dry season was investigated. Established paddock of three blocks and four plots, each measuring 4m × 4m, with different spacing of 75cm and 100cm in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement; using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was cut back to 20cm above ground level, using a metric tape. Urea fertilizer and Poultry manure analyzed for nitrogen was applied at the rate of 200kgN/ha each; to individual plot in the Experimental Layout labelled T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The treatments were significantly different (p<0.05) across the layouts. Proximate composition, micro and macro minerals and microbial load varied among treatments. Crude protein (%) ranged from 12.90 (T1) to 13.31(T4), Ether extract(%); 1.93(T4) - 4.54(T2) and Ash(%); 10.62 (T4) - 12.54(T1). The macro mineral content were not significantly different (p>0.05) between TI and T2, likewise T3 and T4, respectively. Micro nutrients recorded significant (p<0.05) values ranges of Zinc (Zn) 56.84 Mg/g (T2) to 58.31Mg/g(T3), Manganese (Mn); 31.06 Mg/g (T1) to 34.14 Mg/g (T3), Iron (Fe) value was high in T4 with a record value of 124.18 Mg/g. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the value of Copper (Cu) for T1, T2 and T3. Total Bacteria, Total Fungal, Total Viral and Total coliform Counts were significantly different (p<0.05) among treatments. Space-controlled, fertilized and air-dried F1 pennisetum purpureum; based on findings from this study is adjudged nutritious and as such recommended as a basal diet for lactating ruminants during dry season.