Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Research Articles

Phenotypic detection of Carbapenamase among Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinical samples using modified Hodged test

Carbapenemases are microbial enzymes that confer resistance to virtually all available beta-lactam antibiotics and the most frequent carbapenemases are the Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenamase (KPC). Detection of carbapenemases is a significant infection control strategy as the enzymes are often associated with extensive antimicrobial resistance, therapeutic failures and mortality associated with infectious diseases. A total of 400 clinical samples were collected from different groups of patients in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria and 118 K. pneumoniae were isolated using standard microbiological techniques. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, then screened for Carbapenamase production using modified Hodge test. The results indicated that the isolates were resistant to Ampicillin (61.9%), Ceftriaxone (50.8%) and Ceftazidime (50.8%), then Ciprofloxacin (54.2%), but predominantly sensitive to Imipenem (66.9%), Eterpenem (60.2%) and Meropenem (65.3%). It was found that 38 (32.2%) of the isolates phenotypically shows the presence of Carbapenamase, with highest frequency of (40.7%) among patients, mainly adult females with cases of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and the least from wound (11.8%).This study revealed that the isolates produced other beta-lactamases than KPC or variants of Carbapenamase that cannot be detected by modified Hodge test, thus shows low resistance to carbapenems. Therefore further studies is needed to genotypically confirm the presence of KPC in these isolates.

Effects of varying dietary energy and protein levels on gross morphology and histology of testes of breeder FUNAAB – Alpha cocks

The effects of varying levels of dietary energy and protein on gross morphology and histology of testes of FUNNAB – Alpha chickens were studied at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bauchi state. Twelve cocks were randomly divided into four dietary treatments; Standard diet (SD) (Control) (2650Kcal/Kg ME/ 16%CP), High Energy – Low Protein (HELP, 2800 Kcal/Kg ME/ 14%CP), High Energy – High Protein (HEHP, 2800 Kcal/Kg ME/ 18% CP) and Low Energy – Low Protein (LEHP, 2400 Kcal/Kg ME/ 18%CP) groups. A total of twelve FUNAAB – Alpha cocks were used for this experiment. The cocks were reared in floor pens under natural mating. At 69 weeks of age, all the cocks were slaughtered and testicles carefully removed for gross morphology and histological studies. A significant (P<0.05) influence of diet was noted on live weight with cocks fed HELP diet being heavier (P<0.05) than those in the other treatment groups. Means for all parameters of testicles measured where not different (P>0.05) from each other. Histological sections of the testes showed that HELP diet had mild effect on spermatogenesis evidenced by the scanty spermatozoa in the tubular lumen. It was concluded that FUNAAB – alpha cocks can be fed diets meant for breeding hens without adverse effect on spermatogenesis. However, feeding the LEHP diet produced roosters that were overweighed with slightly impaired spermatogenesis.

In-vitro Evaluation of Antiviral Activity of Moringa oleifera Extracts against Polio virus

Background: Moringa oleifera plant parts extract have been utilized tremendously in traditional medicine, having various pharmaceutical activities such as antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
 Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate antiviral activity of aqueous extract of Moringa leaves, seeds and flowers against Polio virus isolates (Vaccine Strains P1&P3), MDG-17-04852; MDG-17-04881.
 Study Design: This is a baseline study carried out to determine the efficacy of Moringa oleifera in the treatment of poliomyelitis.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Maiduguri and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi from September 2018 to October, 2019.
 Methods: Phytochemical substances was extracted and screened from the Moringa using standard laboratory techniques. Continuous cell line L20B cells was used to isolate polio virus. Polio virus stock was prepared and titration was carried out to determine TCID50 by Kerber’s formula, L-d(S - 0.5). Cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated using the end-point cytopathic effect assay. Antiviral assay and Polio virus Intratypic Differentiation (ITD) was performed using Real-Time PCR.
 Results: The results revealed present of Tannins in leaves and flowers, Alkaloids and Saponins in all the extracts, Glycosides and Steroids in leaves and Flavonoids in flowers only. Cytotoxicity of the extracts shows 50% effects in 100mg and 50mg concentrations, while 33.3% and 16.7% was observed in 25mg and 12.5mg (P>.05). The titration of the tissue culture infective dose 50% (TCID50) shows that Polio virus type 1and 3 had a titre value of 106.5 and 106.25 respectively. The ITD results observed presence of Sl1 and Sl3 from the extracts.
 Conclusion: This study found that the Moringa extracts did not neutralized the Polio virus strains studied, as the phytochemicals show no antiviral activity. Therefore further study is needed in this area to ascertain its antiviral potentials against poliomyelitis.

Comparative Study on the Awareness, Availability and Patronage of Electronic Resources between Male and Female Students of AbubakarTafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bauchi State-Nigeria

This study was conducted to examine the availability and patronage of electronic resources by male and female students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bauchi state, Nigeria. 1500 male and female students formed the population of the study. Survey research method was adopted. Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Frequency counts and simple percentages were used in analysing the data collected. The study revealed that female students of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi have rarely patronized electronic resources in the e-library and as such has tremendous impact on their level of awareness on global world of electronic information and thereby would affects their academic performances. The study recommended among others, awareness of the availability of electronic resources in the library and the need for the female students to acquire more skills in the use of electronic resources

Sonographic evaluation of the portal vein diameter in patients with chronic liver disease in northeastern Nigeria.

Chronic liver disease is a public health burden worldwide. Portal hypertension is a major portosystemic abnormality in chronic liver disease. This study aimed to determine the main, right, and the left portal vein diameter in patients with chronic liver disease. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, northeastern Nigeria from December 2018 to September 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review board. A total of 200 subjects were recruited comprising 100 patients with chronic liver disease and 100 age-matched controls, aged 18 years and above. A transabdominal ultrasound scan was carried out measuring the main, right, and left portal vein diameter while lying supine and/or in the right anterior oblique position after overnight fasting, or 6 hours before the scan. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and Pearson's correlation were used. There were 106(53%) males and 94(47%) females, aged between 18 and 73 years with a mean age of 46.79 ± 15.43. The main, right, and left portal vein diameter in patients with chronic liver disease was 14.51 ± 0.78 mm, 6.83 ± 0.81 mm, and 6.26 ± 0.74 mm, which were higher than those of their control. The portal vein diameter positively correlated (weak) with age and respiratory phases among participants (P < 0.05). This study found the main, right, and left portal vein diameter among patients with chronic liver disease to be larger than those of the controls. Ultrasonography is a reliable diagnostic tool in evaluating portosystemic pathologies.

Analyzing Variables in Wheel of Participation a Synergy in Facilities Management for Enhancing Academic Performance

This study analyzed variables in the wheel of participation advocated by Davidson (1998); in this study, wheel of participation is adopted as synergy in facilities management for the maintenance of university community infrastructure and facilities, to examine the effects of synergy by the local community and the university authority in facilities management for enhancing academic performance in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU). 100 questionnaires composed on 5 level-Linkert scales were randomly distributed, Reliability analysis was conducted to check the level of internal consistency among the measuring items, while Multiple Regression Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling with AMOS simultaneously analyzed the effects of the exogenous variables (information, consultation, participation & empowerment) on the endogenous variable (academic excellence) in ATBU. Estimates of the structural model revealed that information sharing, consultation with stakeholders, participation by local community members and empowering stakeholders do not influence academic excellence. While the regression analysis indicated a weak relationship between all the four predictor variables and the academic excellence; and with R 2 of 0.029 meant that the predictor variables accounted for only 2.9 % of the variance on academic excellence, thus, 97.1 % is accounted for by other variables not covered in this study. Further studies are recommended to supplement more predictor variables like students´ talent, intuition, flair, willingness to learn (zeal), finance and so on; using the inductive approach.

Investigation into the Utilization of ICT Facilities for Teaching Purposes among University Lecturers: Influence of Gender, Age, Qualification and Years of Teaching Experience

This study investigates lecturers’ level of utilization of ICT facilities for teaching purposes in Nigerian universities. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. And a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.907 was used for data collection. Data was collected at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi from a sample of 433 lecturers out of a population of 928. The results show that lecturers have the knowledge of using ICT facilities in teaching, however, they rarely use them in teaching. It was also found that lecturers’ age and years of teaching experiences were significant factors influencing the level of ICT utilization in teaching. However, no significant difference was found due to gender and educational qualification. It was recommended among others that there should be regular sensitization programmes on the importance of using ICT facilities as it promotes students’ learning and enhance their academic achievement.

