Nanostructured Clay (NC) and the Stabilization of Lateritic Soil for Construction Purposes

The use of Nanostructured Clay additive in lateritic soil stabilization and their effect at different percentages on the natural soil was investigated. The preliminary tests on the soil showed it was an A-2-7 soil, according to AASHTO classification. The soil sample was also observed to be silty clayey sand and the general rating as a sub-grade material was ‘GOOD’. The consistency limits result shows that the value of the LL for the natural soil is 47% and 25.15% was recorded for the plastic limit (PL) and finally the PI was 21.85% i.e. highly plastic soil. Further, the effect of the addition of NC in the proportions of 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 15% by weight of the stabilized Umuntu Olokoro lateritic soil was investigated. The consistency limits results showed that the addition of variable proportions of NC considerably improved the plasticity of the stabilized soil which gave 13.8%; a medium plastic material at 15% NC addition, compared to the preliminary result of 0% by weight additive which gave 21.85%; a highly plastic material. The strength properties’ test showed significant improvements with the addition of NC; CBR test result recorded 29% at 15% by weight proportion of NC which satisfies the material condition for use as sub-base material and the UCS test results similarly improved consistently and recorded a maximum UCS of 340.18kN/m2 at 15% by weight proportion of NC addition which satisfies “very stiff” material consistency for use as sub-base material. With the foregoing, the addition of various proportions of NC to the stabilized lateritic soil has presented to be a Geotechnical solution to the varied environmental failures on the road pavements. Hence NC satisfies all the material conditions for use as a sub-base material for the stabilization and improvement of the strength characteristics of lateritic soils. Finally, we call on the relevant agencies to use NC as an additive in stabilizing weak lateritic soils for use as either sub-grade or sub-base materials to save both cost and the structural failures on the roads in south eastern Nigeria. Keywords: Environmental Geotechnics; Pavement Geotechnics; Soil Stabilization; Weak Lateritic Soil; South Eastern Nigeria

Hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability, 1990–2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Hearing loss affects access to spoken language, which can affect cognition and development, and can negatively affect social wellbeing. We present updated estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study on the prevalence of hearing loss in 2019, as well as the condition's associated disability. Methods We did systematic reviews of population-representative surveys on hearing loss prevalence from 1990 to 2019. We fitted nested meta-regression models for severity-specific prevalence, accounting for hearing aid coverage, cause, and the presence of tinnitus. We also forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss until 2050. Findings An estimated 1·57 billion (95% uncertainty interval 1·51–1·64) people globally had hearing loss in 2019, accounting for one in five people (20·3% [19·5–21·1]). Of these, 403·3 million (357·3–449·5) people had hearing loss that was moderate or higher in severity after adjusting for hearing aid use, and 430·4 million (381·7–479·6) without adjustment. The largest number of people with moderate-to-complete hearing loss resided in the Western Pacific region (127·1 million people [112·3–142·6]). Of all people with a hearing impairment, 62·1% (60·2–63·9) were older than 50 years. The Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index explained 65·8% of the variation in national age-standardised rates of years lived with disability, because countries with a low HAQ Index had higher rates of years lived with disability. By 2050, a projected 2·45 billion (2·35–2·56) people will have hearing loss, a 56·1% (47·3–65·2) increase from 2019, despite stable age-standardised prevalence. Interpretation As populations age, the number of people with hearing loss will increase. Interventions such as childhood screening, hearing aids, effective management of otitis media and meningitis, and cochlear implants have the potential to ameliorate this burden. Because the burden of moderate-to-complete hearing loss is concentrated in countries with low health-care quality and access, stronger health-care provision mechanisms are needed to reduce the burden of unaddressed hearing loss in these settings

Trade Liberalization, Exchange Rate Changes, and the Competitiveness of Carbohydrate Staple Markets in Nigeria

