Retrospective Study on the Prevalence of Surgical Wound Infections in Specialist Hospital Sokoto – North West Nigeria

Introduction: Nosocomial surgical site infections remain a key drawback in health care facilities, resulting in extended length of stay, significant morbidity and mortality, elevated excess of cost, and less regular basis of death in the surgical patient. Aim: The objective of the study is to determine the rate of occurrence of surgical site nosocomial infections in surgical patients in Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. Study Design: Retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: A 2-year retrospective study of nosocomial surgical site infections (June 2011 to May 2013) was carried out in Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. Methodology: Patients' folders and microbiology laboratory records were used for the determination of prevalence of nosocomial infections in. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Result of the retrospective study of surgical site infection in the hospital showed that surgical site nosocomial infections are frequent in the hospital, with a prevalence rate of 4.7% (2011/2012) and 7.6% (2012/2013). Conclusion: Despite the fact that this study is limited to nosocomial surgical site infections in three surgical wards only, surgical site infection exists as a major problem hospital. The results of this study are consistent with reports of similar studies in Nigeria and other parts of the world

Properties of Asphalt Concrete Containing Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) as Filler Material

The high cost of primary construction materials such as cement, and increase in waste generation due to human activities coupled with environmental concerns has led to the incorporation of wide range of waste materials into asphalt concrete. Waste foundry sand (WFS) which is a by-product of ferrous and non-ferrous metal casting industry, has accumulated in stockpiles and landfills, occupying valuable space and causing nuisance in the environment. Consequently, it is imperative to devise a safe and economical solution to manage and utilize the waste. One way of achieving this is by recycling and using it for asphalt concrete production. This study investigated the strength and durability properties of asphalt concrete containing waste foundry sand (WFS) as alternative filler material in asphalt concrete. Marshall design method was adopted for the sample preparation and testing. Fifteen (15) compacted samples were prepared for strength and volumetric properties testing at varying bitumen contents of 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0% and 6.5%, in accordance with Asphalt Institute and Nigeria General Specification for Road and Bridges to determine optimum bitumen content (OBC). OBC of 5.5% was obtained and used for the asphalt concrete mixes in the study.  Eighteen (18) other briquettes were prepared to determine the optimum WFS content in asphalt concrete necessary for strength and durability of wearing course of flexible pavement. Cement as filler in asphalt concrete was partially replaced with WFS using the obtained OBC in the order of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60%. A total of thirty-three (33) standard specimens were prepared. From the Marshall stability-flow and void-density results, the sample prepared with 60% WFS as filler with OBC of 5.5% satisfies the provision of the Nigerian General Specification for Road and Bridges (NGSRB) for use in wearing course of flexible pavement. Based on the analysis of results obtained in this study and a logical comparison made with standard specifications, addition of up to 60% waste foundry sand (WFS) in asphalt concrete would lead to significant conservation of primary construction materials, divert substantial quantities of waste from landfills and present a cheap alternative of filler material necessary for sustainable asphalt concrete construction

Blood pressure control among hypertensive subjects in Dutse, Northwestern Nigeria

Background: High blood pressure is an independent risk factor for cerebrovascular, renal and cardiovascular disease. According to World Health Organization treatment to target Blood Pressure (BP) of <140/90 mmHg has been associated with decrease in morbidity and mortality. Despite this BP control has been very poor even in developed economies.Objective: We set to assess level of BP control among hypertensive patients on treatment in Dutse, Jigawa state, and to identify treatable causes of failure to achieve target for better management.Methods: It is a cross sectional study of all hypertensives for more than one year attending medical out patients clinic who have consented. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the patients.Results: A total of 123 patients of which 45% were females with mean age, duration of hypertension of 51.9 and 5.9 years respectively and BMI of 40.9Kg/m2. Eighty-three per cent, 91% and 94% were aware of salt restriction, cessation of smoking and alcohol moderation as lifestyle modifications respectively. The mean Systolic and Diastolic BP were 142mmHg and 86mmHg respectively. Fifty-two per cent were on two drugs combination including a diuretic while 4.87% were on three drugs or more. Less than a third (27.6%) had their BP controlled at <140/90mmHg. There was no significant difference in the demographic and clinical data between patients with controlled and uncontrolled BP.Conclusion: This study found that control of BP is still poor in our setting. This could be due to physician inertia in the treatment, use of inappropriate combination of anti hypertensives or failure to reinforce lifestyle modifications.Keywords: Blood pressure, Hypertensives, Control, Black

The Descriptive Study of Knowledge and Awareness of Tuberculosis Among Students in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

Despite the disease management and controls introduced by Ministry of Health Malaysia, tuberculosis remains the major public threats among Malaysian. Enhancing the awareness among community is one of the strategy outlined by WHO in the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015 program. Due to this, many programs have been introduced to increase awareness among the community. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia is situated in the industrial radius area. The rate of migration is higher from neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Myammar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Filipina and India which known to have high burden tuberculosis cases. Therefore, the anxious of the disease to spread is significant. This study employs a quantitative research approach by using semi structured questionnaires which have close ended questions. The questionnaire focused on tuberculosis knowledge on risk factors, clinical symptoms and treatments. About 270 questionnaires were randomly distributed amongst students at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and the results were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0.The results demonstrated that, the majority of the respondents were aware of the infection, symptoms and curability of the disease. However, almost 90% of the respondents did not know the duration of treatments. The lack of awareness is associated with delays in seeking professional treatment. The study shows that awareness among students about TB is fairly good, but extensive survey is required especially on the risk factors

First principle investigation of robustness surface states on ternary mixed chalcogenide Bi2Te2s

In this paper, we present a theoretical investigation on the electronic structures of bulk ternary mixed chalcogenide Bi2Te2S and its corresponding Bi2Te2S (111) surface thin films based on the first principle within the density-functional theory. The spin-orbit coupling (SOC) included self-consistency. We have found that the effect of SOC significantly changes the electronic properties of bulk Bi2Te2S. For the Bi2Te2S (111) surface thinfilms, we have adopted the method proposed by Park K. et al (2010). Our result shows the presence of robustness states on the electronic structure of Bi2Te2S (111) thin films with the presence of a Dirac Point (DP) below the Fermi level EF that is completely covered in the bulk bands. This result is in agreement with the Topological Insulator (TI) nature in the binary Bi2Te3

Investigating the Role of Diversification on Economic Growth in Nigeria; New Evidence from SVARs

Fluctuations in oil prices have caused economic contractions and challenges to oil-exporting economies. In particular, Nigeria suffers both the previous and current global oil price shocks and this has raised concerns among policymakers, governments, and economic analysts because of the impact of oil and oil prices in Nigeria’s macroeconomic development. However, this paper investigates the role of diversification on economic growth in Nigeria using annual data from 1986 to 2018. The techniques applied showed that only remittances and official development assistance have affected economic growth in the short run. However, the coefficients of one period lagged indicated that the system is capable of adjusting to its long-run equilibrium condition after some shocks in the system.  The findings from variance decomposition indicated that diversification plays a positive role on economic growth in both the short and long-run horizons. By overall implication, the study concludes that diversification has a positive role on Nigeria’s economic growth. Therefore, the study recommends the need for the government to provide active and inclusive policies such as soft loans and commercial agricultural programs to improve its export of agricultural output competitiveness, improve supervisory and regulatory frameworks in the financial sector to ease remittances inflow. For these reasons, diversifying the economy from oil revenue is the ultimate goal for achieving sustainable economic growth and development goals or targets by the year 2030

An Experimental Study on Bitumen Properties Modified with Polypropylene Polymer from Waste Disposable Cups for Flexible Pavement Applications

Waste disposal, especially plastic waste, is of great concern worldwide due to its non-biodegradable nature. Because these wastes remain on Earth for thousands of years without any degradation or decomposition, they pose health, environmental, and social concerns and occupy valuable space. Also, the significantly higher axle load and traffic volume beyond design limits result in serious pavement deterioration problems. Consequently, incorporating these waste plastics into road construction may present environmental and engineering benefits. Thus, this investigation assesses the impact of including waste plastic cups as bitumen modifiers. Firstly, FTIR analysis was carried out in the laboratory on the waste modifier material showed it mainly comprised of polypropylene. Secondly, a study conducted on the physical features of bitumen with and without the modifier discovered that the modifier decreased the penetration, specific gravity, and ductility by 69.90%, 3.40%, and 42.60%, respectively, whereas it increased the softening point by 48.0%. Therefore, a substantial enhancement in temperature vulnerability and stability of the bitumen can be achieved by incorporating the modifier. Thirdly, the FTIR analysis conducted on the pure and modified bitumen showed the presence of extra new peaks in the structure of the modified bitumen. Thus, the features of this modified bitumen with increasing modifier content resulted from the chemical change in its structure. Finally, the One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted at various bitumen contents revealed less than a 5% significant level, indicating that the modifier had a substantial impact on pure bitumen. The findings from this study present an vital reference for the improvement in hot mix asphalt properties as well as solid waste management and utilization

Effects of Dietary Replacement of Maize with Sweet Potato Peel in the Diet of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary replacement ofmaize with sweet potato peel in the diet of Clarias gariepinus juveniles.The levels of the SPP inclusion in the experimental diets were 0%, 25%,50%, 75% and 100%. All the diets were iso-nitrogenous. One hundred andfifty (150) C. gariepinus juveniles (33 g ~ 35 g) were randomly distributedto five treatments with three replicates each and 5% of their body weightfor 12 weeks. Fish carcass proximate compositions analyzed before andafter feeding with the experimental diets shows that CP and EE differedsignificantly (p0.05). Highest MWG of 207.70±25.95 g wasobtained in the fish fed SPP100% followed by 191.30±16.15 g obtained inthe fish fed SPP75%. The least MWG of 149.83±16.01 g was recorded infish fed SPP25%. The highest FCR of 3.61±0.45 g was recorded in the fishfed SPP100%. A steady decrease in FCR was observed with decreasinginclusion levels of SPP meal. However, higher FW, FL, SGR and PERwere observed in the experimental fish as from 50% inclusion levels of theSPP. The cost of feed per kg was reduced and the NP and WG increasedwith increasing levels of SPP and the profitability was enhanced at 100%SPP inclusion level. The results revealed that C. gariepinus juvenile couldtolerate up to 50%, 75% and 100% inclusion levels of SPP. The best growthperformance was recorded in the fish fed SPP100%, therefore, sweet potatopeel can replace maize in the diet of C. gariepinus without any inauspiciouseffect on the growth performance and nutrient utilization