Sonographic Renal Dimension in Patients with Essential Hypertension in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the commonest non-communicable diseases worldwide; it is the second most common cause of end-stage renal disease. Objective: To evaluate the renal dimensions and volume of essential hypertension patients in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi and to compare the dimensions with that of apparently healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: A total of two hundred and eleven individuals (comprising 121 females and 90 males) with essential hypertension attending an outpatient clinic in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, and an equal number of healthy volunteers (comprising of 172 females and 49 males) were studied as controls. Both the healthy volunteers and the Hypertensive patients’ renal length, renal width, antero-posterior diameter, and parenchymal thickness were assessed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0) was used for data analysis. Results: Study show the mean renal length for hypertensive patients to be 9.1 ± 0.79 cm and 9.1 ± 0.73 cm, the mean renal width of 3.5 ± 0.48 cm and 3.8 ± 0.68 cm, and mean renal volume of 87.22 ± 19.58 cm3 and 95.08 ± 22.93 cm3 for the right and left kidneys respectively. Results equally show statistically significant difference in anteroposterior diameter (p&amp;lt;0.05), parenchymal thickness (p&amp;lt;0.05) and renal volume (p&amp;lt;0.05) between the hypertensive group and the volunteer group for both right and left kidneys. Conclusion: This study has established baseline renal dimensions for hypertensive in our population (Bauchi Metropolis). The hypertensive subjects showed a decrease in renal anteroposterior diameter, parenchymal thickness and volume compared to control group.

THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL REPORTING REGULATIONS ON SUSTAINABILITY ACCOUNTING IN NIGERIA: PERCEPTION OF USERS AND PREPARERS

The perception of users and preparers of sustainability accounting need to be given more concentration in recent times. Although still evolving, the introduction of regulatory guidelines like the global reporting initiative and others deserves more awareness, thus, the need to improve the perception of financial reporting consumers. The survey was conducted to examine the perception of users and preparers on the application of financial reporting regulations on sustainability of accounting in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The dependent variable of the study was sustainability reporting while the independent was financial reporting regulations. The data for the study were collected through the primary source using the instrument of questionnaire which was administered on a sample of 120 staff and students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling and correlation were used to obtained the sample analyse the data. Triple bottom line theory, Agency theory and stakeholders’ theory were all used in the study to explain the relationship between sustainability reporting and financial reporting regulations. The findings from the analysis conducted on the data of the study using correlation analysis indicated that financial reporting regulations had positive significant relationship with sustainability reporting. It was recommended that regulatory body like the Central Bank of Nigeria should promote the perception of the public by creating more awareness/education on sustainability reporting.

EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) VARIETIES IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The experiment was conducted at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University teaching and research farm Bauchi, Bauchi State in 2012 and 2013 rainy seasons. The treatments consisted of nitrogen fertilizer rate of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80kg N/ha and three different varieties of sesame (NCIR BEN 01M, NCIR BEN 02M and Ex-Sudan). The experiments were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated three times in both seasons. The results of the experiments showed that, nitrogen fertilizer had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on the growth and yield of sesame plant. The application of nitrogen fertilizer at 60 kg N/ha significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased plant height, leaf area, number of branches, number of capsules per plant and yield/hectare of sesame plant in both 2012 and 2013 rainy seasons. It was also observed that, Ex-Sudan variety significantly (P&lt;0.05) had higher plant height, leaf area, number of branches, number of capsules per plant and yield/hectare than the other two varieties. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that, the application of 60 kg N/ha to sesame varieties especially Ex-Sudan can be adopted by farmers in the study area for maximum yield.

EFFECT OF INTRA ROW SPACING AND VARIETY ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (Abelmuschus esculentus L. Moench) IN BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of intra row spacing and variety on the growth and yield of okra at the research farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Gubi Campus, Bauchi State, Nigeria during the 2016 and 2017 rainy seasons. The treatments consisted of 3 spacing (20, 30 and 40cm) and 3 varieties (Kirikou, Yar-kodom and Clemson spineless) which were factorially combined and laid-down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The result of the experiment revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) in plant height, number of leaves, and number of pods per plant, pod length, pod girth, and yield per hectare. The use of wider intra row spacing significantly affected most of the parameters measured in the 2016 and 2017 except plant height that showed no significant difference in 2017. Among the varieties, assessed Clemson spineless consistently produced higher result on all measured characters and invariable higher yield. The interaction between intra row spacing and variety showed that the use of wider row spacing in combination with the varieties improved the plant height, stem girth and number of pods significantly. From the result obtained, it can be concluded that the use of wider spacing and improved varieties such as Clemson spineless can be adopted for okra production in Bauchi and its environs. The study recommended that farmers should adopt the use of wider intra-row spacing (30 cm and 40 cm) and Clemson spineless variety in the study area.

