Alhaji Umar Ali - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Alhaji Umar Ali
Hamdan Medical Journal, 2019
Background: Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is an easy and cheap diagnostic tool in the estimation of ... more Background: Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is an easy and cheap diagnostic tool in the estimation of the cardiac sizes which is used for the screening and diagnosis of cardiac diseases. Objectives: The study objectives were to assess the normal cardiac size in apparently healthy adults and establish reference ranges in our population for comparison when investigating cardiac diseases. Materials and Methods: Radiographic evaluations of the cardiac size were performed from March 2017 to February 2018 in 172 apparently healthy individuals who were referred to the Radiology Department, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, in Nigeria, for medical examinations. The individuals were divided into the following five age groups: 18–27, 28–37, 38–47, 48–57 and 58 years and above, in order to determine the influence of age on cardiac size. Results: The mean CTR for males and females was 45.10% and 45.71%, respectively, and was statistically insignificant (0.362). The mean CTR of the general population was 45.6%, and the mean CTR value increased with age until the fourth decade when it reduces with age. Conclusion: The result of this study has established the CTR of the Nigerian population in Maiduguri. The CTR gradually increased with age until the fourth decade when it reduces with age. Therefore, establishing normal ranges of CTR is necessary for comparison in a condition where a possible cardiac disease is being examined.
2018 Majan International Conference (MIC), 2018
This research investigates the performance of Self-Organizing Map (SOM) Clustering Method to anal... more This research investigates the performance of Self-Organizing Map (SOM) Clustering Method to analyze students' e-learning activities with the aim to identify clusters of students who use the e-learning environment in similar ways using data obtained from the log files of their actions as input. The SOM clustering technique was used to group the students into three clusters. Learning behaviors of students in each cluster were analyzed; a relationship between students' learning behaviour and their academic performance (Final Results) was investigated. The analysis shows that students in Cluster1, having the highest interactions frequency with the e-learning, also got the highest final score mean of 91.12%, this followed by Students in Cluster2 with less number of interactions than Cluster1 and final score mean of 75.65%. Finally, students in Cluster3 have least number of interactions than the remaining clusters with least final score mean of 36.57%. The research shows that, students who participate more in Forum activities perform higher, while students with lowest records in Forum activities have the lowest performance. The research found that Forum activity has significant factor on student's course success but it is optional to students and no marks allocated to it. The research suggests that marks should be allocated to Forum activities to encourage students' participations.
Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU), 2018
BACKGROUND: A cough is the major functional mechanism which is responsible for the clearance of s... more BACKGROUND: A cough is the major functional mechanism which is responsible for the clearance of secretions from the respiratory tract and serves as an important defense mechanism, and chest X-ray is the commonly indicated examination in this category of patients for possible diagnosis and treatment. AIMS: This study aimed at evaluating the spectrum of findings among patients presented with a chronic cough in the tropics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study design was used to obtain data over a period of 3 months (March–May 2018). Adult patients aged 18 years and above who presented to the department with indication of chronic cough and plain posteroanterior chest radiographs with optimum diagnostic value were included in the study. All the radiographs were reported by a radiologist. The age, sex, coughing duration, lung changes, heart changes, and diagnosis were recorded. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 22.0. RESULTS: A total of fifty patients with a chronic cough were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio (M:F) was approximately 3:2. The mean age of the patients was 43.88 ± 19.24 years (range, 18–95 years). Forty-six (92.0%) patients were nonsmokers, while four (8%) were smokers. Radiographs of the twenty (40%) patients appeared normal, while thirty (60%) were abnormal, with lung opacities accounted for 34% and 26% for the right and left lungs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chest X-ray in patients with a chronic cough nearly always causes detectable changes and lung opacity was the commonest lung change. These patterns corroborated with most studies that have been done.
The obstacle avoidance and path planning is one of the most important problem in mobile robots, e... more The obstacle avoidance and path planning is one of the most important problem in mobile robots, especially in dynamic environments which both target and obstacles are moving. Also the ideas and algorithms for controlling and decreasing the real robot error in path is another problem that must be solved. Usual methods have two separated parts, path planning with obstacle avoidance and auto-tuning motion control. In this paper we combined these two parts, discuss about the pursuit idea in robot motion control and show the modification with genetic algorithm to achieve a method for navigation of a two wheeled mobile robot. All ideas such pursuit and obstacle avoidance are taken from nature, and has been executed with genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic to train an intelligent robot in dynamic environment.
Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, 2020
This study examined the availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performanc... more This study examined the availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools, Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. Two (2) objectives and a null hypothesis were used to determine the availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools in Borno state. Survey and Correlational design were used. The total population of the study was 1,236 teachers and 10,349 students out of which 371 teachers and 3,105 students were sampled through simple random sampling. SSCE results for five consecutive years of the 2014-2018 academic sessions were obtained for the study. Checklist and Pro-forma were used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient, frequency and percentage at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed a significant relationship between availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in se...
Journal of economics, management and trade, 2019
Women entrepreneurship and empowerment are technically interrelated, the paper aims to examine Wo... more Women entrepreneurship and empowerment are technically interrelated, the paper aims to examine Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Strategy for National Development. Women in developed nations play an important role in national and economic development. Indeed, women in northern Nigeria are not adequately empowered because of the patriarchal nature of the region that gave much power to men and placed women at subordinate positions, in view of this the paper aim to examine why northern Nigerian women are not adequately empowered, and how they can be empowered in the nation. The study is qualitative in nature, here data were obtained from a secondary source, documents were systematically reviewed to discuss the topic under study. From the available data, the study showcased that surely, women are being dominated in the entrepreneurship in of northern Nigeria, this is because most of the business enterprises are been controlled by men in the region. In explaining this study empowerment theory was used, the theory was propounded by Sara Longwe in 1990. Essentially, the assumption of the theory dwells on women empowerment and gender equality. This Theory aims to critically access the level of women empowerment and development. The postulation of the theory is to ensure equal opportunities for both men and women to attain gender parity. This theory will help in abridging gender differences and sustain equal access to education and economy. The study found that cultural stereotype, unequal access to education and inadequate capital has affected northern women entrepreneurship and empowerment. Given this, the study recommends that the government should empower the northern women through free education and skills acquisition programmes in Nigeria especially in the northern region. government and financial institutions should provide women with soft loans to empower them to start a business.
Nigerian trade union movements were initiated to protect the right and interest of its members. B... more Nigerian trade union movements were initiated to protect the right and interest of its members. Because of this the paper aim to examine the challenges of Northern Nigerians women’s liberation and involvement in trade union movements. Surely, women are encountering numerous challenges in the NTU of the Northern region and are not well empowered in trade union movements of the Northern region. These challenges have repeatedly postured a danger or set back to women participation, empowerment, and representation in the trade unionism of the region. This study is qualitative in nature. Data were obtained through primary and secondary sources of data collection, by the used of semi-structured questionnaires and systematic review of related literature. This aided the researcher in acquiring suitable and right data on the topic under study. In explaining the topic under study Social Constructivism and Liberal Feminist theories was used, the supposition of these theories positioned on gende...
CHRISMED Journal of Health and Research, 2018
Background: Ultrasonography is a safe, reproducible, and accurate diagnostic imaging modality in ... more Background: Ultrasonography is a safe, reproducible, and accurate diagnostic imaging modality in the evaluation of the effects of sickle cell anemia (SCA) on the sizes of liver and spleen. The study is aimed at determining the size of liver and spleen in SCA patients compared with that of healthy age-matched known normal hemoglobin genotype (HbAA) volunteers and also to correlate with some hematological parameters. Materials and Method: This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 1 year. A total number of 237 SCA patients attending the outpatient sickle cell clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe and an equal number of apparently healthy known age-matched HbAA from the general public were recruited by a convenient sampling technique. Results: The mean size of liver span and spleen length in SCA patients was 13.12 ± 2.05 cm and 6.50 ± 1.75 cm, respectively, while that of the controls was 11.77 ± 1.491 cm and 7.62 ± 1.827 cm, respectively (P = 0.00 for b...
The paper examined the dilemma of gender equality: women, Education, and empowerment in Yobe stat... more The paper examined the dilemma of gender equality: women, Education, and empowerment in Yobe state. Women in the northern region are underrepresented in governmental and nongovernmental services this is because of power educational enrollment. Because of this, the article examined the factors affecting female’s girl’s enrollment in education. The research is qualitative in nature, data were obtained through the primary and secondary source and analyzed thematically using NVIVO 12. The study found that there are several factors affecting women enrollment in education in Yobe state, these comprise of cultural and economic factors. It is noted that these factors have continually posed a serious threat or set back to women education and empowerment in the state. To support the study empowerment theory was used, the postulation of the theory centered on the gender gap and gender equality. Therefore, the research recommends that government should provide the women with free education, and...
ATBU Journal of Science, Technology and Education, 2020
This study was conducted with aim of examining the relationship between teacher teaching method a... more This study was conducted with aim of examining the relationship between teacher teaching method and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools, Maiduguri. Correlational and Survey design were used. The total population of the study was 1,236 teachers and 10,349 students out of which 371 teachers and 3,105 students were sampled using simple random sampling . SSCE results for five consecutive years of the 2014-2018 academic sessions were obtained for the study. Observation and Pro-forma were used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed and presented using a pie chart, frequency count, percentage, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed a significant relationship between teachers teaching methods and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools in Maiduguri. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Borno state government should provide a conducive working environment for teach...
American International Journal of Social Science Research, 2019
In contemporary democracy politics of godfatherism has become a universal issue in the political ... more In contemporary democracy politics of godfatherism has become a universal issue in the political development of many countries Nigeria inclusive. The paper studied the implication of politics of godfatherism on the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria. Certainly, the politics of godfatherism have entered every hook and crannies of the nation and have affected the political structure of the country. This paper is qualitative in nature; data were obtained from secondary sources where numerous articles, newspapers, magazines, books reports, and archives were systematically reviewed. In elucidating the topic under examination, the researcher used Elite theory. This theory was advocated by Vilfredo Pareto in 1935, the postulation of the theory is that elites are replaced by another group of elites, meaning that the majority are unavoidably governed by the minority. The study found that the politics of godfatherism has a negative impact on the socio-economic and political d...
