Penetrating head trauma following gunshot in a nonneurosurgical trauma centre: a case report

With the dearth of trained neurosurgeons in sub-Saharan Africa and increasing civilian violence, penetrating head trauma occasionally present to other clinicians for management. The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu is a non-neurologic trauma centre having the south-east, south-south geopolitical zones, and parts of Benue and Kogi states as the catchments area. A retrospective report from the case note of a patient with infratentorial brain injury from a gunshot is presented. He was treated conservatively and had a satisfactory outcome. The follow up is for four years. Adequate resuscitation and monitoring is crucial in successfully managing head injuries

A Study on the Information Environment of National Youth Service Corps Members in Kwara State, Nigeria

The investigation focused on the information environment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Kwara State with emphasis on their information needs, sources, seeking behaviour and perceptions of libraries and the profession of Library and Information Science (LIS).It adopted survey research method with a self-constructed questionnaire as the tool for data collection, which was administered and retrieved from 170 respondents. Descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages were used in reporting the findings. It was found out that the information needs of the NYSC members are centred on job opportunities and vacancies, business and entrepreneurial opportunities as well as scholarship for postgraduate education; their information seeking behaviour and major source of information is the Internet; and they have positive perception of libraries and LIS profession in the society. Recommendations were made on measures to put in place to address the information needs of NYSC members in Kwara State, Nigeria. Keywords: Information Environment, Information Needs, NYSC Members, Kwara State, Nigeria

DEPRESSION AND STRESS AS CORRELATES OF SUICIDE THOUGHT AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF IMO STATE UNIVERSITY, OWERRI.

This study investigated Depression, self-esteem and stress as correlates of suicide thoughts among university students of Imo State University, Owerri. Using a descriptive survey design, the study adopted a purposive sampling technique to select 402 undergraduates (208 males and 194 females) from all the 12 faculties of Imo state University, Owerri. Beck Depression Inventory, Becks’ Suicide Ideation Inventory and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used as instruments for data collection. Data analysis was done using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at a .05 level of significance. The study revealed a significant correlation between the independent variables (Depression, self-esteem and stress) and the dependent variable (Suicide thought) in the following order, Depression R=(400) = 0.216, p<.05, Self-esteem R=(400) = 0.314, p<.05 and Stress R=(400) = 0.174, p<.05). Among the recommendation is the fact that Lots of awareness and knowledge about suicidal thoughts among undergraduates should be created to provide a guideline for possible prevention program or treatments for those students who are experiencing the ideas of suicidal. This study came to existence to raise awareness about suicidal ideations' risk factors and prevention so that university students in crisis may be recognized and helped

Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources and Contract Stability in Transnational Petroleum Investment Contracts

This paper makes a critical analysis of the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources and contract stability as applicable to transnational petroleum investment contracts. It considers the extent to which these concepts affect foreign direct investment in the petroleum industry. This work further demystifies the theory of contract stability as a panacea to the tense environment contrived by the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources. The doctrine of pacta sunt servanda as applicable to stabilization clauses is considered towards explicating how it procures stability in oil investment contracts. In this wise, other like devices like renegotiation, clausula rebus sic stantibus, etc are not left out, particularly as they introduce some element of flexibility and attenuate the hardships that might arise due to strict insistence on the application of principle of pacta sunt servanda to the dynamics of the petroleum industry. This work adopts the synthesis and analysis as well as the comparative methodology in reviewing the relevant materials consulted in the course of this work. It argues that parties to transnational petroleum contracts should pursue stability in such agreements through the employment of such devices that ensure flexibility within the context of a dynamic petroleum industry. Keywords: Permanent Sovereignty, Contract Stability, Petroleum Investment Contract, Stabilization Clauses DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/111-09 Publication date:July 31st 202

Load frequency control using classical controllers

This paper presents a solution to the problem of load frequency control of a two area power system using PI and PID controllers. In electric power systems, the load demand varies at different times of the day and these load variations lead to changes in frequency of the power system. In an interconnected power system, the tie-line power also varies in addition to the frequency variations. These changes in frequency and tie-line power causes instability in the power system network and make it unreliable. Load frequency control therefore ensures that these changes in the tie-line power and frequency of the control areas are minimized with acceptable level of overshoot and settling time. The method used involves the modeling of the two area interconnected power system using Matlab/Simulink software, the PI and PID controllers were then tuned using the Ziegler-Nichols tuning rule and used to simulate the two area power system when a load change of 0.2pu occurred in control area one. The simulation results showed that both the PI and PID controllers were able to restore the changes in tie line power and frequency of the control areas caused by the change in load to their steady state values of zero but the PID controller has better dynamic performances of overshoot, rise time and settling time than the PI controller

DEPRESSION AND STRESS AS CORRELATES OF SUICIDE THOUGHT AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF IMO STATE UNIVERSITY, OWERRI.