Growth and yield response of streak virus resistant maize (TZESR-W) to different nitrogen rates on a sandy loam soil of semi-arid region of Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Research Farm, Bauchi during the 1992 and 1993 cropping seasons to investigate the “Growth and yield response of streak virus resistant maize (TZESR-W) to different N rates on a sandy loam soil of semi-arid region of Nigeria”. Experimental treatments consisted of seven rates of N (0, 50,100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 KgN/ha) and optimum levels of P (17.5 Kg/ha) and K (50 Kg/ha) applied as base rates. These were tested in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. N was split applied by side dressing in two equal does: half at two weeks after sowing and the other half at 5 weeks after sowing. Experimental results revealed that the application of N fertilizer up to 100 KgN/ha significantly increased the maize plant height, number of cobs, cob length, cob girth, cob weight, grain yield, stover yield and percent N in grain and stover over the absolute control in both 1992 and 1993 cropping seasons. In other words, the application of N fertilizer beyond 100 KgN/ha was not significant when compared with the absolute control. On the other hand, shelling percentage, 1000-grain weight and N uptake by stover were not significantly affected by N fertilizer application. This study therefore suggested that maize (TZESR-W) could be grown on a sandy loam soil of semi-arid region of Nigeria with the application of 100 KgN/ha, 17.5 KgP/ha and 50 KgK/ha. Application of N fertilizer beyond 100 KgN/ha on TZESR-W is a waste of resources.

Antibiotics self-medication among medical students in a new medical college at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria

Life as a medical student is often full of stress which could be physical, social, emotional and economical, especially in developing countries. Of recent, there has been an increased effort to combat self-medication which has remained a global public health burden since antiquity. Trainee health workers are particularly vulnerable to engage in self-medication practice which has remain a great panacea mitigating the efforts to combat resistance to common antibiotics in communities. This study aims to assess antibiotics self-medication among undergraduate medical students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi Nigeria. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted at college of medical sciences Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi between June and July 2018. First and second year registered undergraduate medical students were specifically enrolled in the study. A sample size of 61 participants was determined by using a single population proportion formula and a close ended 25 items self-administered study tool was developed and piloted following a review of the relevant literature. All responses were analyzed using SPSS Version 21 and STATA Version 13 software for statistical analysis. A total of Eighty-one (81) medical Students were enrolled in the study. There were 39 (48.1%) males and 42 (51.9%) females. The median age among all respondents was 20 years. 41% of all the students reported having selfmedication. (22) 27.2% of the respondent’s reasons for self-medication was “Doctors gives same drug”, for (20) 24.7% “the disease was mild”, while (16) 19.7% “knew the drug to take”, while (9) 11.1% “saves time” in self-medication and (2) 2.5% said it “saved cost”. On logistic regression, gender remains the statistically significant explanatory variable, Wald Chi-square test 6.050 odds ratio 2.019 (P-value: 0.0014). The prevalence of SM among medical students is high in among Medical Students in ATBU Bauchi Nigeria. Targeted campaign programs to decrease SM among medical students in North East Nigeria as a whole, are required. Enforcement of laws and policies on un-prescribed drugs and continuous monitoring of dispensaries/drugstores and other outlets to issue drugs only on prescription are necessary to reduce self-medication.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Hemodialysis in a New Center in Northern Nigeria.

