Analysis of a five year experience of permanent pacemaker implantation at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital: Need for a national database

Introduction: Permanent pacemaker implantation is available in Nigeria. There is however no national registry or framework for pacemaker datacollection. A pacemaker database has been developed in our institution and the results are analyzed in this study. Methods: The study period was between January 2008 and December 2012. Patient data was extracted from a prospectively maintained  database which was designed to include the fields of the European pacemaker patient identification code. Results: Of the 51 pacemaker implants done, there were 29 males  (56.9%) and 22 females (43.1%). Mean age was 68.2±12.7 years. Clinical indications were syncopal attacks in 25 patients (49%), dizzy spells in 15 patients (29.4%), bradycardia with no symptoms in 10 patients (17.7%) and dyspnoea in 2 patients (3.9%). The ECG diagnosis was complete heart block in 27 patients (53%), second degree heart block in 19 patients  (37.2%) and sick sinus syndrome with bradycardia in 5 patients (9.8%). Pacemaker modes used were ventricular pacing in 29 patients (56.9%) and dual chamber pacing in 22 patients (43.1%). Files have been closed in 20 patients (39.2%) and 31 patients (60.8%) are still being followed up with median follow up of 26 months, median of 5 visits and 282 pacemaker checks done. Complications seen during follow up were 3 lead  displacements (5.9%), 3 pacemaker infections (5.9%), 2 pacemaker pocket erosions (3.9%), and 1 pacemaker related death (2%). There were 5 non-pacemaker related deaths (9.8%).Conclusion: Pacemaker data has been maintained for 5 years. We urge other implanting institutions in Nigeria to maintain similar databases and work towards establishment of a national pacemaker registry

Performance Analysis of a Constructed Dual Axis Solar Tracker

A major drawback to photovoltaic system is the fact that solar cells become useless at night. In the quest to overcome this, use of batteries, converters, backup generator and addition of extra panels at higher cost to PV grid have been proposed but the performance of the system with integration of the said components is still very much dependent how much solar energy directly reach the solar cell surface. A feasible approach to achieve this is solar tracking. In this study, performance evaluation of a constructed dual axis solar tracker integrated PV system was carried out for five weeks and compared with that of a flat fixed PV system installed at Ogbomoso, Nigeria (8° 08’ N, 4° 16’ E). It was discovered that the power and performance of dual axis system obtained averagely was 62.91 W compared to that of flat fixed PV System which was 47.88 W thereby improving the power output by 31.4%. Keywords: Solar Energy, Dual Axis System, Photovoltaic, Performance, Tropical region, Nigeria. DOI: 10.7176/APTA/75-0

Modelling the Office Rental Market in Selected Districts of Abuja, Nigeria

This study examined the drivers of office rents in selected districts of Abuja, Nigeria. These districts are Asokoro, Maitama and Utako. Primary and secondary data were utilized for the study. Primary data obtained for the study include office rental levels and office space data in the study area for the period, 2001-2012. Secondary data for the study were obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and are mainly macroeconomic variables in Nigeria for the period, 2001-2012. Using single - equation regression analysis, the office rent model developed accounted for 76%, 72% and 75% of the variation in office property rents in the commercial property market in Asokoro, Maitama and Utako districts respectively. The study also revealed that real GDP growth and vacancy rate are the major determinants of rental growth in the office property market in Asokoro and Maitama districts while real GDP growth is the major driver of office rents in Utako district. Also, Rental index for office properties in the study areas using 2001 as the base year indicates progressive upward movement in rental values of office properties in these districts within the study period. Keywords: Office Rental Determinants; Office Property Market; Office Rent Model; Nigeria

Electro-Optical Characterization of Stannous Oxide Based Conductive Glass Fabricated Locally with Stannous Chloride Dihydrate Precursor

Most commercially available conductive oxides such as indium doped tin oxide (ITO) and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) are expensive. This has made local production of alternative oxides necessary. This work demonstrates local production of transparent conducting stannous oxide (SnO) film via thermal decomposition of stannous chloride dihydrate (SnCl2·2H2O). The films were then characterized optically and electrically using UV/VIS spectrophotometer and four point probe, respectively. The thickness of the film increased linearly with precursor mass. While the sheet resistance and optical transmittance decreased, the optical absorbance increased with increased thickness. Average optical transmittance ranged between 85% and 94% and the sheet resistance lies between 62.89 Ω/sq and 84.57 Ω/sq. With these characteristics, the deposited film will be useful for optoelectronic applications

JUM'ATAN in the GRAVEYARD: an Anthropological Study of Pilgrims in the Grave of Sunan Gunung Jati Cirebon, West Java

Pilgrimage to graves of saints is popular among traditionalist Muslims in Java. Pilgrims believe that the graves are sacred. Further, they are convinced that the spirits of those holy people still can facilitate them to get God's blessings. Such a case is also applied to the grave of Sunan Gunung Jati, one of the nine saints of Java, in Cirebon, West Java. In fact, the pilgrims acquire God's blessing with the facilitation of the spirit of Sunan Gunung Jati. They call this ritual jum'atan, a ritual of performing prayers and chanting holy words in Friday afternoon until midnight. A number of people with economic, family, and health problems flock into the grave of the Sunan seeking for an inspiration to get a solution. In this case, religion, orthodoxy, culture and their interplay in Java is a really complex issue. Moreover, the notion of orthodoxy has been challenged by the thick of myth surrounding Sunan Gunung Jati in particular