This study investigated Depression, self-esteem and stress as correlates of suicide thoughts among university students of Imo State University, Owerri. Using a descriptive survey design, the study adopted a purposive sampling technique to select 402 undergraduates (208 males and 194 females) from all the 12 faculties of Imo state University, Owerri. Beck Depression Inventory, Becks’ Suicide Ideation Inventory and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used as instruments for data collection. Data analysis was done using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at a .05 level of significance. The study revealed a significant correlation between the independent variables (Depression, self-esteem and stress) and the dependent variable (Suicide thought) in the following order, Depression R=(400) = 0.216, p<.05, Self-esteem R=(400) = 0.314, p<.05 and Stress R=(400) = 0.174, p<.05). Among the recommendation is the fact that Lots of awareness and knowledge about suicidal thoughts among undergraduates should be created to provide a guideline for possible prevention program or treatments for those students who are experiencing the ideas of suicidal. This study came to existence to raise awareness about suicidal ideations' risk factors and prevention so that university students in crisis may be recognized and helped

Influence of Exposure Environments on the Durability of Slag-Blended Cements

Both chlorides and sulphates combine in seawater to affect the durability of reinforced concrete structures located in marine environments. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on slag blended cement systems, cured for 7 days, before exposure to a combined solution of sodium chloride (30 g/L) and sodium sulphate (3 g/L). Two slags of different chemical compositions, designated as slags 1 and 2 were respectively blended with Portland cement CEM I 52.5R at 30 and 70 wt.% replacement levels. Mechanical tests on mortar samples were complemented by microstructural examination and chemical characterisation on paste samples, all using a constant w/b ratio of 0.5, to investigate the influence of exposure environment. The exposure environments include water and ponding in combined chloride-sulphate solution at 20 °C and 38 °C (to reflect temperate and tropical climates). The results show that temperature has a significant effect on the durability of slag blends. Reduced sorptivity at higher temperature led to reduced chloride penetration at early age. This effect is less so at later age. Compressive strength generally improved with increase in chloride penetration. SEM-EDX elemental analysis provided a good basis for following chloride penetration profile. XRD analysis showed the conversion of monosulphate to ettringite, Friedel’s salt and Kuzel’s salt upon exposure to salt solution, which possibly led to improved sorptivity and mechanical properties

Effects of Temperature and Curing Duration on the Stability of Slag Cements in Combined Chloride-Sulphate Environments

This experimental study investigates the effects of temperature and curing duration on the stability of slag blended cement systems exposed at 20 °C and 38 °C to combined sodium chloride (30 g/L) – sodium sulphate (3 g/L) solutions. Two slags, designated as slag 1 and 2, having CaO/SiO2 ratios of 1.05 and 0.94, were respectively blended with Portland cement CEM I 52.5R at 30 wt.% replacement level. Mortar prisms and cubes with w/b ratio of 0.5 and binder/aggregate ratio of 1:3 were then prepared for length and mass changes. The samples were cured in lime water for either 7 or 28 days before ponding for a total exposure period of 544 days. Analogous paste samples were also prepared to follow changes in the hydration products using x-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that curing at 38°C resulted in less expansion and prolonged curing generally reduced expansion except for slag 1 blend at 20 °C. Also, mass-change was minimal at 38 °C compared to 20 °C, and curing up to 28 days further improved mass stability. There was a positive correlation between mass change and length change for the period of investigation

Spitting on a Blood Document: An Analysis of Nigerian Journalists Perception and Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act

This work is on Nigerian journalists’ perception of the implementation of 2011 Freedom of Information Act in the South East Nigeria. The researchers adopted survey research method in which questionnaire and oral interview were used as the means of data collection. A sample size of 237 was drawn from a total population of 580 using Taro Yamane formula. The data generated through the administration of questionnaire were presented and analyzed using tables and simple percentages. The qualitative data generated through the oral interview were also presented .At the end ,the researchers discussed  the results gotten from the tables and oral interview in line with the research questions and it revealed  that, the Nigerian journalists do not have a detailed understanding of the content of the F0I Act. It also revealed that the Nigerian journalists do not see F0I Act as an important legal document that has the capacity to strengthen investigative journalism in Nigeria. This study also revealed that the Nigerian journalists do not see the Act as capable of granting them protection in their day to day activities. Finally, the study as well revealed that access to information in Nigeria has not increased as a result of the F0I Act. Based on this, it was  recommended among others things that sensitization workshops on F0I Act should be organized by the NUJ of different states from time to time to enable them (journalists) embrace the provisions of this Act for a proper implementation. This will go a long way for a better kick-off on the implementation of the Act

The Impact of Intervention on Sexual Practices of HIV Positive Individuals in Southeast Nigeria

Objective. To describe the impact of repeating behavioral educational intervention on sexual practices of HIV positive individuals. Method. A prospective cohort study of HIV positive individual was conducted in southeast Nigeria from June 2007 to May 2008. Information on sexual practices was collected at initial visit; education was given and its impact was evaluated afterwards. Results. Knowledge about risk of unprotected intercourse increased by 41%, condom use by 27% (P < .001) and consistent condom use by 55% (P < .001). The significant predictors of consistent condom use include male gender, multiple sexual partner, as well as good knowledge of HIV transmission, higher educational status and being married. Non use of condom at postintervention survey were characterized by female gender (n = 4), monogamous relationship (n = 10), little or no education (n = 10), and unmarried (n = 7) respondents. Conclusion. Repeated behavioral education intervention improves consistent condom use among HIV positive individuals and will help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS