Department of Physics

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Open Access
Ab-Initio Quantum Calculations of Some Molecular and Physical Properties of Alamine-Templated Gold Metal Nanoclusters for Application in Biosensing
(Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-09-11) Nafiu, S.A.; Lumbi, W.L.; Ewa, I.I.; Gurku, U.M.
Alamine derived nanoclusters with Gold carriers for Biosensing are studied using ab-initio Quantum Chemical calculations. Density functional computations at the Becke3LYP (B3LYP) are arrived at with the aid of LANDL2DZ basis set. The molecular structure, dipole moment, quadrupole moment, charge transfer, polarizability and energy are studied. The Alamine DNA basis shows that the properties of pure Alamine are greatly influenced with the addition of Gold nanoclusters. The computed dipole moments are high showing that the nanocluster molecules are polar and the charge distribution is not symmetrical. The quadrupole moment showed that the molecules are a bit elongated along the ZZ axis. The total energies indicate that the Alamine molecules are slightly more stable with increase in the number of Alamine segments in the Gold four chains.
Open Access
Analysis of loss levels in a single mode fiber optic cable for some fiber plants in Northern Nigeria
(Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-08-25) Dauda, Samson Yusuf; George, Olawale Adedoyin; Umar, Ibrahim; Loko, A.Z.; Lumbi, Lucas Williams
Increasing demand for transmission capacity due to digital revolution is causing an increasing demand for optical fiber systems. However, as bit-error-rate (BER) increases the fiber optic cable signal quality becomes degraded, causing signal delays, jitters, poor quality of service, packet loss, link outage, etc. In this study, the analysis of loss levels in a single mode fiber optic cable was carried out using the optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), network monitoring system (NMS) and CACTI (V 1.1.38). Various OTDR traces were carried out to determine the loss levels in the fiber cores. Similarly, using the NMS, the actual link losses were calculated and compared with the loss budget to derive the link loss margin of the links; with a benchmark loss margin of 5 dB, high and low loss levels were determined. Lastly, bandwidth utilization was carried out using network graphical solution software (CACTI, V 1.1.38). The results show that, from the OTDR traces, 60% of the tested fiber cores had high losses at the spliced joints, whereas the analysis of the NMS shows 41.7% high losses. The bandwidth utilization analysis shows a reduction in fiber link availability by 8.3%. This work has revealed the different loss levels in the tested fiber cores with high loses leading to increase in BER which negatively impacts the optimum usability of a link. Therefore, maintaining a low and within-budget loss level is very essential for efficient signal transmission and optimization of the fiber optic cable for both manufacturers and the end users.
Open Access
ANALYSIS OF SHIELDING EFFECT AND AREA SURVEY FOR X – RAY DIAGNOSIS IMAGING FACILITIES ACROSS ABUJA, NIGERIA.
(Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-09-21) ISMAIL, WASIU OLANIYI
Radiation protection source is of great concern for national and international bodies because of the potential hazard associated with ever increasing number of radiodiagnostic facilities. However, humans are exposed to ionizing radiation and there is a risk of damage to our cells and our offspring. Ten diagnostic centres/hospitals (3 private and 7 government hospitals) were assessed. The objectives are to assess the integrity (standard) of the shielding used in those centers using an inspector alert to measure the recordable dose while taking into consideration the three points of interest; controlled area, supervised area and behind the wall as well as the design of the X-ray room as a means of reducing radiation. Results show that no recordable radiation was observed at all the points of interest confirming the efficiency of the shielding and the room design as barriers against ionizing radiation. The annual effective dose rates for both occupational and public were calculated and found below annual dose limit except for centre G whose annual effective dose rate for public exposure (0.95mSv/yr,) proved higher than the other centres thought, this does not calls for any alarm as the dose still fall below the annual dose limit of 1mSv/yr for public exposure as evidenced in table 4.2.7, 40% of the centres used lead lined wall and 40% had lined doors and 20% used concrete for their diagnostic rooms design. This result further strengthens the Area survey report. Generally, there was a good compliance to the minimum standard requirement in those X-ray diagnosis imaging facilities.
Open Access
ASSESMENT OF THE RADIATION SAFETY STANDARD IN YOBE STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL DAMATURU.
(Physics Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2018-09-08) Abba, Bukar Idriss
The use of radiation has become very common in diagnosis and treatment of disease in the field of medicine since its discovery more than a century ago. Radiation protection and safety has been a major concern of many national and international bodies because of the potential hazardous effects associated with ionizing radiation if not properly controlled. Radiographers, who are the major dispenser of ionizing radiation, need proper monitoring for safe practice. In Nigeria, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) is saddled with the responsibility to regulate and monitor the use of ionizing radiation in the country. International Commission on radiation Protection (ICRP) in conjunction with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had been providing series of documents on radiation safety standards. Twenty personnel of radiology department from Yobe state university teaching hospital Damaturu were administered a self structured questionnaires on compliance to radiation safety standard. The result reveals high compliance rate in the hospital. Conclusively, this showed that radiographers working in public establishments in Yobe state were been monitored and they strictly followed the radiation protection and safety standard rules to be within radiation workers dose limits. That is principles of radiation protection are observed.
Open Access
ASSESSEMENT OF RADIOACTIVITY CONCENTRATION IN GROUND WATER SAMPLES FROM JEMA’A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
(Department of Physics, Nasrawa State University, Keffi., 2019-07-23) BAKO, YOSI ZAKARIA
The biological and health effects of naturally occurring radioactive materials on humans is a serious issue that calls for great concern. This is as a result of mining activities, frequent use of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, sewage disposals and many more human activities. The huge mining activities in Jema‟a local government area has raised some concern about the safety of the groundwater for human consumption. This study assesses the radioactivity concentration in groundwater samples from Jema‟a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). A total of thirty (30) water samples of wells and boreholes were collected using the stratified random sampling technique from Kafanchan A and B, Gidan-waya, Kagoma, Godogodo, Nisama, Barde, U/Mailafiya, U/Pataki and Jagindi. 4ml of nitric acid was added to reduce the pH level and was analyzed to establish the distribution pattern of the activity concentration and was compared with the international system organization contaminant level. The study also evaluates the suitability of the water for quality groundwater consumption as well as its associated risk to the inhabitants. Results shows that the mean activity concentration of 238U 232Th and 40K in well water samples were 32.58±0.18 BqL-1, 3.36±0.12 BqL-1, 60.55±1.40 BqL-1 respectively and the mean activity concentration of 238U 232Th and 40K in borehole water samples were 33.21±1.10 BqL-1, 3.39±1.18 BqL-1, 61.88±0.90 BqL-1 respectively which were found to be higher than the permissible values. The radium equivalent, absorbed dose rate, internal and external hazard indices calculated were found to be within the safe limits set by (W.H.O.) World health organization and (UNSCEAR). Based on the present study, it was concluded that activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the water samples (Wells and Boreholes) were high and Excess lifetime cancer risk for all the samples analyzed were higher than the safe limits, therefore long term radiation exposure of the residents in those areas will poses significant health threat. Therefore the groundwater from these study area should be treated for radionuclide before ingestion to reduce the radiation risk. Remediation measure and techniques should be employed by the appropriate authority at all levels so as to formulate policies that will reduce significant radioactivity levels in groundwater for human consumption.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVEL OF SOME SELECTED POPULATED AREAS WITHIN SULEJA, NIGER STATE
(Department of Physics, Nasrawa State University, Keffi., 2018-03-25) MOHAMMED, ALFA
Human beings are exposed to background radiation in their environment and their exposure to this radiation is unpreventable. Assessment was conducted for determination of the amount of background radiation level of some selected populated areas within Suleja Niger State. This was carried out using RDS-200 universal survey meter the assessment was done on thirty (30) different locations where three (3) readings were taken in each of the thirty (30) areas in order to obtain a reliable data the value of the annual dose rates of the areas ranges from 0.54 mSv/yr to 0.96mSv/yr. The radiation level in all of the 30 areas were found to be within the save limit as compared with the world average radiation limit of 1msV/yr and as set by ICRP. From the result obtained, it was found that those living within the areas are saved from radiation hazard.
Open Access
Assessment of Dose to Patients Undergoing Computed Tomography Procedures at Selected Diagnostic Centers in Kano, Nigeria
(Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-09-10) Hassan, Abdullahi A.; Umar, Ibrahim; Ige, Taofeeq A.; Joseph, Dlama Z.; Aisha, A.; Rilwan, Usman
Radiation dose levels for adult most common Computed Tomography (CT) examinations namely brain, chest and abdomen CT scans were studied. Radiation dose reports, scan parameters and demographic information were surveyed for a period of three - months. Ethical approvals were obtained from the research ethics committee of Ministry of Health and the studied centers. Data were randomly collected using a simple random technique from 131 adult patients with weights 70 ± 3kg. The General Electric 8 and 16-slice and 160-slice Toshiba CT scanners were used in the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20.0 Chicago) statistical software. The results indicated that the CTDIw and DLP values were (62.5 mGy and 2946mGy*cm), (9.9mGy and 663.3 mGy*cm) and (13.5 mGy and 1397 mGy*cm) for brain CT, chest CT and abdominal CT scans respectively. The study shows that the CTDIw values are relatively similar to those reported in established work by the European Commission. However, the DLP values are comparably higher than those of the European Commission. This revealed that there is need for robust and sustained optimization program so as to reduce patient doses without affecting diagnostic image quality.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN LIPSTICKS
(Department of Physics, Nasrawa State University, Keffi., 2018-09-07) ESOMNOFU, VICTOR ANUGO
Open Access
Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses in a Specialist Hospital towards Ionizing Radiation at Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
(Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-06-02) Dauda, Samson Yusuf; Umar, Ibrahim; Tarfa, Faruk Usman; Mundi, Abubakar Abdullahi
The effect of ionizing radiation on occupational workers is increasing at an alarming rate due to inadequate knowledge and attitude of workers. Despite this, little research has been done on the knowledge and attitude of Nigerian nurses towards radiation protection and practice. In this study, the knowledge and attitude of Nurses towards Ionizing radiation was carried out at Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, using a self-structured questionnaire. The systematic sampling technique was used to collect 30 usable responses, corresponding to 75 percent response rate that was used for the analysis. The result shows that, even though the nurses are not well educated and have just an average knowledge of radiation and its effects, they are found to show a positive (right) attitude towards ionizing radiation during theatre and ward radiography. Educational level and years of experience were found to have a significant impact on their attitude towards radiation. However, their low level of education could prove fatal if proper measures are not in place. Hospital management should embark on educational intervention programs, seminars and symposium for the nurses to improve their professional skills and knowledge for good radiation protection practices.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF OUTDOOR AMBIENT RADIATION AT QUARRY MINING IN KEFFI NASARAWA STATE (CASE STUDY OF ABZA MINING INDUSTRY)
(Physics Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2017-04-02) Ijemere, Ijeoma Esdiora
Radiation is the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or through a material medium. This include electromagnetic radiation such as heat, radio waves, visible light, x-rays and gamma radiation(y) measurement of the quantity of radiation in the surrounding environment was taken in order to know the level of exposure of people as a result of mining activities. This research work investigates and presents the ambient radiation levels at Abza Quarry mining which is been measured in Nano silver per year, a detector (inspector alart) was used for the purpose of the study. Some area was found to be relativity higher than others but are not effective (harmful) in taking the dose rate (CPM)count per minute, the time interval of 1 second per reading for 5 successive reading per area or point. 4 points and different distance was strategically selected in this studies for adequate coverage, and adding up the figures to take the average it’s values ranges from 5.27×10-4nSv/yr, 5.62×10-3 nSv/yr, 6.83×10nSv/yr and 6.99×10-3nSv/yr below the limit of intake(1mSv/yr) which established by international commission of Radiation protection. (ICRP).The people working at the site and the member of the public are not facing much danger of exposure.
Open Access
THE ASSESSMENT OF OUTDOOR AMBIENT RADIATION LEVEL IN ANDAHA DEVELOPMENT AREA, AKWANGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI, 2017-11-12) OTSO, OKOLO MONDAY
Radiation exposure to man by virtue of the environment we live in cannot be over emphasize especially it negative effect on human's life. This research is aim to determine the radiation level within the quarry site and compare the expected result with international standard. The Ludlum 19 survey meter was held 1 meter above ground level to obtain the data that was analyzed. The analyzed result shows high concentration of radiation which his harmful to the health of human within the environment as compared to UNSCEAR 2000 Threshold.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION DOSE CREEP FROM COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY UNITS OF DIAGNOSTIC CENTRES IN ABUJA, NIGERIA
(Physics Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2018-09-02) Chukudi, Malachy Ejimofor
The use of computed radiography (CR) in the X-ray imaging systems is displacing the conventional film screen system due to obvious advantages of the former. However, the wide dynamic range of the CR system has created a lacuna for unintentional overexposure of patients called dose creep. The aim of this study is to assess radiation dose creep from some computed radiography units and also assess the knowledge of radiographers about dose creep and exposure index (EI) with a view to creating awareness on the phenomenon of dose creep. In this cross-sectional and retrospective study, 2156 exposure indices were analysed. A survey questionnaire of 50 radiographers were also analysed. The exposure indices were grouped into three, viz; under exposure, optimum exposure and over exposure, based on the manufacturers recommended range (MRR) of EI. The radiographers were assessed on their knowledge of dose creep, EI and application of the MRR of exposure index. AGFA CR30-XM skull X-ray exams demonstrated the highest amount of dose creep (overexposure) rates of 56.3%. The overall distribution of the EI values in the CR units revealed that 9.9% of the data were associated with dose creep. This indicates that the probability of dose creep in the X-ray exams was 0.099. Only 37.9% (818) of the exposure indices were in the MRR. There was no significant variation of dose creep according to gender. Most of the radiographers, 92% (46) did not know the meaning of dose creep with respect to computed radiography while 58% (29) of them did not know the meaning of exposure index. None of the radiographers compared the exposure index of their X-ray images with the MRR as a means of optimizing patient dose. All X-ray examinations demonstrated a proportion of dose creep from the CR units. Radiographers were not complying with the manufacturers recommended range of exposure index. And the radiographers had poor knowledge of dose creep and exposure index with respect to computed radiography. Computed radiography is recommended for diagnostic centres due to obvious dose saving potentials and radiographers require adequate knowledge of computed radiography physics.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION DOSE IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EXAMINATION OF ADULT PATIENT IN ABUJA AND KEFFI HOSPITALS IN NIGERIA
(A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS, FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER DEGREE IN RADIATION AND MEDICAL PHYSICS OF NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI, 2017-09-07) Kambari, Ladan Sabiu
Assessment of Radiation dose in computed tomography examination of Adult patient in Abuja and Keffi, Hospitals in Nigerian was carried out. The three study centers are, National hospital Abuja, Garki hospital and federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State. CT scan is considered to be the first investigative modality of choice for patient with severe head, chest and abdominal injuries. For us to achieve this, professionals must adhere to the principles of justification of practice and optimization of radiation protection. Dose report and scan parameters for head, chest and abdomen were assessed during seven months period at the three study centres. Ethical approval were obtained from the study centers. Data on CT Dose index (CTDIw) and dose length product (DLP) available and achieved on CT scanner control console was recorded for a minimum of 10 average sized patients for each facility to established a local Diagnostic reference level (LDRLs) and radiation dose optimization Data were collected, using a purposive sampling technique, from 131 adult patients weighing 70±3kg) from Philip brilliance, Toshiba Alexion and General Electric (GE) CT scanners for the study. The collected data were analyzed using SPPSS version (20) statistical software. Third quartile values of the estimated LDRLs for CTDIw and DLP were determined as (49.8mGy and 9639mGy) and (10.9mGy and 432.8mCy*cm) and (12.7mGy and 560mGy*cm) for head, chest and abdominal CT scan, respectively. This study has established local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs). And the CTDIw obtained are almost relatively higher to the reported data from the European Commission (Head: 10mGy, Chest: 10mGy and Abdomen 12.7mGy). The DLP are comparably lower than all the reported value from the European commission (Head:1000mGy, Chest:600mGy and Abdomen: 800mGy). CT dose optimization is recommended.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION EXPOSURE LEVEL FROM SOME SCRAP METAL DUMP SITES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.
(Department of Physics, Nasrawa State University, Keffi., 2019-03-11) KERINJA, SERIOUS SILAS
Scrap yards, steel works and nonferrous metal smelters and refiners are increasingly detecting radioactive substances in incoming scrap metal as the result of losses, accidents or inadvertent disposal of radioactive material. In this study, the radiation exposure rate emanating from scrap metals dump site was assessed and the radionuclides responsible for the emission identified using an Interceptor – Spectroscopic personal radiation detector (SPRD). Sixteen (16) scrap metal dumpsites were selected at random across four Local Government Areas (Nasarawa, Lafia, Akwanga, and Keffi) of Nasarawa State, Nigeria and the gamma activity level in μrem/hr on three (3) randomly selected points on each of the scrap metal dumpsite was determined. A reading was taken on point 100m away from each of the scrap metal dump site. Results shows that, the highest annual effective dose equivalent was observed in Akwanga (AKW4) scrap metal dumpsite with annual effective dose equivalent of 0.2167mSv/yr, followed by Keffi (KEF1) with annual effective dose equivalent of 0.1758mSv/yr. The scrap metal dumpsite with the lowest annual effective dose equivalent were observed in Lafia(LAF3) and (LAF4) with annual effective dose equivalent of 0.0613mSv/yr. The excess lifetime cancer risk of 0.7585 × 10-3 was the highest value recorded in AKW4, while the lowest value was found to be 0.2146 × 10-3 in LAF3 and LAF4. The radionuclides identified are Med Pd-103, Ind Nb-95, Med Lu-176, Ind Xe-135, Ind Te-132,Ind La-140, Nat U-233, Med Se-75, Ind Cr-51, Ind Lu-176, Nat Th-177, Med Tc-99m, Ind La-140 and Med I-125 with thrust level ranging from 42- 83%. These values were below the ICRP dose limit of 1mSv/yr indicating that, the environment around these scrap metal dumpsites is safe. The excess lifetime cancer risk value (ELCR) obtained in some locations are higher than the world average value of 0.29 × 10-3. Therefore, we recommend that scavengers, workers and the public around the scrap dumpsites are to minimise the period of their stay within the dumpsites, so as to minimise the risk of developing cancer in future.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF RADIOACTIVITY AND ESTIMATION OF RADIATION DOSE PARAMETERS AROUND CEMENT PRODUCTION COMPANY IN IBESE, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI NIGERIA, 2019-04-19) Samson, Olagoke Odeleye
Natural radionuclides are found in soil and are capable of disintegrating leading to the release of ionizing radiation that can have harmful effects on individuals exposed to them especially when they exceed the recommended limits. In this study the activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil around cement production company Ibese, Ogun State was determined using Sodium Iodide detector. Six samples each were collected from the area where farming and mining activities were very high, a total of thirty (30) soil samples were collected and analyzed at the Institute of Radiation and Protection Research, Ibadan. Results show that the identified radionuclide was238U, 232Th and 40K with mean activity concentration of 29.68±1.54Bq/kg, 17.61±1.06Bq/kg and 175.50±2.73Bq/kg, respectively. The estimated mean absorbed dose rate (D), the outdoor annual effective dose (E) and the external hazard index (Hex) were found as 31.72nGy/h, 0.04 and 0.16 respectively. The mean radium equivalent was found to be 190Bq/kg while the mean value of excess cancer risk was found to be 0.15. RDS-31 modular radiation survey meter was used to determine the background radiation. The mean annual equivalent dose outdoor was found to be 0.20mSv/y.The absorbed dose rate, external hazard index and outdoor annual effective dose are lower than that of the recommended value of 60nGy/h and 1mSv/y. The radium equivalent, excess life cancer risk was calculated and were found to be within safe limit. Based on the result of this study, it was concluded that the radiation emitted from the radiosondes present in the soil of the study area do not pose immediate audiological health hazard to the public of the area and the activity carried out on soil such as agriculture
Open Access
Assessment of Radiological Hazard Indices from Exposures to Background Ionizing Radiation Measurements in South-South Nigeria
(Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2019-09-05) Godwin, Ekong; Akpa, Timothy; Umaru, Ibrahim; Lumbi, William; Akpannowo, Mbet