American International Journal of Social Science Research, 2018
This paper studies the negative impacts of Boko Haram insurgency on women and children in norther... more This paper studies the negative impacts of Boko Haram insurgency on women and children in northern Nigeria. Indeed, Boko Haram has affected the lives of the general populace in northern Nigeria, precisely women and children, by turning the women to widows and children to orphans, the negative events of the sect groups have continually coursing a serious damage to the lives and properties of the peoples in the northern region. The researcher used the Secondary source in acquiring the appropriate data. The study found that this set of individuals and their negative activities have affected the lives and properties of women and children. It is noted that many women have turned to widows and children to orphans. In view of this, the paper recommends that the government should intervein to provide the affected women and children with some empowerment programmes. It should also provide a good shelter to those that lost their husbands and residents, the government, traditional rulers, and ...
Journal of Public Value and Administration Insights, 2019
Traditional institutions are formed to play a vital role in society, this paper examined the role... more Traditional institutions are formed to play a vital role in society, this paper examined the roles of traditional rulers in accomplishing stable democracy in Nigerian. Indeed, in the olden days, traditional rulers are believing to be royal fathers in their various domain, and they perform better in accomplishing firm democracy, but with coming of colonialist and democracy, the role of the traditional rulers became less recognized in the democratic system. This paper is qualitative in nature where data were obtained from secondary sources, and systematically reviewed these includes; books, journals, newspapers, magazines, published and unpublished documents. The study found that traditional institutions play a significant role in the olden days. But with the advent of the British colonial master and democracy, their power became less recognized in the democratic movements, this is because the traditional rulers were negated and have less power in the society. In explaining the topic ...
Glioma, 2019
Background and Aim: Brain tumors are a fairly common neurological problem in Nigeria and associat... more Background and Aim: Brain tumors are a fairly common neurological problem in Nigeria and associated with a relatively low morbidity and mortality rate. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality revealing precisely the tumor's location, patterns, and to some extent, the tumor characterization; however, only computed tomography (CT) is readily available in the study locality. In this study, we assessed the patterns of CT findings among patients diagnosed with a brain tumor using CT. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study, in which brain CT records of 40 cases of brain tumor diagnosed between January 2016 and August 2018 were reviewed, irrespective of patient age, sex, or clinical information. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethical Committee of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri (approval No. FNPH/GEN/092/VOLII) on December 22, 2015. Results: Of the 40 brain tumors diagnosed during the study, 17 (42%) cases were male and 23 (58%) were female. Their age range was 2–70 years (28.4 ± 20.2 years). About 22% of cases were extra-axial, whereas 31 (78%) were intra-axial. Twenty-seven (68%) patients had definitive diagnosis, with eight (20%) cases being meningioma, whereas 13 (32%) had nonspecific findings (a longer differential diagnosis). Conclusion: Meningioma was the most common type of brain tumor in this study despite the limitation of histopathology facility within the immediate locality. The low rate of glioma was probably due to few old adults included in the study.
CHRISMED Journal of Health and Research, 2019
Aim: The study was to determine the normal fetal lateral ventricular diameter using ultrasound at... more Aim: The study was to determine the normal fetal lateral ventricular diameter using ultrasound at different gestational ages (GAs). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study of the fetal cerebral lateral ventricular diameter of 685 singleton fetuses. Measurement of the fetal lateral ventricular diameter was obtained from fetuses of pregnant mothers that met the inclusion criteria during the routine ultrasound scan in Calabar metropolis. A sufficient ultrasound gel was applied on the abdomen of the subject and scanning was done at different planes until a good ovoid shape of the fetal skull was achieved. Axial images at the level of the lateral ventricles were obtained. The widest part of the posterior lateral ventricle far from the transducer was measured more than once and the average value computed for each subject. Results: About 85.4% of the patients were multiparous while 14.6 were primipara. The ages of the pregnant mothers ranged from 20 to 35 years with a mean age of 28 ± 3 years. The male fetuses were 311 while the female was 374. The lateral ventricular diameter did not show any significant correlation with fetal characteristics such as gender, estimated fetal weight, and fetal head circumference throughout gestation. However, the fetal ventricular diameter had a weak but not statistically significant correlation with GA of the fetus (r, P = 0.13, 0.06). Conclusion: Our studies show that 10 mm is the acceptable upper limits of normal for fetal lateral ventricular diameter (FLVD) of fetuses in Southern Nigeria. Ventricular diameter out of this normal range in this region could be considered abnormal and may demand further investigations.