Background:Hemodialysis is the most common renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality in Africa and few countries enjoy reimbursement from the government to fund it. Africa contributes <10% of the total RRT patients worldwide this is mainly due to high cost.Aims and Objectives:We aimed to review the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients requiring hemodialysis in our center over a 7 years period, to highlight the enormous challenges encountered.Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective study of patients aged 15 years and above that was seen between April 2010 and March 2017 at the Hemodialysis unit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital. Information was extracted from the patient's case folders and dialysis charts.Results:In total, 226 patients had hemodialysis over the period, 124 (54.9%) were male and 102 (49.1%) were female. Sixty-one (27%) patients had acute kidney injury (AKI), 143 (63.3%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD), whereas 22 (9.7%) had acute-on-CKD. A total of 2215 sessions of hemodialysis were done in the period, of which 782 (35.3%) were for AKI and 469 (21.2%) for acute on CKD. A total of 138 (60.6%) patients were discharged and 58 deaths were recorded.Conclusion:Although there is rapid proliferation of hemodialysis facilities in the country, many patients could not afford adequate hemodialysis. Inadequate dialysis due to finances was the main cause of death in these category of patients.

Determinants of quality of life in adults living with epilepsy.

Background:Quality of life (QOL) is a vital outcome measure in people living with epilepsy. The aim of this study is to determine the sociodemographic and clinical factors that predict poor QOL in patients with epilepsy.Materials and Methods:This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out at the outpatient psychiatric clinic of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria, for 6 months. Seventy-four patients with epilepsy who met the inclusion criteria were recruited to participate in the study. The mental health of these patients and their QOL were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the short form of the World Health Organization QOL instrument, respectively. Data were analyzed using epi-info version 6.04d, and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors that predict poor QOL.Results:Psychiatric disorder was found in 33 (44.6%) of the respondents. The presence of these psychiatric disorders was predictive of poor score on the overall QOL (odds ratio [OR] = 0.382; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.145–0.983; P = 0.0046), physical (OR = 0.269; 95% CI = 0.100–1.722; P = 0.009), and psychological health domain (OR = 0.269; 95% CI = 0.102–0.709; P = 0.008). Longer duration of epilepsy was predictive of a poor score on the health satisfaction item (OR = 0.202; 95% CI = 0.06–0.679; P = 0.010) while being single was predictive of poor score on the social relationship domain (OR = 0.177; 95% CI = 0.065–0.482; P = 0.001).Conclusion:The presence of psychiatric disorder, long duration of epilepsy, and being single were predictive of poor QOL. The importance of social relation, prompt seizure control, and efficient collaboration between psychiatrist and other medical professionals in the care of patients with epilepsy cannot be overemphasized.

Level of Performance of Students in Tree Crop Seedlings Production Skills in Colleges of Agriculture in North-Eastern Nigeria

The study examined the level of performance of students in tree crop seedlings production skills in Colleges of Agriculture in North-Eastern Nigeria. Five objectives and five research questions guided the study. Single-subject A/B research design was used. The population of the study was 924 students from four Colleges of Agriculture in the study area. The sample of the study was 272 respondents drawn using stratified proportionate random sampling technique from the population. A performance work sample test made up of 100 items was used to determine the level of skill performance of students in Colleges of Agriculture in North-Eastern Nigeria. The instrument was validated by five experts drawn from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, College of Agariculture Bauchi and Federal College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa, Gombe State. Reliability was established using test-retest method and Spearman rank order correlation co-efficient which yielded a reliabilty coefficient value of 0.80. The instrument was administered by the researcher with the help of four trained research assistants. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that National Diploma (ND) II crop production students have exhibited high skill performance in pre-sowing operations, moderate skill performance in planting operations, high skill performance in nursery management, marketing and transplanting operations. It was recommended that teachers in Colleges of Agriculture should ensure regular practicals, demonstrations and supervision of (ND) II crop production students while conducting practical classes in tree crop seedlings production.

Why Some Undergraduate Students Are More Entrepreneurially Innovative than Others: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

University undergraduate students vary in the degree and nature of novelty that they bring to the business. Entrepreneurial innovativeness is very low among some undergraduate students despite undergone two semester course on entrepreneurship and other entrepreneurial activities on the campus. The purpose of this paper is to add to the entrepreneurial literature by providing some empirical insights that aid better understand the reasons behind the differences among undergraduate student on their entrepreneurial innovation. Hence, there is need to investigate why some undergraduate students are lagging behind in entrepreneurial innovation after undergone a course in entrepreneurship. This study provides empirical evidence on the emergence of entrepreneurial innovativeness among university undergraduates. The study is unique because, to the best of the researchers’ knowledge, no study exists on entrepreneurial innovation among undergraduate in Nigeria. Data used originated from empirical analysis of a student population of 3,024, 2017 final year undergraduates, sampled 383 students selected from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, and University of Maiduguri, all in north-eastern, Nigeria. The data were analysed by means of descriptive, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings suggest that entrepreneurial innovativeness depends on cultural factors. In particular, the findings indicate a positive correlation between all the variables (low power distance, individualism, low uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, and long-term orientation) on entrepreneurial innovation. The findings further indicate all the variables except individualism have a significant positive relationship with entrepreneurial innovation. Therefore, based on findings of the study, the researchers suggest that the culture of low power distance, low uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, and long-term orientation should be emphasised in the curriculum by the universities.

