Awareness and availability of TISHIP information sources by undergraduate students for accessing healthcare services in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

This study assessed the awareness and availability of Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) Information Sources by Undergraduate Students for Accessing Healthcare Services in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. the objectives of the study is to identify the types of Healthcare Services covered by TISHIP are accessible to Undergraduate Students in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, identify the types of TISHIP Information Sources are available to Undergraduate Students for accessing Healthcare Services in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and to find out the extent Undergraduate Students aware of TISHIP Information Sources available for accessing Healthcare in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Three research questions were formulated in line with the research objectives. The study adopted descriptive survey design. 381 students were sampled using cluster proportionate random sampling out of the entire 42,779 for the study. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection which were collected, analysed and presented in tables using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study revealed that the types of healthcare services covered by TISHIP accessible by the Undergraduate Students were Routine Immunisations, Health Education, Essential Drugs, Accident and Emergency Care, Dental Health Services and Periodic Medical Check-ups. Also, the types of TISHIP information sources available to the Undergraduate Students for accessing healthcare were Orientation and Matriculation, Friends, Notice Boards, Lecturers and Staff, Campus Bulletin, Social Media, Internet, and Religious and Association Leaders. Hence, it was recommended that information services aimed at providing information to the student be provided and the university management should provide more TISHIP information sources and healthcare services that will enhance access for the Undergraduate Students thereby saving their time in accessing information sources. Keyword: Information Sources, Awareness, Availability, Undergraduate Students, TISHI

Numerical modelling of copper composite thin films for solar control filter

Performance of solar control filter depends strongly on the individual layer thicknesses as well as the quality of their interfaces. In this work, a numerical modeling was designed and implemented to optimize the layer thicknesses of Cu2O/CuS, Cu2O/Cu and CuS/Cu thin films for use as solar control filter using transfer matrix. The result shows that for Cu2O/CuS, with CuS in contact with the substrate, the optimized layer thickness of 110/30nm and for CuS/Cu and Cu2O/Cu with Cu in contact with the substrate, the optimized layer thickness are 110/30nm and 100/30nm, respectively. The model also predicted transmittances of 67% for Cu2O/CuS, 42% for CuS/Cu and 64.5% for Cu2O/Cu at 550nm. A transmittances of 24.9-36.9% of IR radiation for all the films was realized. These results, when compared with previous works indicate the possibility of improvement in the performance of the filters.Keywords: Solar Control Filter, Transfer Matrix, Infrared, Numerical Modeling, Transmittanc

Variability Effect of Some Mechanical Parameters of an Automated Machine on Grain Drink Production Output

A single response optimization model based on Response Surface Methodology was employed to determine the best combination of the functional machine parameters such blade type, basket orientation and speed of a developed automated grain drinks processing machine to attain the maximum drink output. The automated grain drinks processing machine blend soaked grains, mixed the slurry, extract the aqueous liquid and expel the paste from the machine all in single unit. The experiment was based on central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The experimental result showed that the developed regression model could describe the performance indicators within the experimental range of the factors been investigated. Blade type and speed of rotation were found to be significant (ple 0.05), while basket orientation was insignificant. Numerical optimization carried out produced optimum values of 3-blade assembly, basket orientation of 33.44o and speed of 1385 r.p.m and the blending efficiency was 8.47 lires from 400g of soya beans

Automation of Integrated System for Grain Beverages Processing

The research work focus on design and construction of automatic system for integrated plant for grain beverages processing. A grain beverage processing plant is a complex system that integrates several operations (blending of soaked grains, mixing the slurry, extracting the aqueous liquid and discharging of the paste out of the machine) together and finished in one go. Incorporating an automatic system into the integrated system simplify its mode of operation. Essential design consideration, analysis and calculations were carried out in order to determine and select materials of appropriate strength and sizes for various part of the automatic system. The major parts of the automatic system includes power supply unit, transformer, filter capacitor, voltage regulator, power indicator, pre-set buttons, time controller, eprom, display unit, controllers, limiting sensor, solenoid valve and electro-mechanical switch. The system was designed to have two controllers, one interfaced with the button network and the other organized the operational time (blending, sieving and paste expelling) in minute. Results of the testing revealed that the highest machine output of 90.24 L/h was obtained from speed of 1650 rpm using the integrated machine with automated system, low value of output of 52.64 L/h was obtained from the same speed using the integrated machine with semi-automatic system. The least machine output of 32.59 L/h was obtained from the same speed using the integrated machine without the automated system. The machine output was found to be influenced by both the automatic system and machine speed. The automatic system allows efficient work flow, reduces human labor, ensure safety and hygiene product production by eliminating human interference. Also it increased the machine output by 67%, reduce operational time by 65% and completely eliminating human interference with the product