Phenotypic characteristics of local chickens in Dass and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria

The study was conducted in Dass and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi State, between January and April 2018 to determine some characteristics of local chickens. A total of 400 matured chickens of mixed sex were used to determine the following morphometric traits; live weight (LW), wing span (WSP), body length (BL), girth circumference (GC) and shank length (SHL). Most of the birds available for the study were normal feathered (80.75 %), single combed (94.50 %), orange eyed (81.50 %), had white ear lobes (43.75 %), milky shanks (37.75 %) and red plumage (36.75 %), while the fewest types were frizzled (7.50 %), rose combed (5.50%), Brown eyed (2.50%), those with red ear lobes (22.75 %), ash shank (2.00 %), and blue plumage (1.00 %). Single combed (95.60%), orange eyed (84.10%) had white skin (98.60%) white ear lobe (44.50%), pink shank (36.00%) and red plumage (38.8%) and the fewest were rose combed (4.40%), brown eyed (1.10%), yellow skinned (1.40%), those with red ear lobe (22.31%), ash shanked (1.10%) and those with blue plumage (0.50%). Data generated on morphometric traits were analyzed using analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation analysis was used in the estimation of relationships among the measurements (morphometric traits). The overall mean of 1.67 kg, 43.19 cm, 41.27 cm, 31.49 cm and 10.19 cm for LW, WSP, BL, GC and SHL were estimated. Sex had effect on all the parameters recorded. Males were significantly heavier than female (1.79 vs 1.55 kg; p<0.001) and had wider girth (p< 0.001), longer wings (p<0.05), body (p<0.01) and shank (p<0.05). Non-significant effect of location, genotype and qualitative body traits (comb type, plumage, eye, ear lobe and shank colours) were however observed on most parameters. The correlation coefficients among the morphometric traits were high, positive and significant indicating that they can predict each other specifically during selection. Keywords: Morphometric traits, Local chickens, Correlation and Selectio

Hydrochemical characterization and evaluation of groundwater quality of zamfara area, northwest, nigeria

This study deals with hydrochemical assessment of groundwater within the lithological framework underlain Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria with the aim of ascertaining its suitability for human consumption. Groundwater samples were collected from boreholes tapping the aquifer of the area and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters, such as total dissolve solids, electrical conductivity (Ec), pH, temperature, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3, Cl-, SO4, NO3, PO4, and trace elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb and Cr). The results obtained were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis, water quality index method, and hydrochemical variation plots for proper characterization. As far as suitability is concerned most of the studied physic-chemical parameters trace elements (iron, lead and chromium ions) revealed average concentrations lower than the permissible limit set for domestic water use by World Health Organization. However, the compiled overall water quality index for the studied groundwater shows ‘very poor water quality’. Due to the fact that WQI rating reflect the composite influence of different water quality parameters. The result of the multivariate statistical analysis, as applied to the chemical data set of the studied groundwater provides an insight into the underlying controlling hydrochemical processes in the area. Four factors including factor-1 (total hardness, chloride, nitrate, manganese, bicarbonate and alkalinity), factor-2 (TDS, conductivity, total hardness, magnesium and calcium), factor-3 (Temperature, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron and chromium), factor-4 (calcium, magnesium and nitrate) represents the signatures from dissolution of bedrock through which the groundwater passes, ionic mixing, leaching from the lateritic overburden, agricultural activities (fertilizer application) and effluent from waste dumpsites in the study area. The distribution of major ions in the groundwater shows relative abundance of cations: Na++K+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+; while the relative abundance of the anions is: Cl- > HCO3- > SO42-. Groundwater in the aquifer of the study area are majorly of evolved type with mixing of ionic concentrations. Alkali’s are more in abundant to that of alkaline earth, while Cl and HCO3 dominate SO4 and NO3 concentration. The water samples are basically ‘Alkali waters’ with ‘Earth Alkaline’ components that are predominantly HCO3- and Cl-.The relative abundance of the three (3) dominant water types are as thus: Na-HCO3-Cl > Ca-Mg-HCO3-Cl > Na-Ca-Cl. Simple mineral dissolution or mixing processes is mainly responsible for the variation in the hydrochemistry of the groundwater of the study area. &nbsp