BACKGROUND:Subcutaneous fat is a highly active metabolic tissue that exerts control on numerous biochemical and physiological processes in health and disease. Children are particularly susceptible to nutritional problems, hence the need to measure subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) which can be used to determine their body composition. Ultrasonography provides an affordable, noninvasive, available technique of achieving this. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of SFT at the triceps, subscapular, and abdomen in children age 1-5 years using ultrasound in southern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a prospective study of 1750 healthy children age 1-5 years in nursery and primary schools in Calabar, Nigeria. Their body mass indexes were calculated from their weights and heights, while their triceps fat thickness (TFT), subscapular fat thickness (SuFT), and abdominal fat thickness (AFT) were measured using a 7.5-MHz linear array transducer of a Hitachi portable ultrasound machine. RESULTS:The mean TFT value for girls was 4.6 ± 2.0 mm and 3.99 ± 1.8 mm for boys. Girls had mean SuFT value of 2.37 ± 1.41 mm and boys 2.14 ± 1.02 mm. The mean AFT value for girls was 5.53 ± 2.94 mm and for boys 4.53 ± 2.37 mm. The values at all sites were generally higher in females than in males. CONCLUSION:This work has provided a sonographic normogram of SFT at various sites for preschool children in Nigeria.

Background: Hysterosalpingogram is a useful investigation for evaluation of infertility.However the procedure is associated with variable degrees of pain and discomfort.Objective: The objectives of the study were to determine the intensity of pains experienced by women during the investigation, the management of the pains by providers and women's expectation and satisfaction with their pain management.Methodology: This was a prospective cohort study involving women who had Hysterosalpingography at radiologic centres in Calabar between July 2013 and June 2014.Structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic profile, pre and post procedure care, pain intensity, its management and women's satisfaction with their care.Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.Statistically significant level was set at <0.5.Results: The analysis was based on 93 returned completed questionnaire.The mean age was 33 ± 6.03 (SD).About half 51(54.8%) of the women had tertiary level of education and 49(52%) were nulliparous.The commonest indication for HSG was infertility 69(74.2%).Pain experienced was rated as severe (7-10) by 29(31.2%)women and moderate (4-6) by 35(37.6%).Pre-procedure analgesics were administered to 45(48.5%)women.Most women were satisfied with their pre 55(59%) and post 50(53.8%)procedure care.However, satisfaction was not significantly influenced by the severity of the pain experienced p=0.4.The study revealed that majority of the women experienced moderate to severe levels of pain and in most cases use of analgesics during HSG procedure was inadequate.Proper and adequate pain management should be integrated into the procedure.

Uterine fibroid, also referred to as leiomyoma is the most common benign tumour of the uterus occurring in women but reported as rare in the adolescent. Lately, there has been an increase in reported cases among teenagers. This study aims at documenting the prevalence of uterine fibroid among adolescent schoolgirls in Calabar and recommending timely specialist advice and care where the need arises. Adolescent secondary schoolgirls aged 10 to 19years whose parents or guardians gave consent had pelvic ultrasound scan done. A prevalence of 0.05% was calculated. It is concluded that the prevalence of uterine fibroid is low among adolescent schoolgirls in Calabar. Keyword-Adolescent,Prevalence, Schoolgirls,Uterine Fibroid

Mobile Number Portability is the aptitude of a subscriber to change his / her Network Provider (NP), without losing his / her original Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) number. This laudable process was recently introduced into the Nigerian Telecommunications environment, in view of its impact on competition and quality of service among various Network Providers (NPs). Ironically, the initial excitement it generated gradually faded. More than four years after its introduction, the statutory agency, the Nigerian Communication Commission has not made any statement on the success or failure of the exercise. In view of this, this study resorted to modeling a similar environment to investigate the switching capability of mobile network operators transacting this porting regime. The assumption made was that all calls (seeds) were successfully originated and routed using SS7 protocol. The model was framed after taking cognizance of how the signaling traffic was routed for real-time services under a certain bandwidth switching capacity. Among other key performance indicators, the exercise indicated congested switching nodes: an indication that porting activities will introduce traffic congestion if the operational channels are not expanded to accommodate high traffic generated through porting activities. The study collaborates the reasons for the unimpressive performance witnessed on the Number Portability programme in Nigeria.

Radio waves propagation is dependent on many variables. Any of these variables employed must ensure that the antennae at both sides of the link can see each other. This is because the radio horizon extends beyond the optical horizon. Inspite of this porch, telecommunications’ long distance signal suffer degradation. The ratio of the transmitted power to the receiver power is empirically deteriorated. The level of the received signal fluctuation is usually a function of the configured characteristics between the TX-antenna and the RX-antenna. In view of this, operating considerations are usually focused on LOS, NLOS and the FZ of the area, among other environmental issues. The study, therefore, focuses on issues associated with Radio waves propagation under Fresnel zone peak levels of 0.6, 1.0 and 2.0. Five locations were considered along a major economic route (Eket-Mobil Oil giant and Uyo capital city). Signal strength pattern along the route was evaluated using a wireless radio link established in all the surveyed interceptions. This aided to determine any impeding structure tending to obstruct signal propagation; and measurements were taken at five respective nodes along the route. Results indicated the best line-of-sight (LOS) at Etinan (-81dB signal strength). AfahaNsit, recorded the second best on the table (-82dB). On the other hand, locations like Eket and Nsit-Ubium established very poor line-of-sight (signal strength of -84dB and 83dB respectively). The study further noted that obstruction like trees along the route to Eket contributed greatly to the poor results obtained at the terminal point of the signal; except for the meticulous positioning of the antennae. The variance recorded in this work from the previously reported study by the same author, was due to modified Fresnel zone levels and corresponding decrease in transmitting frequency. Comparatively, it was observed that the reduction in the channel frequency, increased the rate of attenuation across the locations, as well as the signal strength.

Wireless signal deterioration in major sub-urban locations has been cause of concern to stakeholders.This study, therefore, under-take empirical study of the characteristics and issues of electromagnetic wave propagation under line-of-sight (LOS) signal transmission in Akwa Ibom State.The intent is to determine areas and causes of wireless signal fluctuation within 40 percent FZ level..The investigation was restricted to line-of-sight (LOS) links at frequency range of 2.1GHz in the Southern part of Nigeria (lat. 4 0 32 1 and 5 0 33 1 North) and (long.7 0 25 1 and 8 0 25 1 ), .Line-of-sight (LOS) signal measurements were carried out in randomly selected ten Local Government Councils in Akwa Ibom state.From the results obtained, the measured and calculated values of the Fresnel Zone clearance were in congruence.The variance between measured and calculated values ranged from 0.31m to 1.88m for 0.6 zones.Furthermore, from 0.22m to 3.13m, for 1.0 FZ number, and 0.26m to 3.03m, for 2.0 FZ number.Determined variation between the measured 1.0 FZ radius and 60 per cent no-obstruction radius at 1.0 FZ number was carried out.This showed lost radius index range of 2.06m to 9.12m.This analysis was done only for 1.0 zone number, since it was considered intermediate between the other two zones (0.6 and 2.0).The study further deduced that maximum signal strength was received between the ranges of 0.6 to 1.0 peak numbers for all locations.At 1.0 and 2.0 zone radius, the overall signal sent out were cut-off by some perceived obstructions along the line-of-sight path.The calculated and the measured path loss vary from 112.6dB to 134.2dB and 109.5dB to 130.2dB respectively, while their differences vary from 2.3dB to 4.0dB.The result further indicates that the strongest signal strength was established in Etinan at -80dB, and signal-to-noise ratio of 9dB as the lowest.The root means square error (RMS) index for path loss range from 2.28dB to 4.87dB.Comparatively, these results show a good agreement with earlier studies.The study inferred that urbanization, afforestation, etc., have contributed largely to attenuation of signal strength along these routes.Relevant recommendations for further studies were made relating to signal obstruction caused by afforestation and urbanization.

This research work concentrates on measuring, analyzing and predicting the reduction of discrete frequency noise levels with focus on Perkins 100 kVA cooling fans. The measuring and fabricated materials used in carrying out the measurements were: digital sound level meter (SLM), frequency analyzer, AC electric motor, flange, basement and generating set cooling fan. The radiated sound levels were measured without contributions from other engine noise sources. These assisted in obtaining accurate sound pressure level (SPL) data on the fan noise. Discrete frequency tones of the cooling fans were measured within the audio and narrow band ranges using the calibrated TrueRTA spectrum analyzer. The sound power level (SWL) and sound intensity level (SIL) of the fans were calculated using values obtained from the measured SPL. Matrix Laboratory Application Software (MATLAB) was used for analysis of results. The background noise levels (BNL) were determined. It was observed that the un-banded fan used for 100 kVA generating set had SPL peak of 84 dB, at the fundamental blade passing frequency (BPF). In order to reduce the discrete tones at the blade passing frequency (BPF), the baseline fan were banded with a light flexible cylindrical plastic material. The band was found to effectively reduce the radiated sound levels (BPF tone) for the 100 kVA fan. Further observation showed that 10.89 dB SPL reduction was achieved by applying the flexible band on the fan used for the 100 kVA generating set. Almost all the blade rate tone levels were reduced which further increased the acoustical performance of the fan. However, a slight reduction in the aerodynamic performance of the system was observed. From the study, this effect can be mitigated by increasing the size of the radiator.

