INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH -GRANTHAALAYAH

15-25

Authors: P. M. Gyuk , A. Aruwa , M. D. Dogara , I. H. Daniel

Groundwater (well and borehole) and surface water samples from various locations of Idah and environs including have been investigated for their 222Rn concentrations by Liquid Scintillation Counter (Packard Tri-Carb LSA 1000TR) manufactured by Packard Instrument Company. The mean concentration ranges from 4.70 Bq/L to 24.0 Bq/L for borehole samples, 5.70 Bq/L to 13.60 Bq/L and 1.90 Bq/L to 4.50 Bq/L for well and surface water respectively were found. The average mean concentration of 10.23 Bq/L and 12.28 Bq/L were found for borehole and well waters respectively which were above the maximum contaminant limit of 11.1 Bq/L set by USEPA and 10.0 Bq/L by UNSCEAR and WHO. The average mean concentration of 3.05 Bq/L was found for surface water making it safe drinking and domestic use. The average total effective dose by ingestion was found to be 0.0412mSv/y which is lower than the recommended limit for members of the public of 1.0 mSv/y and intervention level of 3 – 10 mSv/y by ICRP.

36-43

Authors: Nijamir.K , Kaleel.MIM

This study was proceeded to identify the groundwater contamination based on the primary and secondary objectives. The primary objective is “identifying the groundwater contamination by the utilization of agro-chemicals, and the secondary objectives are “finding out Nitrate and Phosphate concentration to identify the Groundwater quality depletion by the chemical testing, identifying adverse agricultural practices and to make awareness among agro-chemical users by inducing traditional agricultural practices and recommend favorable solutions to the groundwater oriented problems in study area. For this study five parameters such as NO3, PO4, EC, pH and Turbidity were analyzed. All the parameters varied from wet season to dry season. Particularly, NO3 and PO4 concentration has deviated from both seasons. The conclusion of the study is that the application of the agrochemicals has impacted on the groundwater quality drastically.

52-67

Authors: Bruce, Daniel , Eshun, V. Mawuli

The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of psychosocial problems among persons living with glaucoma and also find out whether socio-demographic characteristics of glaucoma patients significantly affect their levels of psychosocial distress. The cross-sectional survey design was chosen. One hundred (100) patients with glaucoma were selected from two Eye clinics in Accra as the sampled population. One-Way ANOVA, independent t-test and Pearson correlation were used for data analysis. Results from the analysis showed that 99% of the patients reported mild to extremely severe depression. One percent (1%) of the sample reported normal depression levels. It was also observed from the analysis that 75% of the patients reported mild to extremely severe anxiety levels and, 25% reported normal anxiety levels. On stress levels, 45% of glaucoma patients reported mild to severe stress levels whilst 55% of reported normal stress levels. Further analysis showed that female glaucoma patients reported higher depression, anxiety and stress levels than male glaucoma patients, younger glaucoma patients reported higher depression, anxiety and stress levels than older glaucoma patients. However, no statistically significant differences exist among Glaucoma patients who are employed, unemployed and self-employed in their depression and anxiety levels but differed significantly on their stress levels. No statistically significant differences exist among Glaucoma patients who are single, married, widowed and divorced in their depression and anxiety levels but differed significantly on their stress levels. Additionally, there is a significant positive relationship between patients’ social distress and emotional distress (DASS). It is concluded that there is substantial level of psychosocial distress among patients with glaucoma. Patients’ age, sex and marital status significantly affecting their psychosocial distress and therefore, psychosocial care should be included in the healthcare of these patients.

80-90

Authors: Isabelle Musanganya, Chantal Nyinawumuntu , Pauline Nyirahagenimana

Many researchers consider microfinance as a tool for poverty reduction. Even more, especially in post-conflict African countries, micro-financial institutions are seen as an opportunity of reconciliation. Lending from microfinance institutions to that from traditional banks and examine their respective effects upon economic growth has been practiced in some sub-Saharan countries. Considerable progress in research has been found that microfinance loans raise growth comparatively to that of traditional banks. A lot of number of researches carried out in subSaharan countries even in other developing countries outside of Africa did not find strong evidence that bank loans raise growth. There is, however, some evidence that bank loans do increase investment, whereas microfinance loans do not appear to do so. Differently, other researchers highlighted clearly that microfinance can provide its contribution on poverty reduction and better access to finance needed for startup micro-entrepreneurs along the world. These results suggest that microfinance loans are not primarily invested as physical capital in developing countries, but could still augment total factor productivity, whereas banks may have been financing non-productive investments. Herein, we highlighted the impact of microfinance banks on developing countries economic growth. We also indicate how microfinances system incorporated in rural areas boosted the lifestyle of poor people in Sub-Saharan Africa.

95-98

Authors: Dr. Nishi Arora , Dr. Nidhi Srivastava

Woman is the centre of any social system. She plays many roles in her life but it is strange, that she has to fight for each single moment for her survival. Time has changed the situation for women on the basis of official recognition but in reality, there are still many persistent conflicts hanging on a thin strand with similar strength to that of a hair.

106-115

Authors: Dr.K.Lenin

In this paper a Green Darner (GD) algorithm is used to solve optimal reactive power problem. The key inducement of the Green Darner (GD) algorithm initiated from inert and vibrant swarming behaviors. These two swarming behaviours are very similar to the two key segment of optimization using meta-heuristics: exploration and exploitation. Green Darner (GD) engenders sub swarms and flies over assorted areas in an inert swarm, & it will be the main goal of the exploration segment. In the inert swarm, conversely, Green Darner (GD) flies in bigger swarms and down to one direction, which is constructive in the exploitation segment. In this proposed Green Darner (GD) algorithm, two necessary segments of optimization, exploration and exploitation, are planned by modeling the social communication of Green Darner (GD) in navigating, probing for foods, and keep away from enemies when swarming vigorously or statistically. The projected Green Darner (GD) algorithm has been tested in standard IEEE 118 & practical 191 bus test systems and simulation results show clearly about the improved performance of the projected Green Darner (GD) algorithm in reducing the real power loss.

124-131

Authors: Gyuk, M. P. , Ahmadu, B. , Kassimu, A. A. , Aruwa, A , Ali H , Hyuk, I. D.

Twenty eight samples of water fourteen each from hand-dug wells and boreholes in some parts of Chikun and Kaduna south LGAs were selected using a stratified random sampling. Twenty (20mils) of concentrated nitric acid were added to each two liters of the sampled water for preservation. The samples were then evaporated and counted for Gross Alpha and Beta activity using MPC-2000-DP model gas free proportional counter at Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The results showed that the range of alpha activity varied from (0.008-0.276)Bq/L with a geometric mean of 0.048 Bq/l for borehole samples and (0.001-0.413) Bq/L with a geometric mean of 0.124 Bq/l for well water samples. The range of beta activity varied from (0.009-0.338) Bq/l with a geometric mean of 0.099 Bq/l for borehole water samples and (0.003-0.808) Bq/L with the geometric mean of 0.183 Bq/l for well water samples. The overall results show that, the alpha and beta activity have their values below WHO recommended practical screening level of 0.5 Bq/L for alpha and 1.0 Bq/L for beta radioactivity for drinking water. The mean values of CED due to intake of borehole water for alpha activity are 0.019mSv/yr, 0.039mSv/yr and 0.078mSv/yr for infants, children and adult respectively. For beta activity the values are 0.032mSv/yr, 0.063 mSv/yr. and 0.127 mSv/yr. In the well water samples, the mean CED value for alpha activity are 0.048 mSv/yr, 0.095 mSv/yr. and o.146 mSv/yr for infants, children and adults respectively and for beta activity the mean values are 0.081 mSv/yr., 0.147mSv/yr. and 0.294 mSv/yr respectively. The results showed elevated values in few of the location above the ICRP acceptable standard of 0.1mSv/yr. These values show that the general public in few of the locations are committed to higher dose above the standard values and long term exposure could pose health threat.

145-151

Authors: Samir A Hamouda , Eman A. Alsslam Alfadeel , Mohamed Belhasan Mohamed

Gravity plays a major role in the planetary formation and the development of the solar system. Gravity attraction is the essence of a power that holds and governs the universe; it makes the planets in the solar system revolve around the sun and the moons around their planets. Magnetic fields are also an important phenomenon in the solar system and beyond. Their causes are complex and have a variety of effects on their surroundings; they have become a critical tool for the exploration of solar system bodies. However, the study of the mechanisms of planets formation in the solar system is a difficult problem made more so by the inability to construct planetary-scale models for laboratory study. However, understanding the nature of the matter comprising the Solar System is crucial for understanding the mechanism that generates planetary magnetic fields and planetary gravity. In this study, a brief history about the development of planetary gravity is presented. Some data about the physical properties of planets in the solar system are presented and discussed. However, much work is still needed before the planetary gravity and planetary magnetic field processes are fully understood and full advantage be taken of the implications of both phenomena observations.

164-170

Authors: Ponniah Sivarajah

This study analyzed the production efficiency of paddy farms in Northern Sri Lanka using the Data Envelopment Analysis approach (DEA). Farm efficiency has been related to resource use efficiency and achievement of higher productivity. The aim of this study was to study the levels of production efficiency of small paddy farms, and to identify the impacts of land size and extension worker contacts on production efficiency. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected in the Mannar district in Northern Sri Lanka. The DEA technique was used to measure technical/production efficiency and results were compared for land size and extension contact category of farmers. It was found that more than average of farms had low efficiency scores of below 0.5. Small farms and large farms had a significant difference in efficiency scores. Thus this indicates that there is an impact of land size on farm production efficiency and very small farms and also large farms are inefficient in paddy production the area. There was a significant difference in farm efficiency between farmers with extension contacts and otherwise. The study reinforced the role that can be played by extension workers in pushing the farm efficiency levels higher and helping in better resource use efficiency on farms.