Radioactivity in the environment from sources of natural and human activities resulting in planned, emergency and existing exposure to human population, environment and other biota has led to growing apprehensions in Nigeria and the world. The existing exposure situations mainly from natural radionuclides, present in the earth crust from creation emits background ionizing radiation leading to gamma dose exposures. The objective of this study was to assess the background ionizing radiation and associated radiological hazard indices in Itu, Nigeria located at 5010’0” N 7059’0” E, and establish an eco-radiological baseline data prior to the construction of any nuclear fission reaction facility in the area. A systematic random method of measurement was employed within demarcated monitoring zones of entire geological map of Itu, Nigeria. The global positioning system finder (GARMIN Etrex 10) was used for data point location, while RDS-31S/R Multi-purpose survey meter was used for dose rate measurement. The background ionizing radiation measurement obtained ranged from 0.041 ± 0.002 - 0.045 ± 0.002 μSv/hr with overall mean of 0.042 ± 002 μSv/hr, which was lower than the world mean of 0.2 μSv/hr. Radiological hazard indices arising from the background ionizing radiation measurement were also evaluated. The mean estimated Gamma Dose Rate was 9.312 nGy/hr, the terrestrial outdoor Annual Effective Dose Rate arising from gamma was 6.83 mSv/yr, that of indoor was 21.85 mSv/yr and Excess Life Cancer Risk was 0.05 × 10-3. The mean evaluated radiological hazard indices were found to be below admissible limits, and thus poses no significant radiological health threat to the populace. Therefore, the assessment demonstrates that there is no elevated level of dose rate, which is makes it safe for human habitation, but care should be taken to avoid increase radiation level from human activities. It is recommended that constant radiological monitoring be encourage, and the data considered as radiological baseline in Itu, Nigeria.
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL MAPPING OF RADIO FREQUENCY FIELDS AROUND MOBILE BASE STATIONS IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL, FCT, ABUJA
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCE NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI NIGERIA., 2017-11-12) Olorunsola, Abel Blessing
The rapid development and increased used of wireless telecommunication technologies led to a substantial change of radio – frequency electromagnetic field (RF – EMF) exposure in the general population but little is known about spatial and temporal of RF field in our everyday environment. The aim of the study was to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of Radio frequency (RF) field in the areas of maximum exposure in Kuje Area Council, FCT Abuja. Broad band of RF field at various distances from selected mobile stations were assessed using radiation metre, to account for the percentage contribution due to RF field power density (S) of each selected MBS in the study area. MBS with highest percentage contribution was subjected to further investigation using selective radiation spectral analyzer. Radio frequency fields were measured along busy areas, road and streets. Power density of cell phone frequency bands (900MHz and 1800MHz) and Wi Fi frequency bands (2.4GHz) were measured. Time – varying elements of radio frequency fields were accounted for by selecting 10 hours (five – two-hour block) per day from 24hours and coordinates from a Global positioning system (GPS) were displayed on Arc GIS maps for each time – block sampled, which help to determined area of maximum exposure to human (Hotspot). Temporal variation was found to be statically significant. Aggregated power density from each cell phone and Wi Fi RF bands was calculated. The result was 154.74μW/m2 (0.240V/m) for 900MHz frequency band 126.97μW/m2 (0.213V/m) for 1800MHz frequency band 94.25μW/m2 (0.190V/m) for Wi fi frequency band respectively, which were far below ICNIRP (1998) recommendation
Open Access
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE FACTORS ON THE IMAGE QUALITY OF A LOCAL PHANTOM RADIOGRAPHY
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES NASSARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI, 2019-05-21) Arinseh, Zephaniah Gimba
