21 research outputs found
Black restoration is a black responsibility: Nigeria and the black leadership imperative
No full textAnalysis of household energy consumption in Nigeria
No full textEnergy plays a vital role in the development of any country. In the context of the developing economies, the growth in energy consumption is associated with urbanisation and economic development through the transfer of mobile factors of production from rural to urban areas, and by the transition of the economy from a dominantly agricultural based economy to a relatively more industrialised type. Nigeria as one of the key economies in the African continent faces many challenges in this transitionary path; population growth and the growing movement of population from rural to urban areas creates a challenge for policy makers in terms of planning energy and other infrastructure needs. Planning for future may involve accurate estimation of energy needs and while there are some attempts made at understanding the patterns of demand for energy in industrial sectors, there is a scant amount of research into the patterns of consumption by households. Sources of energy for households are numerous and many traditional sources of energy are commonly used for their availability, low or no cost. However, such energy sources can be harmful for the environment and are gradually being replaced by the use of electricity due to its convenience and compatibility with the modern style of living in cities. Following an initial literature review of the most commonly used simulation modelling techniques in the field of energy consumption this paper will report on the outcomes of a model of energy consumption for the residential sector, followed by a large survey of the household behaviour in selected parts of Nigeria. The research reported here challenges the use of traditional models used for estimation of energy consumption in developed countries for countries such as Nigeria. The existence and size of the black economy as relating to the use and abuse of electricity is highlighted and various hypotheses of this research reject the Energy Ladder theory which assumes a stepwise transition into more sophisticated types of energy (i.e. electricity). The paper makes a number of contributions which are important in the debate on planning for energy in developing countries
Utilization Pattern and Privacy Issues in the Use of Health Records for Research Practice by Doctors
No full textUtilization Pattern and Privacy Issues in the Use of Health Records for Research Practice by Doctors
No full textA Computational Study of the functionalization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Macromolecules, 2011
No full textThe goal of my Ph.D. research is to explain the mechanism behind covalent and noncovalent separation techniques of carbon nanotubes using atomistic-sirnulations. This body of work has generated interest in single-walled carbon nanotubes modified with different macromolecules and functionalities, toward the design of new composites systems, as well as clarification of existing systems. Experimental separation techniques used to isolate bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes incorporate molecules or functional groups onto the tube surface. Other methods employ electrostatic charging. The adsorption and chemical modification of the tube surface may change the electronic structure of the nanotubes and or the adsorbed molecule, chemical group. We have employed first-principles density functional theory calculations to understand the electronic structure of carbon nanotubes modified with chemical macromolecules
Public perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 pandemic in Ekiti: A qualitative study using thematic analysis
No full textBackground: COVID-19 pandemic has been a turbulent crisis that took the globe by surprise, killing thousands of people. Nonetheless, individuals with underlying conditions are considered to be at risk. Aim: The study examined public perceptions of the vulnerability influencing the spread of COVID-19 in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study used a qualitative method in which 65 participated in focus group discussions to elicit information about the subject matter. Thematic analysis was used to analyse field data. Results: The study found that vulnerability to COVID-19 was based on the following themes: immunity, imported, complications, lack of knowledge, recklessness and anyone. As a result, the study concluded that individuals can be vulnerable to COVID-19 if the person has weakened or impaired immunity and that the virus was imported from other countries. Conclusion: In addition, having any of the following underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart or liver or being ignorant of the spread of the virus, and failing to follow COVID-19 containment guidelines can make people more vulnerable to the virus. Recommendations: The study, therefore, recommends that health education about the virus be implemented. This could be directed towards strengthening beliefs that conform to accepted scientific views of COVID-19 and weakening those that do not. Notably, the public should be encouraged to follow COVID-19 containment guidelines, which include wearing a face masks, washing and sanitising our hands, and social distancing
Accuracy of the Siriraj Stroke Score in Differentiating Cerebral Haemorrhage and Infarction in African Nigerians (English)
No full textBackground
Scoring systems based on discriminant analysis technique and multivariate logistic regression have been developed to distinguish cerebral haemorrhage (CH) from cerebral infarction (CI). This distinction is necessary in the acute management of stroke patients.