Asia Proceedings of Social Sciences, 2019
he British officials in Nigeria mounted and imposed rules and laws through the traditional rulers... more he British officials in Nigeria mounted and imposed rules and laws through the traditional rulers who only served as mediators between the people and the British officials. Though, the cultures and traditions of the Nigerian citizens were cherished and reserved by the British government in order to accept and welcome them by the citizens of the country. However, this system worked out well because of the support of the traditional rulers who claimed that since their cultures and traditions were not interfered with, they have no problem with the British authorities (Teslim, 2019). Before traditional rulers are attached with some important functions among which are contributing to development administration, linkage or "brokering" between grassroots and capital, extension of national identity through the conferral of traditional titles, low-level conflict resolution and judicial gate-keeping, ombudsmanship and institutional safety- valve for overloaded and sub-apportioned bu...
The Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 2018
Background: Inspite of potential detriment from computed tomography (CT) procedures, there is inc... more Background: Inspite of potential detriment from computed tomography (CT) procedures, there is increasing installation and use of the medical imaging modality in Nigeria. Computed tomography dose monitoring and reporting have however, not received commensurate attention. Objective: To carry out a census of CT scanners in Nigeria and, to assess a representative sample for dose. Methodology: A physical count of the scanners was done using radiographers spread across the country. Twenty of those scanners were then assessed for head dose using volume computed tomography dose index (CTDI vol), and dose-length product (DLP) extracted retrospectively and manually from the operating console. The mean, as well as the 75th percentile, were then calculated for all subjects with the aid of statistical packages for the social sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. Results: A total of 183 CT scanners were installed in Nigeria as at March 2018. A huge number of these (57.4%, n = 105) belonged to private investors while the federal and state governments jointly owned 78 scanners (42.6%). The Christian-dominated South had far more scanners installed (n = 116) than the Muslim-dominated North and FCT (n = 67). Three states in northern Nigeria had no single scanner installed. A sizeable number (83%, n = 151) of the scanners were functional as at March 2018. The CT dose was assessed using scanners from General Electric (GE), Toshiba, Philips, Siemens and Neusoft. CereTom was the only model left out due to low distribution and inaccessibility. The slice capacity ranged from 4 to 128. Tube potential was uniform (120 kVp) in the centres while tube current was within a narrow range (200-250 mA). The dose for head investigation amongst the adult population had a mean/75th percentile of 57/63 mGy (CTDI vol) and 1336/1431 mGyÁcm (DLP), respectively. This is fairly comparable to a similar work from Kenya but higher than the recommendations of the European Commission. Conclusion: Computed tomography scanners distinctly located in Nigeria were 183. The first installation in the country was in 1987, suggestive of an annual average of 6 installations. Dose from different facilities showed wide variations. The establishment of national diagnostic reference levels (nDRLs) to reduce arbitrariness in dose administration is imperative. While this is awaited, radiographers have a moral and ethical obligation to pay more attention to optimization of patient protection.
Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU), 2017
Background: Sonographic measurement of the median nerve has been proposed as a useful alternative... more Background: Sonographic measurement of the median nerve has been proposed as a useful alternative to the electrodiagnostic test in the diagnosis of the carpal tunnel syndrome because of its ability to reveal morphological changes. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of occupation, gender, and hand dominance on the median nerve cross-sectional area (MNCSA). Methodology: One hundred and eighty apparently healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Hand dominance was ascertained in all volunteers. The device used was Voluson P8 ultrasound system with a 12-MHz transducer, using custom preset for musculoskeletal ultrasound. The Anteroposterior (D1) and transverse (D2) diameters of the median nerve were taken bilaterally at the level of the pisiform bone at the anterior surface of the wrist joint. Using these values, the MNCSA was calculated using the ellipse Formula. Results: The volunteers were divided into repetitive and nonrepetitive groups. The MNCSA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the repetitive work group than in nonrepetitive work groups. Similarly, a significant difference in mean MNCSA was noted between male and female volunteers in both groups. Again, a significant difference in mean MNCSA was observed in dominant and nondominant hands in the repetitive work group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in mean MNCSA in the nonrepetitive work groups (P < 0.05). Interpretation and Conclusion: A statistically significant difference in MNCSA was detected between repetitive and nonrepetitive work groups, male and female gender as well as in dominant and nondominant hands. Occupation, hand dominance, and gender, therefore, affect the cross-sectional area of the median nerve.
Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU), 2018
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to sonographically measure and compare the pronator quadrat... more OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to sonographically measure and compare the pronator quadratus muscle thickness (PQMT) in apparently healthy volunteers between two occupational groups and to assess the influence of hand dominance on the PQMT. METHODS: A total of 180 apparently healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. The volunteers were grouped into repetitive (90) and nonrepetitive (90) workgroups. They were scanned with a B-mode ultrasound machine and linear transducer. RESULTS: The mean PQMT was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the repetitive workgroup than in nonrepetitive workgroups. Similarly, a significant difference in mean PQMT was observed between dominant and nondominant hands in the repetitive workgroups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The mean PQMT among repetitive workgroup is significantly higher when compared with nonrepetitive workgroups in the study area.