Committee List

IWMSE2019 Committee ListHonor ChairProf. Ke Wang, East China University of Technology (ECUT), ChinaKeynote SpeakersProf. Ke Wang, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, ChinaProf. Rangsu Liu, Hunan University, ChinaProf. Chen Hsu, Lungwha University of Science and Technology, TaiwanProf. Chen-Kuei Chung, National Cheng Kung University, TaiwanEditorProf. Ke Wang, East China University of Technology (ECUT), ChinaProf. Chen Hsu, Lungwha University of Science and Technology, TaiwanTechnical Program CommitteesDr. Elżbieta Macioszek, Silesian University of Technology, PolandProf. Partha Pratim Das, Haldia Institute of Technology, IndiaProf. Muchun Wang, Minghsin University of Science and Technology, TaiwanDr. Wesley Huang, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, TaiwanDr. Fraj Alshmri, PMU Prince Mohmed bin Fahd University, Saudi ArabiaProf. Yung Ting, Chung Yuan Christian University, TaiwanDr. Shiang-Cheng Jeng, Taipei City University of Science and Technology, TaiwanProf. A. Geetha Selvarani, Vel Tech University, IndiaDr. Bashir Ahmad Dar, Higher education Govt. of J&K India, IndiaDr. Pravanjan Mallick, North Orissa University, IndiaProf. Tarek A. Mohamed, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University, EgyptDr. Corneliu Doroftei, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, RomaniaProf. Faheem Uddin, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education, PakistanDr. José Luís Barroso de Aguiar, University of Minho, PortugueseDr. Daohai Zhang, Guizhou University, ChinaDr. Muhammad Hafidz Fazli Bin Md Fauadi, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, MalaysiaDr. Justo García Sanz-Calcedo, University of Extremadura, SpainProf. Chen Hsu, Lungwha University of Science and Technology, TaiwanProf. Vijayan Gurumurthy Iyer, University, DEBM-EDII Cell, Vaddeswaram, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, IndiaPengr. A. Ruth Fernandez-Akarregi, IK4-Ikerlan Research Technological Center, SpainProf. Fernando B. Naranjo, University of Alcalá (UAH) Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, SpainDr. Qing Li, Donghua University, ChinaDr. Murat Eyvaz, Gebze Technical University, TurkeyDr. Soumya Mukherjee, Amity University Kolkata, IndiaDr. Yu-Lin (Eugene) Song, Asia University, TaiwanDr. Houxiao Wang, Jiangsu University, ChinaProf. Athir M.Haddad, University of Basrah, IraqDr. Marcela Elisabeta BARBINTA-PATRASCU, University of Bucharest, RomaniaProf. Denis Rodrigue, Université Laval, CanadaProf. Zaobao Liu, Northeastern University, ChinaDr. Beya Ouertani, Borj-Cedria Science and Technology Park, TunisiaDr. V.Arumugaprabu, Kalasalingam University, IndiaProf. Osman ADIGUZEL, Firat University, TurkeyDr. Karol Kyzioł, AGH University of Science and Technology, PolandDr. Bonifacio Llamazares, Universidad de Valladolid, SpainDr. Jose Miguel Acarregui, University of the Basque Country, SpainDr. Ivana Atanasovska, Mathematical Institute of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA), SerbiaDr. Dejan B. Momčilović, Institute for testing of materials IMS, SerbiaDr. S.Vijayarani, Bharathiar University, IndiaProf. Chen-Kuei Chung, National Cheng Kung University, TainanProf. Ke Wang, East China University of Technology, ChinaDr. Ivo Stachiv, Harbin Institute of Technology - Shenzhen School (HITSZ), ChinaProf. Samir Ladaci, National Polytechnic School of Constantine, AlgeriaDr. Ressol R. Shakir, University of Thi-Qar, IraqProf. Abdel Ghani Aissaoui, University of Bechar, AlgeriaDr. Timur Sh. Atabaev, Nazarbayev University, KazakhstanDr. Jaswinder Singh, Panjab University, IndiaDr. Roberto Pablo Orosco, The National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), ArgentinaDr. Shengli Jin, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, ChinaProf. Maria Giovanna Buonomenna, Consiglio Nazionale dei Chimici (CNC), ItalyDr. Aminu Umar, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, NigeriaDr. Slawomir Zolkiewski, Sielsian University of Technology, PolandProf. Dan Dobrota, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RoamniaDr. Bo-Lian Chen, DEEPLEARNING.AI, USAProf. Farid ABED-MERAIM, Arts et Métiers ParisTech, Metz, FranceProf. N.Ethiraj, M.G.R Educational and Research Institute, Madhuravoyal, Chennai, IndiaDr. Grzegorz Woroniak, Bialystok University of Technology, PolandProf. Helena Cristina Vasconcelos, Azores University, PortugalProf. Xiao Huang, Tongren University, Guizhou, ChinaDr. Adnène Arbi, Carthage University, TunisiaDr. Bidyut Saha, Burdwan University, IndiaDr. Dariusz Jacek Jakobczak, Koszalin University of Technology, PolandDr. Bappa Acherjee, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, IndiaDr. Nacer RAHAL, Mustapha STAMBOULI University of Mascara, AlgeriaDr. Saurabh Bilgaiyan, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), deemed to be University Bhubaneswar, IndiaDr. Riki Patel, Charotar University of Science and Technology, IndiaDr. Zakaria M.M. Gharsseldien, Prince Sattam Bin AbdulAziz University, Saudi ArabiaDr. Orlin Angelov, CL SENES, BAS, SpainDr. Sujatha Unnikrishnan, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, IndiaProf. Jyotir Moy Chatterjee, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, Nepal