Objectif
The Siriraj stroke score (SSS) was evaluated in Siriraj hospital, Bangkok, and the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, and needs to be validated in an African setting. Methodology
The computerised tomography (CT) brain scans of all patients referred with clinical diagnosis of stroke at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and RADMED diagnostic centre, Lagos were retrieved and reviewed as well as the case notes of the patients at the referral hospitals. The SSS was computed and the stroke subtype classified. This was compared with the CTscan diagnosis using the latter as the gold standard. Data analysis was performed with Epi-info software and by standard statistical methods.
Results
Ninety-six patients had complete clinical records and CT scan features consistent with stroke. Of these, 52 had cerebral infarction (CI) and 44 had cerebral haemorrhage (CH). SSS had sensitivity of 50% for CH and 58% for CI with an accuracy of 54.2%. Conclusion
In this study, the SSS was not sufficiently sensitive to differentiate between CH and CI in Africans. A prospective study with larger sample size and modification of the discriminant variables is suggested. For now, while efforts must continue to find a simple clinical scoring system to differentiate between CH and CI, we contend that CTscan should remain the investigative technique of choice and should be made affordable and available.
Keywords: Africa, cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction, Nigeria, stroke, CT-scan, Accident vasculaire cérébral hemorragique, Accident vasculaire cérébral ischémique, A frique, Nigeria, tomodensitométrie
Résumé
Introduction
Dans le but d\'agir avec efficacité dans la prise en charge thérapeutique des accidents vasculaires cérébraux un score discriminant à l\'aide de variables multiples a été élaboré afin de distinguer les accidents vasculaires hémorragiques (AVCH) des accidents vasculaires ischémiques (AVCI).
Objective
Le Siriraj stroke score (SSS) a été évalué au Siriraj hospital, Bangkok et au Western infirmary, Glasgow. Il importait de le valider dans le cadre africain. Méthodologie
Les dossiers des malades hospitalisés au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d\'Ibadan et au centre diagnostic RADMED à Lagos ont été étudiés rétrospectvement de même que les CT-scan. Les données scannographiques ont été comparées au SSS. Les informations ont été analysées grâce au logiciel Epi-info et à l\'aide de différentes méthodes stastistiques. Résultats
96 patitents ont été retenus. 52 malades avaient un infarcissement cérébral et 44 une hémorragie cérébrale. Le SSS avait une sensiblité de 50% pour les AVC hémorragiques et 58% pour les AVCI avec une spécificité de 54,2%. Conclusion
Cette étude permet de conclure en l\'absence de spécificité du SSS dans la distinction des AVCH et AVCI chez les Africains. Une étude prospective est préconisée en modifiant certaines variables. Actuellement le CT-scan reste la technique de choix pour différencier les AVCI des AVCH.
Af J Neuro Sci: 2002 20(1
ACCURACY OF THE SIRIRAJ STROKE SCORE IN DIFFERENTIATING CEREBRAL HAEMORRAGHE AND INFARCTION IN AFRICAN NIGERIANS
No full textBackground: Scoring systems based on discriminant analysis technique
and multivariate logistic regression have been developed to distinguish
cerebral haemorrhage (CH) from cerebral infarction (CI). This
distinction is necessary in the acute management of stroke patients.
