Accuracy of X-Ray Exposure Parameters in some Radio-diagnostic Centres in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background: Dose levels in radio-diagnostic settings depend largely on equipment status and examination techniques. It is essential to carry out quality control (QC) on the x-ray systems to ensure proper optimization and the maintenance of quality for better diagnostic outcome, and to avoid the risk of injury. Objective: To carryout QC for the assessment of the accuracy of exposure parameters for the purpose of optimization of radiation protection. Methodology: Quality control measurements including tube output, kVp, mA and timer accuracy, linearity and reproducibility were carried out using a multi-function quality control kit, RMI, 181B and measuring tape. Results: The results of these measurements indicate that the tube output of the machines within the kVp range of 60 to 120 falls between 13.52 x 10-3 and 161.26 x 10-3 with a linear relationship between the kVp and tube output in all the hospitals. It also showed exposure parameters’ operation to be within tolerance limits except in a single hospital with aspects of out-of-range performance. Conclusion: All equipment under study functioned within safe limits but further investigation and corrective action is required in one of the centres.   &nbsp

Free Cash Flow and Investment Efficiency of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria

Purpose- This study aims to determine the relationship between free cash flow and investment efficiency of quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Design- An accounting-based model developed by Richardson (2006) was employed to measure investment efficiency and free cash flow. The population of the study consist of all the listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Similarly, the purposive sampling technique was employed to arrive at forty-eight companies for 2008-2018. Findings- The results of the study confirm the agency theory of free cash flow. Hence, it established that there is a positive and robust relationship between free cash flow and overinvestment. Practical Implications- the findings of this study has practical implications to various group of users of financial information such as investors, policymakers and other stakeholders in the listed manufacturing sector in Nigeria. The study recommends that policymakers reduce the cost of debt, and likewise, managers should emphasize the facilitation of equity capital. Originality- To the best of the researcher's knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between free cash flow and investment efficiency in Nigeria

Sonographic patterns of retained products of conception among women attending Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano, Nigeria

Retain products of conception (RPOC) remains a major concern because its complications are among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women with postpartum uterus. Every locality should have a documented findings of postpartum uterus predicting retained products of conception. This study was aimed at evaluating the sonographic pattern of RPOC among women attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano. The study was prospective, conducted from January 2021 to August 2021. A total of 200 patients referred on the suspicion of RPOC on the basis of history or clinical examination were enrolled in the study. Transabdominal ultrasound with 3.5MHtz transducer was performed in all referred cases. The findings obtained were recorded on data capture sheet. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0. Mean age of the patients was 21.7 ±6.7 years and the mean gestational age was 11.7 ±4.8 weeks. Most of the patients present with per vaginal bleeding, lower back pain or fever as their clinical history. Sonographic findings of RPOC were mix-echogenic content 106(53%), hypoechoic fluid collection 52(26%) and hyperechoic mass 42 (21%). The correlation between clinical history and sonographic pattern of RPOC shows a significant weak positive correlation (r= 0.15 and p= 0.03). The correlation between RPOC size and gestational age also shows a significant weak positive correlation (r= 0.27 and p= 0.00). Sonography is an accurate tool for diagnosis of retained products of conception, with mixed echogenic content as the most common sonographic pattern RPOC

Evaluation of iron ore deposit using 2D resistivity imaging and induced polarization technique at Fakarau Potiskum, Northeastern Nigeria

2D Electric resistivity imaging and Induced polarization (IP) techniques were used to evaluate Iron Ore deposit at Potiskum area of Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria. The area lies between latitudes 110 40' 00'' and 110 50' 00'' N, and longitude 110 00' 00'' and 110 10' 00'' E. The survey was targeted at determining resistivity and chargeability values that are associated with the iron ore deposit. The dipole-dipole array was used for 2D resistivity and induced polarization imaging. Data processing and interpretation were done using RES2DINV software. This research had characterized the study area into two portions: the alluvium deposit that is highly enriched of iron ore and alluvium deposit with disseminated iron ore. The portion of the iron rich alluvium, characterized by low resistivity and chargeability of 32 Ωm to 734 Ωm and 0.403 msec to 3.400 msec are inferred as alluvium that is highly enrich with iron ore, while the portion that are respectively characterized by resistivity and chargeability values of 734 Ωm to 1418 Ωm and 1.90 msec to 6.40 msec are inferred as alluvium with disseminated iron ore. It can be concluded that the occurrence of iron ore deposit is probably more at northeast part of the survey area. The iron ore deposit strikes in the Northeast-Southwest direction

X-Ray Dose Audit and Potential Local Diagnostic Reference Levels in Select Hospitals In Kaduna State, Nigeria

  Background: Dosimetry in diagnostic radiology is fundamental to providing information to practitioners regarding the level of their doses and to ensure adequate optimization of the protection of patients presenting for radiological examinations. The introduction and implementation of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in diagnostic radiology has proven to be a potent tool for quality control and dose reduction. This has not been comprehensively addressed in Nigeria. Objective: To carryout dose audit of patients presenting for common radiographic projections in select hospitals in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methodology: Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were used to measure entrance surface dose (ESD) on 420 randomly selected adult patients presenting for x-ray examination of the chest PA/Lateral, skull PA/Lateral, lumbar spine AP/Lateral, abdomen and pelvic AP, respectively. Results were compared with existing literature. Results: The range of the mean ESD determined for the study population on various x-ray examinations were: chest PA (0.44 – 0.9 mGy), and  lateral (0.9 – 1.5 mGy); skull PA (2.0 – 4.7 mGy), and lateral (1.7 – 3.4 mGy); lumbar spine AP (3.4 -7.8 mGy), and lateral (6.8 –11.3 mGy); abdomen AP (3.6 – 6.2 mGy); and pelvic AP (2.4 – 6.9 mGy). Comparison showed dose levels were below IAEA recommendations. Conclusion: In the absence of arbitrary high doses, practice is generally safe and will not result in unwarranted hazards to the patients. &nbsp