Bone marrow aspiration cytology in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, Nigeria: Indications and diagnostic utility

Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA) cytology is an important diagnostic and monitoring tool where cytological details of the marrow elements are examined using light microscopy. Various hematological diseases are diagnosed and monitored by using BMA. This study aimed at reporting a 3-year BMA experience of Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi. This was a retrospective study that involved the use of records of the bone marrow aspirates done from January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2018. The age, sex, indications for BMA, anatomical site and final bone marrow diagnosis were collated. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0 software. One hundred and three (103) bone marrow aspirations were performed during the period under review. Two third of the participants were males, with the median age of 40.0 years and a range of 5 months to 92 years. The commonest indication for BMA was recurrent anemia 45.6%, followed by splenomegaly, fever and lymphadenopathy with 11.7% each. While, the commonest diagnosis by BMA was megaloblastic anemia (28.2%). Mixed nutritional deficiency and Bone Marrow (BM) metastasis are the commoner BMA diagnoses with 12.6% each. Recurrent anemia is the commonest indication for BMA and nutritional anemias (megaloblastic and combined nutrients deficiency) are the commonest BMA diagnoses in Bauchi. Proper evaluation of patients by the clinicians before referral is recommended to ensure that only those that really need the procedure are subjected to it.

Assessment of College Students’ Preference on the Usage of Google Drive as a Learning Platform: An Empirical Evidence

This research assessed College Students preference on the Usage of Google Drive as a learning platform in north-east Nigeria. The study had three objectives, three research questions and three null hypotheses. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study was 263 three hundred level business education students in north-eastern Nigeria. Four rating scale structured questionnaire titled “College students’ preference of Google Drive (CGD”) was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts from the Faculty of Technology Education, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi. The researcher personally administered the instrument assisted by 3 research assistants. Data collected was analyzed using Mean and standard deviation statistical tools to answer the research questions. The result of the study reveals that students used Google Drive for assignments, study and downloading of materials. Based on the outcome of the study, it was concluded that Google Drive platform provide undergraduate business education students with opportunities to enhance and assess current educational information. It was recommended that lecturers and all stakeholders who handle business education courses should be encourage to adopt the use of Google Drive as a learning platform, The business education students should utilize and exploit maximally the opportunities provided by the use of Google Drive as a learning platform for learning activities with the help of their lecturers etc. in addition useful suggestions for further research are equally made.&#x0D;