Journal of Economics, Management and Trade, 2019
This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author MAA designed the study, p... more This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author MAA designed the study, performed the introduction, objectives, problem statement, theory the protocol, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author YS managed the literature searches on the women empowerment programs and some part related to women entrepreneurship. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Hamdan Medical Journal, 2019
Background: Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is an easy and cheap diagnostic tool in the estimation of ... more Background: Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is an easy and cheap diagnostic tool in the estimation of the cardiac sizes which is used for the screening and diagnosis of cardiac diseases. Objectives: The study objectives were to assess the normal cardiac size in apparently healthy adults and establish reference ranges in our population for comparison when investigating cardiac diseases. Materials and Methods: Radiographic evaluations of the cardiac size were performed from March 2017 to February 2018 in 172 apparently healthy individuals who were referred to the Radiology Department, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, in Nigeria, for medical examinations. The individuals were divided into the following five age groups: 18–27, 28–37, 38–47, 48–57 and 58 years and above, in order to determine the influence of age on cardiac size. Results: The mean CTR for males and females was 45.10% and 45.71%, respectively, and was statistically insignificant (0.362). The mean CTR of the general population was 45.6%, and the mean CTR value increased with age until the fourth decade when it reduces with age. Conclusion: The result of this study has established the CTR of the Nigerian population in Maiduguri. The CTR gradually increased with age until the fourth decade when it reduces with age. Therefore, establishing normal ranges of CTR is necessary for comparison in a condition where a possible cardiac disease is being examined.
2018 Majan International Conference (MIC), 2018
This research investigates the performance of Self-Organizing Map (SOM) Clustering Method to anal... more This research investigates the performance of Self-Organizing Map (SOM) Clustering Method to analyze students' e-learning activities with the aim to identify clusters of students who use the e-learning environment in similar ways using data obtained from the log files of their actions as input. The SOM clustering technique was used to group the students into three clusters. Learning behaviors of students in each cluster were analyzed; a relationship between students' learning behaviour and their academic performance (Final Results) was investigated. The analysis shows that students in Cluster1, having the highest interactions frequency with the e-learning, also got the highest final score mean of 91.12%, this followed by Students in Cluster2 with less number of interactions than Cluster1 and final score mean of 75.65%. Finally, students in Cluster3 have least number of interactions than the remaining clusters with least final score mean of 36.57%. The research shows that, students who participate more in Forum activities perform higher, while students with lowest records in Forum activities have the lowest performance. The research found that Forum activity has significant factor on student's course success but it is optional to students and no marks allocated to it. The research suggests that marks should be allocated to Forum activities to encourage students' participations.
Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU), 2018
BACKGROUND: A cough is the major functional mechanism which is responsible for the clearance of s... more BACKGROUND: A cough is the major functional mechanism which is responsible for the clearance of secretions from the respiratory tract and serves as an important defense mechanism, and chest X-ray is the commonly indicated examination in this category of patients for possible diagnosis and treatment. AIMS: This study aimed at evaluating the spectrum of findings among patients presented with a chronic cough in the tropics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study design was used to obtain data over a period of 3 months (March–May 2018). Adult patients aged 18 years and above who presented to the department with indication of chronic cough and plain posteroanterior chest radiographs with optimum diagnostic value were included in the study. All the radiographs were reported by a radiologist. The age, sex, coughing duration, lung changes, heart changes, and diagnosis were recorded. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 22.0. RESULTS: A total of fifty patients with a chronic cough were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio (M:F) was approximately 3:2. The mean age of the patients was 43.88 ± 19.24 years (range, 18–95 years). Forty-six (92.0%) patients were nonsmokers, while four (8%) were smokers. Radiographs of the twenty (40%) patients appeared normal, while thirty (60%) were abnormal, with lung opacities accounted for 34% and 26% for the right and left lungs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chest X-ray in patients with a chronic cough nearly always causes detectable changes and lung opacity was the commonest lung change. These patterns corroborated with most studies that have been done.
The obstacle avoidance and path planning is one of the most important problem in mobile robots, e... more The obstacle avoidance and path planning is one of the most important problem in mobile robots, especially in dynamic environments which both target and obstacles are moving. Also the ideas and algorithms for controlling and decreasing the real robot error in path is another problem that must be solved. Usual methods have two separated parts, path planning with obstacle avoidance and auto-tuning motion control. In this paper we combined these two parts, discuss about the pursuit idea in robot motion control and show the modification with genetic algorithm to achieve a method for navigation of a two wheeled mobile robot. All ideas such pursuit and obstacle avoidance are taken from nature, and has been executed with genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic to train an intelligent robot in dynamic environment.
Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, 2020
This study examined the availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performanc... more This study examined the availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools, Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. Two (2) objectives and a null hypothesis were used to determine the availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools in Borno state. Survey and Correlational design were used. The total population of the study was 1,236 teachers and 10,349 students out of which 371 teachers and 3,105 students were sampled through simple random sampling. SSCE results for five consecutive years of the 2014-2018 academic sessions were obtained for the study. Checklist and Pro-forma were used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient, frequency and percentage at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed a significant relationship between availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in se...