Double burden of malnutrition: evidence from a selected Nigerian population

Open Access JournalIndices reflecting the double burden of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa are increasing. Evidence to support this claim in households of Africa’s most populous country—Nigeria—is scant. This study, therefore, presents results from a study of mother-child pairs sampled from Akwa Ibom State in the southern region of Nigeria. Anthropometric measures for 660 mother-child pairs were collected according to standard procedures. Indices were expressed as the standard deviation of units from the median for the reference group. Chi-square analysis was used to test significant differences in proportion, and was taken as significant. A total of 37.4% of the children were stunted out of which 19.8% were moderately stunted, and 17.6% were severely stunted. Prevalence of wasting was 13.1%, 6.2% were moderately wasted, and 6.9% were severely wasted. Mean maternal body mass index was (23.54 ± 4.60) kgm2. 9.0% were underweight mothers, 23.2% were overweight, and 9.3% were obese. The co-existence of undernutrition among children and overnutrition in women of child-bearing age is prevalent in this population. We recommend that more effort be placed on active nutrition surveillance to ascertain malnutrition prevalence and periodically reassess priority challenges

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of stem bark extracts of Detarium microcarpum against bacteria causing gastrointestinal tract infections in humans

Detarium microcarpum is used by different ethnic groups for treatment of various diseases in Nigeria and several parts of West African. The      phytochemical constituents of the stembark extract of D.microcarpum were analyzed using qualitative methods. The antibacterial activity of the stembark extracts against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were tested using the agar well diffusion method. The phytochemical investigation revealed that presence of tannins, saponin, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols and terpenoids. The plant extracts exhibited anti bacterial potential against the tested organisms at different concentrations 100 mg/mL , 50mg/mL 25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL )), with S. aureus having the highest zone of inhibition of 21 mm at 100 mg/mL with ethanolic extract. Therefore, this study suggests that D. microcarpum stembark has phytochemical constituents. The antibacterial activity exhibited by the extracts could be as a result of the phytochemicals presents

Preliminary experience in the management of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in Lagos, Nigeria

Aspiration of tracheobronchial foreign bodies commonly affects young children, is potentially life threatening and requires early intervention for extraction. Access to facilities and skill manpower for bronchoscopic extraction is however limited in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to describe the experience in our institution with bronchoscopic removal of tracheobronchial foreign bodies and highlight the challenges encountered. This is a retrospective study of all patients referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital with a diagnosis of tracheobronchial foreign body within the period of February 2008 and February 2013. Data extracted from the medical records were age, sex, time interval between aspiration and presentation, location of tracheobronchial foreign body, bronchoscopic technique, complications and outcome. A total of 24 patients were referred and confirmed at bronchoscopy to have tracheobronchial foreign bodies. Mean age was 6.6 + 5 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1. Delayed presentation was common with 22 patients (91.7%) presenting more than 24 hours after aspiration. Aspirated material was inorganic in 17 patients (70.8%) and organic in 7 patients (29.2%). Location of tracheobronchial foreign bodies was right main bronchus in 16 patients (66.7%), left main bronchus in 6 patients (25%) and the trachea in 2 patients (8.3%). Challenges to speedy and safe removal of the foreign bodies were delayed presentation and a limited range of bronchoscopic equipment early in the series which caused prolonged procedures and increased complications. Two mortalities occurred early in the series; one from airway obstruction and the other from respiratory failure caused by tracheobronchial oedema. Extraction of tracheobronchial foreign bodies was faster, more complete and safer later in the series due to a wider range of bronchoscopy equipment which included both flexible and rigid videobronchoscopy with the use of optical forceps. This preliminary experience suggests that an adequate armamentarium of bronchoscopy equipment is required to increase the chances of complete extraction, speed up the procedure and reduce the risk of complications of Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies in our environment. Delayed presentation increases the difficulty of the procedure so earlier referral of these patients would help reduce the risk involved in  their management.Key words: Bronchoscopy, Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies, Lagos, Nigeri

Imperatives of Internet and Social Media on Broadcast Journalism in Nigeria

The development of radio and later television brought a new dimension to news and events coverage in Nigeria. In 1993 the monopoly of government was broken to allow private participation.  This gave the broadcast audience multiple choices of media. The advanced technology in the broadcast media and the development of internet and social media networks further exposed the society to alternative mediums of information. The pervasiveness of these websites in our everyday lives is today changing the face of broadcasting globally and in particular the Nigerian broadcast industry. This paper therefore examines the implication of Internet and social media on broadcast journalism in Nigeria. Keywords: Imperative, Internet, social media, broadcast Journalism, Nigeri

MODELING THE PERFORMANCE OF A BAOBAB SEED DECORTICATOR USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Decortication of baobab seed manually after soaking or roasting is time consuming, labour-intensive and uneconomical. The demand for baobab kernel as a source of protein is increasing for use as supplement for animal protein ration, for edible oil consumption and for other industrial uses. To ameliorate this problem, a baobab seed decorticator has been developed. This study therefore focused on the effects of process parameters; moisture content of seed, speed of decorticator and concave-shaft clearance on percentage clean kernel (Pck), percentage broken kernel (Pbk), percentage whole seed (Pws) and decorticating efficiency (DE), using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). In designing the experiments, Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was selected. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out to evaluate and select the appropriate dependent (Pck Pbk, Pws and DE) and independent variables using both the F and P-values calculated at 95% confidence level (a=0.05). Mathematical models relating the process parameters to the responses were developed. The developed models were validated by comparing the predicted and actual experimental values. The selected quadratic models were adequate for predicting the performance of the developed decorticator. It was observed that a decrease in percentage clean kernel recovery would result if concave-shaft clearance and moisture content were increased. Likewise, the concave-shaft clearance had the highest positive effect while moisture content had the highest negative effect on percentage of broken kernel. All the three factors (process parameters) had positive effects on decorticating efficiency