Evaluation of the layering of rock strata and basement rock depth of a university teaching hospital premises in northern Nigeria

The layering of rock strata and depth to the basement rocks of a Federal University Teaching Hospital premises in Northern Nigeria was investigated in this study with the aim of providing 2D geo-electrical resistivity images of the subsurface for geotechnical development using a modern and state-of-the-art field instrument, the ABEM Automatic LUND Imaging System (Terrameter SAS 4000 and ES 464). Three profiles were covered and the data processed to display the variations of electrical resistivity using the RES2DINV software. The results of the survey in correlation with borehole data in the area revealed three distinct layers: the overburden which is about 16 m - 26 m thick having a resistivity range of about 194 Ωm – 1759 Ωm. The weathered basement which is appreciably thick (about 5 m – 14 m),which is highly fractured and weathered, so constitutes a good aquifer having a resistivity range of about 0.687 Ωm – 678 Ωm and the fresh crystalline basement having a resistivity of about 1223 Ωm. The fresh crystalline rock is at variable depths of about 21 m - 40 m below the surface.Keywords: Rock strata, Geotechnical, Electrical resistivity, Basement, Overburde

2D geo-electrical imaging for groundwater exploration in Shika, along Zaria-Funtua Road north of Ahmadu Bello University main campus, Samaru, Zaria

A two dimensional (2D) geoelectrical tomography of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Premises was carried out with the aim of identifying a suitable location for siting a borehole. This was sequel to the fact that a borehole drilled without proper geophysical investigation in the quarters for resident doctors did not produce water. State-of-the-art equipment was employed and 2D surveying proved a powerful geological mapping tool, for use in hydrogeological mapping including engineering and environmental applications. The 2D inversion results of the survey were correlated with the lithology information obtained from the boreholes in Jama’a village, and the hostels and the residential quarters of ABUTH. The stratigraphic structure of the study area is very complex and is a product of volcanic and magmatic activities of various ages. Based on the geo-electrical images obtained in the study area, three distinct layers were revealed, the overburden with an average thickness of about 16 m – 26 m. The overburden is immediately underlain by the weathered basement, 5 m – 14 m thick which consists of disintegrated schistose rock materials, sand and gravel. This layer has a relatively low resistivity due to the presence of water and clay, which reduces the permeability, so this layer is thus regarded as the aquifer. The fresh basement rock was encountered at a variable depth of between 21 m and >30 m with resistivity 1223 Ωm up to 11918 Ωm. These results agree with the borehole logs. The complete set of borehole logs used in this research were obtained from the original hydro-geologic assessment report of the groundwater research department of the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Mando, Kaduna; Kaduna State, Nigeria.Keywords: Tomography, Inversion, Lithology, Geo-electrical, Aquifer, Borehol

Silica and kaolin reinforced aluminum matrix composite for heat storage

This study used aluminum scraps to produce a secondary aluminum metal matrix for heat storage analyses. Silica and kaolin reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites were successfully produced via stir casting. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed for phase and microstructure characterization. XRD revealed alumina (corundum), aluminum and kyanite phases while SEM indicated pores in the composites. Density, average specific heat (from 30 to 200°C), thermal conductivity, and hardness tests were carried out. Total heat energy stored per kg, from 30 to 200°C, was obtained. The inclusion of 7.5 and 15wt% kaolin increased the specific heat of the matrix from 474.3 to 564.57 J·kg−1·°C−1 and 474.3 to 679.03 J·kg−1·°C−1, respectively. Likewise, adding 7.5 and 15 wt% silica sand increased the thermal conductivity of the matrix from 154.99 to 175.62W·m−1·°C−1 and 154.99W·m−1·°C−1 to 181.38W·m−1·°C−1, respectively. The addition of 7.5 wt% silica sand and 7.5 and 15wt% kaolin increased the hardness value of the matrix from 72.11 to 73.11 HB, 72.11 to 81.38 HB, and 72.11 to 82 HB, respectively. Hardness of the composites reinforced with kaolin is higher than that of the composites reinforced with silica sand. This is attributed to the higher molecular weight of kaolin. Significan

Case Report: Uterine Rhabdomyosarcoma in an Early Adolescent

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Family correlates of depression among hiv positive patients attending family medicine clinic at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background information: HIV infection may impact negatively on family relationship and vice versa. Members of the family of HIV positive patients may become  frustrated because of the stigma of having a family member with HIV infection, and the burden of having to care for the patient. This can result into the family members becoming unsupportive and taking out their angers on the patients which in turn can lead to psychosocial problems such as depression in the patients. This study determined the prevalence of depression and its association with family factors (family functioning, family member awareness of HIV status, support for HIV treatment and satisfaction with the support for treatment) among adult HIV positive patients attending Family Medicine Clinic at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Nigeria.Subject, material and method: A hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 350 systematically randomly selected adult HIV patients over a period of 6 months. Interviewer administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information. Information on prevalence and severity of depression was obtained using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) while Family APGAR questionnaire was used to determine the family functioning. Data were obtained and analysed using SPSS-17. Chi-square and Fisher's Exact test were used to determine the degree of association between the variables.  P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Result: The prevalence of depression among the respondents was 33.4%. There was statistically significant association between depression prevalence and dysfunctional family (p-value=0.006).Conclusion: Family dysfunction is a risk factor for depression among HIV positive patients. Therefore family members should be properly involved in management of HIV positive patients

Landing gear disassembly sequence planning using multi-level constraint matrix ant colony algorithm

The life cycle of most complex engineering systems is greatly a function of maintenance. Generally, most maintenance operation usually requires the removal of failed part. Disassembly sequence planning is an optimization program that seeks to identify the optimal sequence for the removal of the failed part. Most studies in this area usually, use single constraint matrix while implementing varied complex algorithm to identify the optimal sequence that saves time associated with carrying out maintenance operation. The used of single constraint matrix typically has the drawback of computer higher storage requirement as well as time consumption. To address this problem, this study proposes Multi-Level Constraint Matrix Ant Colony Algorithm (MLCMACA). MLCMACA efficiency was validated using complex aircraft landing gear systems in comparison with genetic algorithms. The result shows MLCMACA superior performance from the perspective of reduced search time and faster tracking of optimal disassembly sequence. Hence is recommended for handling of disassembly sequence planning problems

Silica and kaolin reinforced aluminum matrix composite for heat storage

This study used aluminum scraps to produce a secondary aluminum metal matrix for heat storage analyses. Silica and kaolin reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites were successfully produced via stir casting. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed for phase and microstructure characterization. XRD revealed alumina (corundum), aluminum and kyanite phases while SEM indicated pores in the composites. Density, average specific heat (from 30 to 200°C), thermal conductivity, and hardness tests were carried out. Total heat energy stored per kg, from 30 to 200°C, was obtained. The inclusion of 7.5 and 15wt% kaolin increased the specific heat of the matrix from 474.3 to 564.57 J·kg−1·°C−1 and 474.3 to 679.03 J·kg−1·°C−1, respectively. Likewise, adding 7.5 and 15 wt% silica sand increased the thermal conductivity of the matrix from 154.99 to 175.62W·m−1·°C−1 and 154.99W·m−1·°C−1 to 181.38W·m−1·°C−1, respectively. The addition of 7.5 wt% silica sand and 7.5 and 15wt% kaolin increased the hardness value of the matrix from 72.11 to 73.11 HB, 72.11 to 81.38 HB, and 72.11 to 82 HB, respectively. Hardness of the composites reinforced with kaolin is higher than that of the composites reinforced with silica sand. This is attributed to the higher molecular weight of kaolin. Significant increase in specific heat and thermal conductivity was achieved