T his study examined the effects of trade liberalization and exchange rate changes on carbohydrate staples in Nigeria. Secondary data published from 1974 to 2006 on cassava exports and rice imports as well as non-tradable carbohydrate staples were used. It was hypothesized that exchange rate changes and trade liberalization via price relatives, trade intensity and nominal protection coefficient have affected prices of carbohydrate staples in Nigeria. Results show that the effects of trade liberalization on prices of non tradable carbohydrate staples were mixed. Trade liberalization accounted for most changes in the price of non tradable rice than other crops. World prices positively affected the prices of maize and non tradable rice. Also increasing exchange rate will lead to increase in price of non tradable rice due to price competition with imported rice. The intensification of liberalization exercise from the removal of quantitative restriction to use of tariff, among other recommendations, should be encouraged because it can be a remedy to the negative impact of increase in the trade intensity and erosion of nominal protection coefficient on prices of the non tradable crops

UEFA model in identification of types, severity and mechanism of injuries among footballers in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League

ObjectiveTo prospectively investigate the injury profile and the incidence rate per 1000 hours exposure during training and actual league matches in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League (NWPL) and to develop an adequate information pool, using the UEFA injury study model in order to develop appropriate injury prevention strategies.Methods241 women footballers from the eight football clubs that participated in the 2015/2016 Nigerian Women Premier league (NWPL) season were selected for the study and prospectively followed for a period of 6 months. The UEFA injury report forms and Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale were sent to the various clubs, and the forms administered on them as at when due. The forms were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsThere was a high incidence rate per 1000 hours of exposure during training sessions (10.98 injuries/1000 hours) and matches (55.56 injuries/1000 hours); the predominant injury type was muscle rupture/strain injuries (35.49%), while moderate severity injuries were the most frequent. The predominant injury mechanism was traumatic injuries caused by contact with other players as a result of a tackle by other players (14.5%). No statistical association was established between the level of aggression and the prevalent types of injury (p=0.63).ConclusionsThe organisers of the league and indeed the referees should ensure that the rules of the game are upheld, and foul or overly aggressive play is penalised. Medical staff and coaches should consider evidence-based injury prevention strategies to reduce the risk of the common injuries sustained in the NWPL

Cardiovascular Risk Screening Options in Diabetes: Framework for Selective Adoption

"Background: There exist several models for assessment of risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including different criteria for diag-nosis of obesity, of which a major disparity is and lsquo;definition of waist circumference'. Case reports and comparative reviews are hereby presented to exemplify that one cap and lsquo;model' does not fit all. Cases: First case illustrates how very slim person with BMI of 17 may possess cardiovascular risk and #8805;22.7% compared to an obese in-dividual who has a BMI of 39 with CVD risk and #8804;8.0%. Second case review illustrates how the same BMI and lipid models vary in outcomes depending on gender. Third case report shows how different and lsquo;definitions of waist circumference' impacts on identification of obesity, which in turn affect decision about metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The needs for paradigm shift and 5-step framework are briefly highlighted. [Natl J Community Med 2016; 7(6.000): 540-544

Assessment of Radiation Dose Level in Farm Soils of Mission Quarters, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigerian

The study has assessed the amount of radiation exposed to farm soils in mission quarters Wukari, Taraba State. Assessment of radiation dose level is very important, especially in soil since man depends on Soil for his food. Assessment of radiation will help to know the radiation dose in the soil.  The objective of this work is to determine radiation dose in soils and to provide necessary information of human health risks associated with radioactivity in soil and its effects on plant materials as well as human being. Different soil samples were collected and the Radiation Alert Inspector EXP, was used to measure the level of radiation exposure in the soil samples. The results showed low amount of radiation dose level. The average dose values ranging between 0.035±0.097 to 0.333±0.289, an absorbed dose rate ranging between 3.50 x 10-8±0.097 to 3.33 x 10-7±0.289 and annual dose rate ranging between 0.059±0.097 to 0.758±0.289. These results revealed that the dose rates do not exceed the recommended values by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) is 1mSvyr1 for the general public. It is less and in compliance with the recommended radiation dose level. Therefore do not pose a significant health hazard. The radiation dose level has no negative effect on both the plants and the dwellers. Therefore the study area is safe for human activities.&nbsp