Image quality control as it applies to diagnostic radiology is an effort to ensure that the diagnostic images produced are sufficiently of high quality so that they can consistently provide adequate diagnostic information at the least possible exposure of radiation to the patient. In this dissertation work, the effects of exposure factors in the production of local phantom x-ray radiograph and the physical principles involved have been identified and discussed. In this dissertation, a local phantom is exposed to x-ray under varying exposure factors to obtain a suitable exposure factors that would give a quality image at a minimal radiation dose. The suitable exposure factors were found to be within the range 80-90kV, 10-20mAs and 100-120 cm FFD. The effect of exposure factors on the local phantom x-ray radiographs was determined by varying each factors of the exposure one after the other and keeping the remaining factors constant and for dose two TLDs were inserted in each of the probe holes to measure the dose absorb by the organ after which the TLDs were taken to Centre for Energy Research Training (CERT) Zaria for reading to get the readout dose absorbed and the mean dose from the two TLDs. After the experiment, it was confirmed that kilo-voltage (KV) affects the contrast of the radiograph while milliampere-seconds (mAs) affect the blackness of the radiograph. The mean absorbed dose by the organs from varying kV, are 0.36mSv brain, 0.21mSv eye lens, 0.42mSv thyroid, 0.25mSv heart, and 0.24 mSv lungs, for varying mAs, 0.40mSv brain, 0.25mSv eye lens, 0.43mSv thyroid 0.29mSv heart and 0.26 mSv lungs and for varying FFD (cm) 0.38 mSv brain, 0.31 mSv eye lens, 0.4 mSv thyroid, 0.26 mSv heart, and 0.25mSv lungs.
Open Access
Assessment of the Knowledge and Attitude to Radiation Safety Standards of the Radiological Staff in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria
(Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-06-09) Dauda, Samson Yusuf; Umar, Ibrahim; Bukar, Idris Abba; Mustapha, Mohammed Idris
Radiation protection and safety has been a major concern of many national and international bodies because of the potential hazardous effects associated with ionizing radiation if not properly controlled. However, no much research has been done on the compliance of Radiographers to radiation safety standards in Nigeria. In this study, we access and evaluate the level of compliance of the radiological staff in Damaturu, Yobe State using a self-structured questionnaire. The simple random sampling technique was used to collect 25 valid responses from radiographers, radiologist, technicians and other staff, corresponding to 92.86% response rate. Results show that even though the radiographers show high compliance rate to radiation safety standards, majority of the workers do not have thyroid shields and monitoring devices and since the total number of exposures given during radiography is usually not recorded, it means they are over exposing themselves as well as the patients to radiation which is not a good safety measure. However, hospital management should focus attention on providing continuous professional development programs and quality assurance programs so as to maintain good processing of X-ray films for good quality radiographs as this will reduce repeated exposures. Provision of monitoring devices and thyroid shields are of great importance.
Open Access
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF LOCALLY MADE BUILDING BLOCKS (BRICKS) AS RADIATION SHIELDING MATERIAL
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS FACULTY OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI NIGERIA, 2018-07-12) Ojonimi, John Benard
The provision of adequate shielding barrier is one method of controlling scattered radiation in X-ray facilities, to ensure that adequate protection is afforded for both the workers and the members of public and adequate shielding barrier is very essential to attenuate the intensity of X-rays to acceptable limits. Many diagnostic centers use lead or heavy concrete as a shielding material which is very expensive and hard to construct. Many investors who intend to establish a radio-diagnostic centers in the rural communities are discourage because of the high cost of building bunkers to house these equipment. Based on this realization this study research was carried out to explore the possibility of low cost shielding material, soil excavated from four area council of Abuja, was molded into block (brick) of the same size (10cm x 10cm) but different thickness (1cm….4cm) and fortified with barium sulfate paint, the samples was exposed to an X-ray at 100kVp (Penetration test) and it seen that some of the samples provide a good attenuation coefficient but the sample from AMAC area council coated with BaSO4 is found to have the least HVL (6.22mm) and the highest liner attenuation coefficient (1.114cm-1). These samples from AMAC provides better attenuation coefficient and it can be used to provide low weight shielding material and less expensive that could serves as alternative radiation shielding material.