The fundamental sculpt of radio waves propagation is the radiation of radio waves from a point-source electromagnetic energy to different directions. In practice, this radiated energy varies and diminishes in strength as it propagates from the point-source to the receiver. The level of attenuation of this radio wave can be determined by many factors. Researchers on urban wireless microcells networks, had very often, focused on measurements and modeling of reflected and diffracted rays from corners of structures and their exterior walls. In some cases the structures in questions were treated as opaque to signal propagating under terrestrial mobile frequency range. The attenuation capacity of these structures forms the basis of this study. Quasi-two-dimensional ray-based model was employed during the study. The transmitting and receiving antennae heights were erected at elevation levels not above the top of an average roof, while the base station antenna was assumed to be at the same height as the mobile station to enable the transmitted rays to propagate in a horizontal plane. This was anchored on the theory that transmitted e-m waves have uniform distribution as it propagated through different layers of the building. The attenuation coefficients of other obstructions in the periphery of the environment were not considered. Furthermore, only the exterior building coordinates were assumed to be known. X (τ) = , which has a pulse-like shape, to estimate the complex impulse response (CIR) of the channel under examination. According to the transmission mode of the building penetration model, the building transmission loss was given as: Lt = b dm 20log|T (r1)| 20log|T (r2)| dB The attenuation factors, b  for this study was higher than the specific attenuation factors evaluated for 2GHz, signal penetration for buildings. The values ranged between 0.3dB/m and 0.6dB/m, while propagation loss ranged from 20 dB to 40 dB. Previous research works have posted values more than 40dB. The variance observed here can be attributed to how dense the urban location is, and the focus on high rain forest zone in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study shall be very useful during the planning stages of microcellular networks, routing configuration-guide and network performance management. The limitation of the study is the inability to determine the attenuation coefficient per building.

Background: The main indication for hysterosalpingography (HSG) is infertility, primarily to assess the fallopian tubes. Its major drawback is tubal spasm, which is preventable by administering intravenous (IV) Buscopan prior to the procedure. This is not routinely done by all practitioners, rather they administer it after the tubes are not demonstrated, which leads to repeats. HSG involves a relatively high radiation dose to the pelvic organs compared to none contrast examinations, so multiple attempts of the procedure and unnecessary radiation exposure should be discouraged. Objectives:Administer intravenous Buscopan prior to the procedure and assess the fallopian tubes, adverse drug reaction and the number of attempts of the procedure. Subjects and Methods: A prospective study of 130 women, aged between 19 and 42 years over two years, at 2 radiodiagnostic units. We administered IV Buscopan before the procedure. Results: We observed HSG abnormalities in 94(72.3%) women and 32(24.6%) showed multiple site involvement. Sixty-one (46.9%) women had abnormalities in the tubes(commonest sites), mainly due to occlusion. Conclusion: We did our procedures once, thus avoiding additional radiation exposure and discomfort due to repeated examinations in suspected tubal spasm when Buscopan is administered later to relieve it. No serious adverse reaction to Buscopan.

Acoustic and physical parameters of machines at Ikot Uduak timber market in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria were measured using a sound level meter and a real time frequency analyzer. The sound level meter was Mastech model MS6700. This has 30dB -130dB capability, with an accuracy of ± 1.5 dB. Real Time Audio Spectrum Analyzer, version 3.3 was used. The results showed that A-weighted sound levels with the meter at 1m away from the wood working machines were 100.5 dBA, 98.5 dBA, 98.2 dBA, 101.5 dBA and 90.5 dBA for Band saw, Table saw, Plainer, Spindle/Curving machine and the Drilling machine respectively. From this, the threshold for dangerous levels of noise, as stipulated by the Academy of Pediatrics and the National Campaign for Hearing and Health, which is 85 dB., and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) permissible level of 90dBA for 8-hour day and 5 days a week, have been exceeded, and this could lead to hearing impairments.