Journal of economics, management and trade, 2019
Women entrepreneurship and empowerment are technically interrelated, the paper aims to examine Wo... more Women entrepreneurship and empowerment are technically interrelated, the paper aims to examine Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Strategy for National Development. Women in developed nations play an important role in national and economic development. Indeed, women in northern Nigeria are not adequately empowered because of the patriarchal nature of the region that gave much power to men and placed women at subordinate positions, in view of this the paper aim to examine why northern Nigerian women are not adequately empowered, and how they can be empowered in the nation. The study is qualitative in nature, here data were obtained from a secondary source, documents were systematically reviewed to discuss the topic under study. From the available data, the study showcased that surely, women are being dominated in the entrepreneurship in of northern Nigeria, this is because most of the business enterprises are been controlled by men in the region. In explaining this study empowerment theory was used, the theory was propounded by Sara Longwe in 1990. Essentially, the assumption of the theory dwells on women empowerment and gender equality. This Theory aims to critically access the level of women empowerment and development. The postulation of the theory is to ensure equal opportunities for both men and women to attain gender parity. This theory will help in abridging gender differences and sustain equal access to education and economy. The study found that cultural stereotype, unequal access to education and inadequate capital has affected northern women entrepreneurship and empowerment. Given this, the study recommends that the government should empower the northern women through free education and skills acquisition programmes in Nigeria especially in the northern region. government and financial institutions should provide women with soft loans to empower them to start a business.
Nigerian trade union movements were initiated to protect the right and interest of its members. B... more Nigerian trade union movements were initiated to protect the right and interest of its members. Because of this the paper aim to examine the challenges of Northern Nigerians women’s liberation and involvement in trade union movements. Surely, women are encountering numerous challenges in the NTU of the Northern region and are not well empowered in trade union movements of the Northern region. These challenges have repeatedly postured a danger or set back to women participation, empowerment, and representation in the trade unionism of the region. This study is qualitative in nature. Data were obtained through primary and secondary sources of data collection, by the used of semi-structured questionnaires and systematic review of related literature. This aided the researcher in acquiring suitable and right data on the topic under study. In explaining the topic under study Social Constructivism and Liberal Feminist theories was used, the supposition of these theories positioned on gende...
CHRISMED Journal of Health and Research, 2018
Background: Ultrasonography is a safe, reproducible, and accurate diagnostic imaging modality in ... more Background: Ultrasonography is a safe, reproducible, and accurate diagnostic imaging modality in the evaluation of the effects of sickle cell anemia (SCA) on the sizes of liver and spleen. The study is aimed at determining the size of liver and spleen in SCA patients compared with that of healthy age-matched known normal hemoglobin genotype (HbAA) volunteers and also to correlate with some hematological parameters. Materials and Method: This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 1 year. A total number of 237 SCA patients attending the outpatient sickle cell clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe and an equal number of apparently healthy known age-matched HbAA from the general public were recruited by a convenient sampling technique. Results: The mean size of liver span and spleen length in SCA patients was 13.12 ± 2.05 cm and 6.50 ± 1.75 cm, respectively, while that of the controls was 11.77 ± 1.491 cm and 7.62 ± 1.827 cm, respectively (P = 0.00 for b...
The paper examined the dilemma of gender equality: women, Education, and empowerment in Yobe stat... more The paper examined the dilemma of gender equality: women, Education, and empowerment in Yobe state. Women in the northern region are underrepresented in governmental and nongovernmental services this is because of power educational enrollment. Because of this, the article examined the factors affecting female’s girl’s enrollment in education. The research is qualitative in nature, data were obtained through the primary and secondary source and analyzed thematically using NVIVO 12. The study found that there are several factors affecting women enrollment in education in Yobe state, these comprise of cultural and economic factors. It is noted that these factors have continually posed a serious threat or set back to women education and empowerment in the state. To support the study empowerment theory was used, the postulation of the theory centered on the gender gap and gender equality. Therefore, the research recommends that government should provide the women with free education, and...
ATBU Journal of Science, Technology and Education, 2020
This study was conducted with aim of examining the relationship between teacher teaching method a... more This study was conducted with aim of examining the relationship between teacher teaching method and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools, Maiduguri. Correlational and Survey design were used. The total population of the study was 1,236 teachers and 10,349 students out of which 371 teachers and 3,105 students were sampled using simple random sampling . SSCE results for five consecutive years of the 2014-2018 academic sessions were obtained for the study. Observation and Pro-forma were used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed and presented using a pie chart, frequency count, percentage, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed a significant relationship between teachers teaching methods and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools in Maiduguri. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Borno state government should provide a conducive working environment for teach...
American International Journal of Social Science Research, 2019
In contemporary democracy politics of godfatherism has become a universal issue in the political ... more In contemporary democracy politics of godfatherism has become a universal issue in the political development of many countries Nigeria inclusive. The paper studied the implication of politics of godfatherism on the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria. Certainly, the politics of godfatherism have entered every hook and crannies of the nation and have affected the political structure of the country. This paper is qualitative in nature; data were obtained from secondary sources where numerous articles, newspapers, magazines, books reports, and archives were systematically reviewed. In elucidating the topic under examination, the researcher used Elite theory. This theory was advocated by Vilfredo Pareto in 1935, the postulation of the theory is that elites are replaced by another group of elites, meaning that the majority are unavoidably governed by the minority. The study found that the politics of godfatherism has a negative impact on the socio-economic and political d...