Experimental comparison of brickwork behaviour at prototype and model scales

A programme of masonry tests has been undertaken at prototype and model scales with a view to comparing their behaviour and strength under various conditions of loading. Characterisation tests were carried out to determine the principal behaviour of the units and mortar before the main programme of masonry test. The testing regime was in two parts: in the first category of tests compressive, shear, flexural, bond and diagonal tensile strength tests were carried out on prototype, half, fourth and sixth scale models. While in the second category of tests the effect of different joint thickness, increasing mortar strength and different sand gradings were tested on the compressive, shear, flexural, bond and diagonal tensile strengths of sixth scale model masonry. The size effect laws for quasi-brittle materials from fracture mechanics were also applied to the test data in order to find out their suitability to masonry model studies. The knowledge gained on the model scale behaviour of masonry was then applied to a prototype study involving the effect of eccentricity on the compressive strength of masonry as it relates to masonry arches. The sixth model scale was used for this study using four different eccentricities. On the whole, the model tests showed similar behaviour to the prototype. While there was no discernable scale effect in the shear, flexural, bond and diagonal tensile strength test, the compressive strength tests showed a noticeable scale effect. The parametric study at sixth scale also showed it is possible to use a sixth model to determine the effect of the increasing mortar strength and different grading of sands on masonry strength. However, the effect of increasing joint thickness was difficult to quantify. Indications from the size effect analysis of test data were also encouraging. The experimental data from the different tests were generally found to be in good agreement with the size effect laws of fracture mechanics. The application study was found to agree with the prototype investigation for low eccentricities but does not correspond well for higher eccentricities. Overall the results showed that it was possible to use model tests to provide masonry strength properties that could be used to determine the structural behaviour real life structures from numerical studies.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Effects of period and temperature on quality and shelf-life of cucumber and garden-eggs packaged using cassava starch-zinc nanocomposite film

Nanocomposite film can be used to prolong the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. This research was undertaken to investigate the effects of packaging period and temperature on the quality and self-lives of cucumber and garden-eggs packaged using cassava starch-zinc nanocomposite film. Hundred grams each of cucumber and garden-eggs were wrapped in a 200× 350 mm size nanocomposite film and low density polyethylene (LDPE) of 2.240± 1.076 × 10-10 gm-1Pa-1s-1 water vapor and 1.568± 0.084× 10-10 gm-1Pa-1s-1 oxygen gas permeability. The products were stored at 10−27oC temperatures and 0−9 day periods, and their quality attributes including β-carotene and ascorbic acid were determined. The results showed a high positive correlation for β-carotene and ascorbic acid contents of the cucumber and the garden eggs packaged in the nanocomposite film and the LDPE (p\u3c 0.05). Also, the percentage increase in shelf-life of the packaged products in the cassava starch-zinc nanocomposite films was higher than those packaged in the LDPE materials. This indicates a small quality loss in the products packaged using the nanocomposite film compared with that packaged using the conventional LDPE. Hence, cassava starch-zinc nanocomposite film can be used to extend the shelf-life of the products

On Farm Evaluation of the Effect of Crystallizer and Soil Conditioners on Maize Growth and Yield in Niger State

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of crystallizer and soil conditioners on maize growth and yield. Five locations were used. The farmers’ practice of growing maize was compared side by side with technology of crystallizer and boost extra application. The effects of the applied treatments to maize increase the growth and yield parameter of maize. With the recommended practice field maize vigour on the average for all locations 3 and for farmers practice field on the average was 5 , implying normal vigour and weak vigour respectively. Maize height at maturity on the average for all locations with recommended practice was 262.2 cm and farmers practice field was 228.1 cm. maize yield and it’s component showed a positive respond to all the treatments in terms of percentage increase effect of application as follows height at maturity 13.1, days to 50% tasselling 1.1 and grain yield (kg/ha) 25.6, implying significant increase in height and yield of maize. It is recommended that both farmers and farm managers alike should adopt the application of crystallizers and soil conditioners using recommended practices to ensure proper growth and to obtain optimum yield from maize.Keywords: Crystallizer, Soil conditioners, Maize growth and YieldJournal of Agriculture and Social Research (JASR) Vol. 11, No. 1, 201