-Successful efforts in reducing traditional engine noise sources such as the exhaust and intake have heightened the need to device measures to reduce noise produced by engine cooling fan. This research work focuses on measuring, analysing and predicting the reduction of discrete frequencies and radiated sound levels from a Perkins 50 KVA diesel engine cooling fan. The broadband aerodynamic noise generated by the turbulent flow, discrete tones at the blade passing frequencies and mechanical noise due to mounting, bearing, balancing etc. are the dominant source of noise of the prototype fans. The digital sound level meter (SLM), frequency analyzer, AC electric motor and Perkins fans were the materials used in carrying out the measurement. The SLM was of the range 30 dB – 130 dB accurate within plus or minus 1.5 dB. This meter was calibrated both before and after measurements. The meter was held 1 m away from the source and 1.2 m above the ground. The axis of maximum sensitivity of the microphone was directed towards the noise source away from extraneous signals. The Aweighted network was used for all sound pressure level (SPL) measurements. The spectrum analyzer was also calibrated to obtain precise results. A 1hp Tianjin Sida Single-phase AC asynchronous electric motor with fixed speed of 1440 rpm was used to drive the prototype fans for SPL measurements. The radiated sound levels were measured without contributions from engine noise sources. This enabled obtaining of accurate data on the fan noise. SPL versus frequency of cooling fan was measured within the audio and narrow band ranges using the calibrated TrueRTA

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WRMSD) is now well documented and recognised as an occupational hazard in the diagnostic ultrasound (US) work place.The impact of WRMDS range from minor discomfort to career ending injury.As the US work force in Nigeria increases, more WRMDS are expected.This study aims at documenting the common symptoms of WRMSD amongst cross section of Sonologists in Nigeria and also recommends ways to reduce and prevent this condition.Structured questionnaires distributed to 135 Sonologists were analysed for data relating the symptoms of WRMSD to specific ergonomic factors and other variables.120 Sonologists met the inclusion criteria of which 117(97.5%) complained of musculoskeletal (MSk) pains and numbness at various anatomical sites while 3(2.5%) had no complaints.Analysis shows a positive association between these symptoms and certain US work habits.This study concludes that shoulder pain and finger numbness are the common symptoms of WRMSD in Sonologists in Nigeria.Efforts at reducing and preventing symptoms should focus primarily on educating the Sonologists and Management of institutions on the need to ensure appropriate ergonomic interventions and adaptations.

Purpose: To determine the luminance and ambient lighting levels of x-ray film viewing boxes and viewing environments in X-ray facilities in the Cross River State of Nigeria in order to compare the results with existing international guidelines. Materials and methods: Eighteen (n=18) viewing boxes in nine hospitals were studied. Luminance and ambient lighting levels were measured using a factory calibrated Model 615 BK precision light meter. Measurements were made from small openings made at the centre and four corners of a thick black sheet of cotton fibre overlying the respective boxes. Measurements were made of the 17 points on each box, and the box mean, highest and lowest luminance, as well as average uniformity values determined. Respective viewing room ambient light levels were determined 30 centimeters (cms) from the viewing boxes surfaces with the boxes turned off. Values obtained were compared with those published in the literature, following the European Commission (EU), American College of Radiology (ACR), British Institute of Radiology (BIR), National Institute of Radiation Hygiene (NIRH), South African Directorate of Radiation (SADR), and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Results: Nine (50%) of the viewing boxes surveyed met the EU and WHO guidelines for uniformity and ambient light levels. All nine study centres met the ACR ambient light conditions, while 6% satisfied the SADR guidelines. Average brightness values of viewing boxes in the nine hospitals surveyed showed poor compliance with the published guidelines. Only one viewing box met the published minimum brightness value of 1500 cd m -2 . Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the need for quick intervention and adoption of quality control standards to improve radiographic viewing conditions in the state. This should facilitate optimal viewing conditions thereby enhancing accurate interpretation of conventional radiographic images.

The pituitary fossa (Sella Turcica) has been studied by various workers in different populations and racial and regional variations of the normal sella noted. This study therefore was carried out to determine the radiological dimensions of the pituitary fossa in normal adult of the Ijaws of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A total of 440 normal radiographs of the lateral view of the skull comprising 220 males and 220 females were utilized. The radiographs were obtained randomly from the Radiology Departments of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital and Kaliya Specialist Diagnostics all in Port Harcourt Nigeria. The mean length of the sella was found to be 10.8 + 1.7 mm while the mean depth was 8.2 + 1.6 mm. The males had greater sella sizes than the females though not significant (P> 0.05). The sella size of the Ijaws when compared to the Caucasian values was lager though the difference was also not significant (P> 0.05).