American International Journal of Social Science Research, 2018
This paper studies the negative impacts of Boko Haram insurgency on women and children in norther... more This paper studies the negative impacts of Boko Haram insurgency on women and children in northern Nigeria. Indeed, Boko Haram has affected the lives of the general populace in northern Nigeria, precisely women and children, by turning the women to widows and children to orphans, the negative events of the sect groups have continually coursing a serious damage to the lives and properties of the peoples in the northern region. The researcher used the Secondary source in acquiring the appropriate data. The study found that this set of individuals and their negative activities have affected the lives and properties of women and children. It is noted that many women have turned to widows and children to orphans. In view of this, the paper recommends that the government should intervein to provide the affected women and children with some empowerment programmes. It should also provide a good shelter to those that lost their husbands and residents, the government, traditional rulers, and ...
Journal of Public Value and Administration Insights, 2019
Traditional institutions are formed to play a vital role in society, this paper examined the role... more Traditional institutions are formed to play a vital role in society, this paper examined the roles of traditional rulers in accomplishing stable democracy in Nigerian. Indeed, in the olden days, traditional rulers are believing to be royal fathers in their various domain, and they perform better in accomplishing firm democracy, but with coming of colonialist and democracy, the role of the traditional rulers became less recognized in the democratic system. This paper is qualitative in nature where data were obtained from secondary sources, and systematically reviewed these includes; books, journals, newspapers, magazines, published and unpublished documents. The study found that traditional institutions play a significant role in the olden days. But with the advent of the British colonial master and democracy, their power became less recognized in the democratic movements, this is because the traditional rulers were negated and have less power in the society. In explaining the topic ...
Glioma, 2019
Background and Aim: Brain tumors are a fairly common neurological problem in Nigeria and associat... more Background and Aim: Brain tumors are a fairly common neurological problem in Nigeria and associated with a relatively low morbidity and mortality rate. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality revealing precisely the tumor's location, patterns, and to some extent, the tumor characterization; however, only computed tomography (CT) is readily available in the study locality. In this study, we assessed the patterns of CT findings among patients diagnosed with a brain tumor using CT. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study, in which brain CT records of 40 cases of brain tumor diagnosed between January 2016 and August 2018 were reviewed, irrespective of patient age, sex, or clinical information. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethical Committee of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri (approval No. FNPH/GEN/092/VOLII) on December 22, 2015. Results: Of the 40 brain tumors diagnosed during the study, 17 (42%) cases were male and 23 (58%) were female. Their age range was 2–70 years (28.4 ± 20.2 years). About 22% of cases were extra-axial, whereas 31 (78%) were intra-axial. Twenty-seven (68%) patients had definitive diagnosis, with eight (20%) cases being meningioma, whereas 13 (32%) had nonspecific findings (a longer differential diagnosis). Conclusion: Meningioma was the most common type of brain tumor in this study despite the limitation of histopathology facility within the immediate locality. The low rate of glioma was probably due to few old adults included in the study.
CHRISMED Journal of Health and Research, 2019
Aim: The study was to determine the normal fetal lateral ventricular diameter using ultrasound at... more Aim: The study was to determine the normal fetal lateral ventricular diameter using ultrasound at different gestational ages (GAs). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study of the fetal cerebral lateral ventricular diameter of 685 singleton fetuses. Measurement of the fetal lateral ventricular diameter was obtained from fetuses of pregnant mothers that met the inclusion criteria during the routine ultrasound scan in Calabar metropolis. A sufficient ultrasound gel was applied on the abdomen of the subject and scanning was done at different planes until a good ovoid shape of the fetal skull was achieved. Axial images at the level of the lateral ventricles were obtained. The widest part of the posterior lateral ventricle far from the transducer was measured more than once and the average value computed for each subject. Results: About 85.4% of the patients were multiparous while 14.6 were primipara. The ages of the pregnant mothers ranged from 20 to 35 years with a mean age of 28 ± 3 years. The male fetuses were 311 while the female was 374. The lateral ventricular diameter did not show any significant correlation with fetal characteristics such as gender, estimated fetal weight, and fetal head circumference throughout gestation. However, the fetal ventricular diameter had a weak but not statistically significant correlation with GA of the fetus (r, P = 0.13, 0.06). Conclusion: Our studies show that 10 mm is the acceptable upper limits of normal for fetal lateral ventricular diameter (FLVD) of fetuses in Southern Nigeria. Ventricular diameter out of this normal range in this region could be considered abnormal and may demand further investigations.