186-194

Authors: Dr.K.Lenin

This paper presents an Enriched Black Hole (EBH) algorithm for solving reactive power flow problem. The Black Hole Algorithm starts with a preliminary population of contestant and for all iteration of the black hole algorithm, the most excellent candidate is favored to be the black hole, which followed by pulling further candidates around it, called stars. If a star move very close to the black hole, it will be consumed by the black hole and is vanished undyingly. In such a case, a new star - candidate solution is arbitrarily created and placed in the exploration space and starts a new search. Black hole algorithm is feeble to carry out global search completely in the large size problem spaces. So the enhancement in the amalgamation process in black hole algorithm has to be done. In this work, black hole algorithm will be enhanced, using stars gravities information. For this aim, a kind of gravitational force between stars is defined and the movement of stars to the black hole is adjusted during the penetration of solution space. In order to evaluate the projected Enriched Black Hole (EBH) algorithm, it has been tested in Standard IEEE 57,118 bus systems and compared to other standard reported algorithms. Simulation results reveal about the Enriched performance of the projected algorithm in plummeting the real power loss.

206-216

Authors: Dr.K.Lenin

In this paper Enhanced Mine Blast (EMB) algorithm which based on mine bomb explosion concept is proposed to solve optimal reactive power problem.The clue of the projected Enhanced Mine Blast (EMB) algorithm is based on the examination of a mine bomb explosion, in which the thrown pieces of shrapnel crash with other mine bombs near the explosion area resulting in their explosion. In this paper convergence speed has been enhanced. Proposed Enhanced Mine Blast (EMB) algorithm has been tested in standard IEEE 118 & practical 191 bus test systems and simulation results show clearly the superior performance of the projected Enhanced Mine Blast (EMB) algorithm in reducing the real power loss.

224-229

Authors: Vd.Gauravkumar V. Shaha , Vd.Vivek S. Chandurkar

Today people are predisposed to various diseases based on their way of living and occupational habits called life style diseases. Orthopedic disorders are one of the mostly exposed to such life style habits. physical inactivity, wrong body posture, occupational posture, long sitting jobs, stresses activity, exposure to continue vibration, post-operative causes, gym, athletes muscular spasm are main contributing factors to orthopedic disorders. One of the most common orthopedic health problems today is lower back pain which is accompanied most of the time by Sciatica. The present case study is successful Ayurvedic management of a case of “GRUDRASI”.

244-249

Authors: DB Dhami , RS Rathore , VK Bhargava , G Neupane , R.Singh , A.Singh , GJ Shah

Background: Reviewing the teaching program at regular intervals and modifications in the teaching methodologies with understanding perceptions and opinions of medical students regarding teaching learning may prove useful in improving the teaching of pharmacology. The objective of the current study was to compare the effectiveness and to assess perception of Problem based learning (PB) and lecturer based learning (LB) in conveying the medical facts in pharmacology. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to the students and asked to score each individual statement regarding LBL and PBL. The median total scores and median with interquartile range of individual statements was calculated. A comparison between questions that support LBL or PBL was performed. Student t-test was employed to compare the mean scores of different groups. Result: Among of one hundred and thirty five (135) students, only one hundred and ten (110) student participated in this study. The individual median score was 37 when compared to possible total score of 55. The total score (mean ± standard deviation for question 4-7 related to LBL was 2.920±0.614 and that of the questions 8-11 related to PBL was 3.863 ±0.738. This difference found statistically significant (p<0.05) Conclusion: Students had more positive perception on PBL compared to the LBL. In PBL, Student analyses the problem through self-directed efforts, solves the given problem by applying knowledge and skills followed by group discussions in adequate infrastructure, trained faculty, well-equipped library and internet facility which is always superior to didactic lectures.

266-275

Authors: A. Aruwa, A. A. Kassimu , P. M. Gyuk , B. Ahmadu , J. O. Aniegbu

Studies on ground water samples from selected boreholes and wells in Idah were carried out to determine the concentration of radon (222Rn) using the Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC). The average concentration of radon obtained was 14.09±1.10 BqL -1 for boreholes and 13.45±1.00 BqL -1 for well waters. The overall average concentration of 13.77±1.05 BqL -1 was recorded. The results obtained in this work were compared with the maximum contamination level (MCL) of 11.1 BqL -1 set by USEPA and the world average value of 10.0 BqL -1 for drinking water and it was observed that 80% of the samples exceeded these values. The average annual effective dose by ingestion of 0.051mSvy-1 was recorded for boreholes and 0.049mSvy-1 for well water samples. All values of effective dose were below the ICRP recommended intervention level of 3- 10mSvy-1.