Measurements of key performance evaluation indices of telephone networks such as answer bid ratios, answer seizure ratios, call completion ratios, bids per circuit per hour, seizures per circuit per hour, per cent over flow, mean holding time per seizure and traffic carried in Erlang were made in Kaduna and Kano metropolises at determined peak hour periods. Their results show that there is poor quality of service as depicted from the low values of answer bid ratios, answer seizure ratios, call completion ratios and that challenges exist in service diversification, congestion, handoff, blocking and disparity in interconnection rates. This research work has also shown that although Nigeria has witnessed spectacular growth in the mobile telecommunications environment rising from one of the lowest mobile telephone markets to one of the fastest in the world, there is inadequate number of telecommunication operators and lack of sufficient transmission bandwidth and backbone infrastructure. Keywords : Key, performance, indices and telephone traffic, bids, traffic Global Journal or Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (4) 2008: pp. 467-472

The status of Light Beam diaphragms (LDBs) in Calabar, Cross River State were studied using a quality assurance test method to check the beam alignment and collimator accuracy of x-ray equipment in diagnostic centers in Calabar. Results showed an increase in misalignment of the x-ray field and light field with an increase in the light field. The greatest misalignments were 7.9% and 5.6% along the cassette and across the cassette respectively. On the other hand, the least misalignments across and along the cassettes were 0.3% and 1.1% respectively. This indicates an unacceptable status of LBDs in Calabar, and the implication of this in image quality and radiation protection is noted as an undesirable development as it evidently contributes an unwelcome quantity to the radiation dose to the patient population.

This study represents the understanding and practice of radiologists in Nigeria in obtaining informed consent from pa t i en t s b e f o r e adm in i s t e r i ng radiological contrast media. 120 questionnaires were sent to radiologists practicing in Nigeria. 78(65%) responded, 60(76.9%) of the respondents understood informed consent to mean informing a patient about a procedure and obtaining consent to carry out the procedure. Whereas for consent to be informed it must include the nature of the procedure, purpose, risks and benefits. 52(66.7%) obtained either written or verbal consent while 26(33.3%) neither informed patient nor obtained consent. However, al l respondents understood that failure to obtain consent may result in possible litigation by patient or relative while 69(88.5%) requested for a specific policy regarding informed consent. It is concluded that the radiologist in Nigeria does not fully understand the concept of informed consent. A specific policy should be made by the appropriate professional body in Nigeria as to what constitutes the requirements of a truly informed consent since there are simply no guidelines for now. Also informed consent forms, simple enough for patients to understand should be designed. These will assist the individual specialist in the conduct of their practice. ABSTRAIT Cette étude représente l'arrangement et la pratique des radiologistes au Nigéria en obtenant le consentement informé des patients avant d'administrer des médias de contraste radiologiques. 120 questionnaires ont été envoyés aux radiologistes pratiquant au Nigéria. 78(65%) répondu, 60(76.9%) des répondants a compris le consentement au courant pour signifier informer un patient au sujet d'un procédé et obtenir le consentement pour suivre le procédé. Cons idérant que pour que l e consentement lui soit informé doit inclure la nature du procédé, but, risques et avantages. 52(66.7%) n'a obtenu consentement écrit ou verbal tandis que 26(33.3%) ni patient au courant ni consentement obtenu. Cependant, tous les répondants ont compris que le manque d'obtenir le consentement peut avoir comme conséquence le litige possible par le patient ou le parent tandis que 69(88.5%) demandait pour une politique spécifique concernant le consentement INFORMED CONSENT: THE RADIOLOGIST ADMINISTERING RADIOLOGICAL CONTRAST MEDIA *D.E. Bassey, **G.O.G. Awosanya, *B. Chikwendu, ****I.J. Okoye *Department Of Radiology University Of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar Nigeria **Department Of Radiodiagnosis Lagos University Teaching Hospital Lagos Nigeria ***Department of Radiology University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu Nigeria Correspondence:D. E. Bassey West African Journal of Radiology April 2005 Vol. 12 Number 1

A retrospective study of 1000 chest radiographs randomly selected from various government and private owned hospitals in the southern part of Nigeria covering a period of twenty years was carried out. Accuracy in patient positioning, beam collimation and identification of radiographs were assessed as indicators for quality assurance and radiation protection. The result showed that for male 59% were rotated and 41% were not. For the female, 60% were rotated while 39% were not. 95.30% radiographs were inadequately collimated, and 69.30% were properly identified. This suggests poor quality and exposure of patients to unnecessary radiation though more attention was paid to identification of radiographs. KEY WORDS: Positioning; Collimation; Identification; Quality; Radiation. West African Journal of Radiology Vol.7(1) 2000: 18-25