On farm evaluation of the effect of crystallizer and soil conditioners on maize growth and yield in Niger State

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of crystallizer and soil conditioners on maize growth and yield. Five locations were used. The farmers’ practice of growing maize was compared side by side with technology of crystallizer and boost extra application. The effects of the applied treatments to maize increase the growth and yield parameter of maize. With the recommended practice field maize vigour on the average for all locations 3 and for farmers practice field on the average was 5 , implying normal vigour and weak vigour respectively. Maize height at maturity on the average for all locations with recommended practice was 262.2 cm and farmers practice field was 228.1 cm. maize yield and it’s component showed a positive respond to all the treatments in terms of percentage increase effect of application as follows height at maturity 13.1, days to 50% tasselling 1.1 and grain yield (kg/ha) 25.6, implying significant increase in height and yield of maize. It is recommended that both farmers and farm managers alike should adopt the application of crystallizers and soil conditioners using recommended practices to ensure proper growth and to obtain optimum yield from maize

Experimental comparison of brickwork behaviour at prototype and model scales

A programme of masonry tests has been undertaken at prototype and model scales with a view to comparing their behaviour and strength under various conditions of loading. Characterisation tests were carried out to determine the principal behaviour of the units and mortar before the main programme of masonry test. The testing regime was in two parts: in the first category of tests compressive, shear, flexural, bond and diagonal tensile strength tests were carried out on prototype, half, fourth and sixth scale models. While in the second category of tests the effect of different joint thickness, increasing mortar strength and different sand gradings were tested on the compressive, shear, flexural, bond and diagonal tensile strengths of sixth scale model masonry. The size effect laws for quasi-brittle materials from fracture mechanics were also applied to the test data in order to find out their suitability to masonry model studies. The knowledge gained on the model scale behaviour of masonry was then applied to a prototype study involving the effect of eccentricity on the compressive strength of masonry as it relates to masonry arches. The sixth model scale was used for this study using four different eccentricities. On the whole, the model tests showed similar behaviour to the prototype. While there was no discernable scale effect in the shear, flexural, bond and diagonal tensile strength test, the compressive strength tests showed a noticeable scale effect. The parametric study at sixth scale also showed it is possible to use a sixth model to determine the effect of the increasing mortar strength and different grading of sands on masonry strength. However, the effect of increasing joint thickness was difficult to quantify. Indications from the size effect analysis of test data were also encouraging. The experimental data from the different tests were generally found to be in good agreement with the size effect laws of fracture mechanics. The application study was found to agree with the prototype investigation for low eccentricities but does not correspond well for higher eccentricities. Overall the results showed that it was possible to use model tests to provide masonry strength properties that could be used to determine the structural behaviour real life structures from numerical studies

Missile injuries to the external genitalia: a five year experience in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria

Background: There is a tremendous increase in violence as a result of the insurgency that is currently afflicting our region. Injuries from Gunshot and improvised explosive devices (IEDS) are quite common and the external genitalia is longer exempted from such injuries.Methods: The study reviewed all patients with missile injuries to the external genitalia managed in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (U.M.T.H) between January 2011 and December 2015. Results: A total of 51 patients had injuries to the external genitalia. Seven were excluded for incomplete data and 44 patients were analyzed. Age ranged from 5-70 years with a mean of 32.75 years and a male to female ratio of 10:1.  The peak age group was 30-39 years accounting for 31.82%. The injuries were scrotal 65.91%, and penis 20.45%. Procedures done were wound debridement in all patients, and delayed primary closure in 43.18%. The outcome was satisfactory in terms of cosmesis, erectile and voiding functions.Conclusions: Genital missile injuries are on the increase with militarization of civilian population. Goals of treatment still remain cosmesis, preservation of erectile and voiding function