An assessment of corporate social responsibility of property developers in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Purpose: The study aims to assess the corporate social responsibility of property developers in Bauchi metropolis with a view to examine the importance and effects of corporate social responsibility on property development in the study area. This study is limited to Bauchi metropolis. Research Methodology:The study uses descriptive and exploratory research design using quantitative research approach. Questionnaires were administered to 20 property developers within Bauchi metropolis using purposive sampling techniques. Reliability was investigated by an overall average Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.81, the data obtained was analyzed using percentage computation, weighted mean, relative importance index (RII) and severity index (SI) were also used. Findings: The most important corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the property developers is environmental sustainability followed by a qualitative environment, the less important is the safety of houses. Furthermore, the highest CSR provided by the developers is environmental sustainability. Among the highest effects of neglecting corporate social responsibility is causing damage to the environment while the least is developing poor neighborhoods. Limitations: This study explored on only 20 property development firms within Bauchi metropolis, results might not necessarily apply to other firms within the metropolis. Contribution: This study will be of significant importance to the government and professional bodies in the built environment in terms of policy formulation, these can help checkmate the property development companies in carrying out corporate social responsibilities to the immediate environment they operate thereby becoming socially responsible and allowing the general public/community to enjoy projects that will enhance their lives. Keywords:Corporate social responsibility, Sustainable development, property developer

NORMs distribution in coastal soils and sediments of River Yobe, north-eastern Nigeria: an evaluation of the potential radiological hazards

A preliminary study which aimed to establish a reference data on naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) for River Yobe has been conducted. Soil and sediment samples were collected along the coastal areas of the river and analyzed to determine the specific activities of NORMs such as 238U, 232Th and 40K. Gamma spectrometry technique using NaI (Tl) detector was employed to determine the specific activities f the natural radionuclides. The mean activity concentration in the soil samples for 238U, 232Th and 40K were found to be 23±1.5, 36±2.5 and 395±9.1Bq kg−1 and for the sediment samples are 60±2.6, 45±3.6 and 324±6.8Bq kg−1 respectively. These values, in some cases exceed the world reference values of 30, 35 and 400 Bq kg−1 for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively. Parameters of radiological hazard, were also estimated based on specific activity of the radionuclides to assess the radiological impacts due to exposure on the users of the river. The results were found to be within the worldwide recommended safety limits.Keywords: Annual effective dose, NORMs,238U.232Th.40K. River Yob

RESPONSIBILITY OF SCHOOLS’ LEADERS IN TACKLING THE E-LEARNING BARRIERS IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

This conceptual reviewed paper looks critically at the trend of information and communication technology especially now that the implementation of e-learning is gaining more relevance in Nigerian tertiary institutions. It discusses the level of preparedness in terms of the required skills by Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) teachers, availability of infrastructures and other constraints in using the ICTs for effective teaching and learning. Beside, leadership strategies ranging from school administration, executive leaders and policy makers roles were also discussed as a vital component in line with the outlined barrier to TVE teacher preparedness to e-learning. Specifically, the study sought to answer four among the most critical questions that need to be addressed for effective implementation of e-learning in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The paper concluded by making recommendations based on the four questions statedin this study. Amongst the recommendations are that urgent step needs be taken by school and executive administrators and policy makers in the training of TVE teachers in the relevant ICTs areas through in-service training and seminars/workshops

Structural characterization of sulphate borophosphate glasses containing calcium oxide

Increasing demands for better perfoming glasses have lead to current investigating of the sturctural properties of glasses for optimum performances. Calcium sulphate borophosphate glasses of different compositions were prepared using melt quenching technique. The glass forming ability and stability were checked using Differential thermal analyzer (DTA). Density and molar volume had been evaluated and analyzed. From the results of XRD, the absent of discrete and continuous sharp peaks confirmed the amorphous nature of the glass compositions while the results from both IR and Raman revealed the existence of SO4, BO4, BO3, P-O-P and PO43-. Addition of CaSO4 to borophosphate influenced the conversion of the dominant BO3 groups to BO4 groups. The structure of the samples was mainly based on metaphosphate, diphosphate and BO4 units, which became depolymerized with addition of CaSO4 content. The glass forming ability and thermal stability were found to increase with an increase in the concentration of modifier content. Glass density and molar volume is found to be between 2.146 to 2.314 gcm-3 and 45.794 to 48.880 m3mol-1 respectively. It is observed that the density of glass increased while the molar volume also increased with respect to increase in concentration of CaSO4 in the glass compositions. We analysed our data using different mechanisms and compared the results with previous works. Our findings show that this glass could be beneficial and considered as a good candidate for optical devices applications

Site selection for nuclear power plant in Mersing Johor

Nuclear power is considered as energy source option for future power generation in the National New Energy Policy 2010. The first nuclear power plant (NPP) construction is expected to start at 2017, and officially operated in 2025. This paper aims to propose possible candidate site areas for NPP in Mersing District, Johor. The evaluation uses the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) guideline documents as main reference, supported by regulation documents from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 4 safety parameters are used in the assessment – geological characteristic, air dispersion (meteorological) analysis, population data and safety characteristics. This study ranked 4 proposed areas possible candidate site area for NPP in Mersing district