The Siriraj stroke score (SSS) was evaluated in Siriraj hospital,
Bangkok, and the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, and needs to be validated
in an African setting. Methodology: The computerised tomography (CT)
brain scans of all patients referred with clinical diagnosis of stroke
at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and RADMED diagnostic
centre, Lagos were retrieved and reviewed as well as the case notes of
the patients at the referral hospitals. The SSS was computed and the
stroke subtype classified. This was compared with the CT scan diagnosis
using the latter as the gold standard. Data analysis was performed with
Epi-info software and by standard statistical methods. Results:
Ninety-six patients had complete clinical records and CT scan features
consistent with stroke. Of these, 52 had cerebral infarction (CI) and
44 had cerebral haemorrhage (CH). SSS had sensitivity of 50% for CH and
58% for CI with an accuracy of 54.2%. Conclusion: In this study, the
SSS was not sufficiently sensitive to differentiate between CH and CI
in Africans. A prospective study with larger sample size and
modification of the discriminant variables is suggested. For now, while
efforts must continue to find a simple clinical scoring system to
differentiate between CH and CI, we contend that CT scan should remain
the investigative technique of choice and should be made affordable and
available
Determinants of Low Back Pain among Health‑care Providers in a Federal Tertiary Hospital in Ekiti State, SouthWestern Nigeria
No full textIntroduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a usual musculoskeletal system disorder among the working population, especially among health‑care providers (HCPs). It is a significant contributor to work disability, work absenteeism, and lost hours globally. The study objectives are to find the prevalence and determinants of LBP among HCPs in a Federal Tertiary Hospital in Ido‑Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Subjects and Methods: A cross‑sectional study was done among HCPs in a Federal Tertiary Hospital, Ido‑Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study included 336 participants working in the hospital. The respondents were selected using stratified sampling. Data were collected through an adapted questionnaire, which was pretested, semi‑structured, and self‑administered. The data were analyzed using STATA version 12. Univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic analysis was used to find the prevalence and determinants of LBP. The significance level was set at 95% confidence interval and P ≤ 0.05.
Results: The point prevalence, period prevalence, and lifetime prevalence were 39.9%, 44.6%, and 67.6%, respectively. The findings showed that the prevalence of LBP was higher among respondents who turn patient on the bed regularly (>3 times weekly) (odds ratio [OR] =18.46, 95% CL [6.84–49.81], P < 0.0001); and pulls and pushes object or people (more than 10 kg thrice a week) (OR = 8.22, 95% CL [3.46–19.56], P < 0.0001) were statistically significant.
Conclusion: The study revealed that HCPs suffered from a high prevalence of LBP, and the identified risk factors (turning of the patient and pulling and pushing of an object or people) can be modified using an informed health intervention program (health education and ergonomics)
ACCURACY OF THE SIRIRAJ STROKE SCORE IN DIFFERENTIATING CEREBRAL HAEMORRAGHE AND INFARCTION IN AFRICAN NIGERIANS
No full textBackground: Scoring systems based on discriminant analysis technique
and multivariate logistic regression have been developed to distinguish
cerebral haemorrhage (CH) from cerebral infarction (CI). This
distinction is necessary in the acute management of stroke patients.
The Siriraj stroke score (SSS) was evaluated in Siriraj hospital,
Bangkok, and the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, and needs to be validated
in an African setting. Methodology: The computerised tomography (CT)
brain scans of all patients referred with clinical diagnosis of stroke
at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and RADMED diagnostic
centre, Lagos were retrieved and reviewed as well as the case notes of
the patients at the referral hospitals. The SSS was computed and the
stroke subtype classified. This was compared with the CT scan diagnosis
using the latter as the gold standard. Data analysis was performed with
Epi-info software and by standard statistical methods. Results:
Ninety-six patients had complete clinical records and CT scan features
consistent with stroke. Of these, 52 had cerebral infarction (CI) and
44 had cerebral haemorrhage (CH). SSS had sensitivity of 50% for CH and
58% for CI with an accuracy of 54.2%. Conclusion: In this study, the
SSS was not sufficiently sensitive to differentiate between CH and CI
in Africans. A prospective study with larger sample size and
modification of the discriminant variables is suggested. For now, while
efforts must continue to find a simple clinical scoring system to
differentiate between CH and CI, we contend that CT scan should remain
the investigative technique of choice and should be made affordable and
available