Asia Proceedings of Social Sciences, 2019
he British officials in Nigeria mounted and imposed rules and laws through the traditional rulers... more he British officials in Nigeria mounted and imposed rules and laws through the traditional rulers who only served as mediators between the people and the British officials. Though, the cultures and traditions of the Nigerian citizens were cherished and reserved by the British government in order to accept and welcome them by the citizens of the country. However, this system worked out well because of the support of the traditional rulers who claimed that since their cultures and traditions were not interfered with, they have no problem with the British authorities (Teslim, 2019). Before traditional rulers are attached with some important functions among which are contributing to development administration, linkage or "brokering" between grassroots and capital, extension of national identity through the conferral of traditional titles, low-level conflict resolution and judicial gate-keeping, ombudsmanship and institutional safety- valve for overloaded and sub-apportioned bu...
The Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 2018
Background: Inspite of potential detriment from computed tomography (CT) procedures, there is inc... more Background: Inspite of potential detriment from computed tomography (CT) procedures, there is increasing installation and use of the medical imaging modality in Nigeria. Computed tomography dose monitoring and reporting have however, not received commensurate attention. Objective: To carry out a census of CT scanners in Nigeria and, to assess a representative sample for dose. Methodology: A physical count of the scanners was done using radiographers spread across the country. Twenty of those scanners were then assessed for head dose using volume computed tomography dose index (CTDI vol), and dose-length product (DLP) extracted retrospectively and manually from the operating console. The mean, as well as the 75th percentile, were then calculated for all subjects with the aid of statistical packages for the social sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. Results: A total of 183 CT scanners were installed in Nigeria as at March 2018. A huge number of these (57.4%, n = 105) belonged to private investors while the federal and state governments jointly owned 78 scanners (42.6%). The Christian-dominated South had far more scanners installed (n = 116) than the Muslim-dominated North and FCT (n = 67). Three states in northern Nigeria had no single scanner installed. A sizeable number (83%, n = 151) of the scanners were functional as at March 2018. The CT dose was assessed using scanners from General Electric (GE), Toshiba, Philips, Siemens and Neusoft. CereTom was the only model left out due to low distribution and inaccessibility. The slice capacity ranged from 4 to 128. Tube potential was uniform (120 kVp) in the centres while tube current was within a narrow range (200-250 mA). The dose for head investigation amongst the adult population had a mean/75th percentile of 57/63 mGy (CTDI vol) and 1336/1431 mGyÁcm (DLP), respectively. This is fairly comparable to a similar work from Kenya but higher than the recommendations of the European Commission. Conclusion: Computed tomography scanners distinctly located in Nigeria were 183. The first installation in the country was in 1987, suggestive of an annual average of 6 installations. Dose from different facilities showed wide variations. The establishment of national diagnostic reference levels (nDRLs) to reduce arbitrariness in dose administration is imperative. While this is awaited, radiographers have a moral and ethical obligation to pay more attention to optimization of patient protection.
Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU), 2017
Background: Sonographic measurement of the median nerve has been proposed as a useful alternative... more Background: Sonographic measurement of the median nerve has been proposed as a useful alternative to the electrodiagnostic test in the diagnosis of the carpal tunnel syndrome because of its ability to reveal morphological changes. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of occupation, gender, and hand dominance on the median nerve cross-sectional area (MNCSA). Methodology: One hundred and eighty apparently healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Hand dominance was ascertained in all volunteers. The device used was Voluson P8 ultrasound system with a 12-MHz transducer, using custom preset for musculoskeletal ultrasound. The Anteroposterior (D1) and transverse (D2) diameters of the median nerve were taken bilaterally at the level of the pisiform bone at the anterior surface of the wrist joint. Using these values, the MNCSA was calculated using the ellipse Formula. Results: The volunteers were divided into repetitive and nonrepetitive groups. The MNCSA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the repetitive work group than in nonrepetitive work groups. Similarly, a significant difference in mean MNCSA was noted between male and female volunteers in both groups. Again, a significant difference in mean MNCSA was observed in dominant and nondominant hands in the repetitive work group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in mean MNCSA in the nonrepetitive work groups (P < 0.05). Interpretation and Conclusion: A statistically significant difference in MNCSA was detected between repetitive and nonrepetitive work groups, male and female gender as well as in dominant and nondominant hands. Occupation, hand dominance, and gender, therefore, affect the cross-sectional area of the median nerve.
Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (KLEU), 2018
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to sonographically measure and compare the pronator quadrat... more OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to sonographically measure and compare the pronator quadratus muscle thickness (PQMT) in apparently healthy volunteers between two occupational groups and to assess the influence of hand dominance on the PQMT. METHODS: A total of 180 apparently healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. The volunteers were grouped into repetitive (90) and nonrepetitive (90) workgroups. They were scanned with a B-mode ultrasound machine and linear transducer. RESULTS: The mean PQMT was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the repetitive workgroup than in nonrepetitive workgroups. Similarly, a significant difference in mean PQMT was observed between dominant and nondominant hands in the repetitive workgroups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The mean PQMT among repetitive workgroup is significantly higher when compared with nonrepetitive workgroups in the study area.
Journal of Economics, Management and Trade, 2019
This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author MAA designed the study, p... more This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author MAA designed the study, performed the introduction, objectives, problem statement, theory the protocol, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author YS managed the literature searches on the women empowerment programs and some part related to women entrepreneurship. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.