Marriage-Age and Fertility Pattern among Reproductive Age Women in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

Introduction: In Nigeria, one of the major reasons for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within a year or two of marriage. The age of marriage is on the increase in this part of the world. Many women are now increasingly getting engulfed in career and academic pursuits at the detriment of early marriage. Many men are also not interested in marrying women who have no job. There is age-related acceleration of primordial follicle depletion which is of great clinical importance because it is associated with a significant decrease in fecundity. Objective: This study assessed the ages of the marriage of women who attended Fertility and Antenatal clinics at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and Smile Specialist Hospital, Abakaliki, and their relationship with the fertility pattern of these women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 352 consenting married women who sought and received fertility and Antenatal care at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and Smile Specialist Hospital Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria between February 1, 2022 and January 31, 2024. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the participants over a two-year period. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. A test of statistical significance was done using Chi Square. Results: The age group with the highest education was 26 - 30. This was statistically significant (X2 = 90.893, P-value 2 = 294.555, P-value 2 = 173.007, p-value 2 = 129.494, P-value 2 = 169.300, p-value 2 = 279.230, p-value Conclusion: There is increased difficulty at conception at marriage age above 25 years. The major reasons for delayed marriage were academic pursuit and lack of gainful employment. Education of the masses and inclusion of biological dynamics of the female reproductive behaviours as part of the core school curriculum will help enlighten the female and the male folks alike to enable them to make informed decisions with regard to the timing of marriage and commencement of procreation. This will help reduce infertility and save millions of couples the agony associated with infertility.

Impact of Past Mining Activities on Water Resources Around Active and Abandoned Mines and Quarries in Ebonyi State,South-Eastern Nigeria-A Mini Review

This paper presents a review on previous activities of mining on water resources around active and abandoned mines/quarries across Ebonyi State,South-Eastern,Nigeria.As high demand for water increases due to population growth and rapid development across the state,it is of upmost importance to periodically review water quality and also monitor water resources.However,less information is available on evaluation of impact on mining activities on water resources.For the purpose of this research,related articles were downloaded from Google,published article on effect of mining on water resources was download and thoroughly studied to evaluate effect of mining on water resources of the study area.Findings revealed that past mining activities has lead to chains of complex chemical reactions that has altered the quality of water resources.

Anxiety and perception among nurses toward the outbreak of COVID‑19 in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State

Purpose:This study sought to examine the anxiety and perception of nurses toward the outbreak of COVID‑19 in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital(UUTH).Two research questions one hypothesis were used.What is the level of anxiety among nurses toward the outbreak of COVID‑19?What is the perception of nurses toward the outbreak of COVID‑19?The hypothesis states that there is no significant relationship between anxiety and perception of nurses toward the outbreak of COVID‑19.Literature was reviewed based on the research variables.Methods:The research instrument used in collecting the data for the analysis was a questionnaire administered to 100 nurses in UUTH,Uyo.Their responses were analyzed using frequencies,percentages,and Chi‑square analysis,and the following results were obtained.Results:The results indicated that 36(36%)of the respondents strongly agreed that most nurses perceive that poor provision of equipment’s in the hospital result into the transmission of COVID‑19 to another person,35(35%)agreed,20(20%)of the respondents strongly agreed,whereas 9(9%)of the respondents disagreed.Majority of the respondents 56(56%)strongly agreed that nurses sometimes perceive that patients sometimes harbor COVID‑19 without showing the symptoms.Conclusion:The above data,therefore,showed that nurses in UUTH,Uyo,had moderate perception toward COVID‑19.

Understanding Why People Change Their Technology Use in Protests: User Study on Ebonyi State Mobile Telecommunication Subscribers Experiences

The rise in consumers complains against their service/tech providers has empowered government of various nations to set up Consumer Complaint Commissions. Some corporate organizations who wish to handle the complaints of their customers usually set up an in-house/internal customer care centres, a platform through which they attend to their customers’ needs. This research therefore is interested in exploring the reasons for user-protests among the mobile telecommunication subscribers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria against their network service providers. To arrive at this, we designed a research questionnaire to capture the experiences of the subscribers of the 4 major mobile telecommunication network service provider companies operating in the state. The participants were recruited through physical administration of research instrument and social media such as facebook, whatsapp and email platforms with a total of 72 participants feedbacks received. The users responses on the various issues raised on our questionnaire were thematically analyzed and represented using adequate data presentation tools. Our results proved that there are growing numbers of disgruntled customers among subscribers of the various network providers. From our survey, we gathered that 81.90% of the respondents have engaged in protest use at one point or the other against their service providers with MTN network topping the list with 36.50%, followed by GLO network 27%, Airtel network 23.80% and 9 Mobile 12.70%. Finally, we proposed a design prototype named “Komplain” that will serve as rallying system for the protest users to use and prosecute their actions. The system can also recommend actions which the protesters may undertake.

Association of Obesity and Dyslipidaemia with Type 2 Diabetes in Outpatients of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital （ESUTH）in Enugu Nigeria

Obesity is known to be a major risk factor of type 2 diabetes （T2D） and responsible for most lipid abnormalities associated with the disease but limited data on such association are available for diabetic patients of Igbo ethnicity in the South East region of Nigeria. A case-control study involving 72 T2D patients and 75 non-diabetic （ND） patients （control） ofIgbo ethnicity was conducted. Demographic and anthropometric data were obtained followed by blood collection for the determination of fasting blood sugar （FBS）, total cholesterol （TC）, triglyceride （TG）, high density lipoprotein （HDL） and low density lipoprotein （LDL）. Obesity based on waist circumference （WC） was significantly higher （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Similarly, TC, TG and LDL levels were significantly （p 〈 0.001） higher in T2D patients while HDL was significantly lower （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients compared to the control. The proportion of dyslipidaemia characterized by high TC, high TG, high LDL and low HDL was significantly higher （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients. BMI correlated positively （p 〈 0.05） with WC, TC, and LDL while FBS correlated positively （p 〈 0.05） with TG but negatively with HDL. In conclusion, dyslipidaemia characterised by hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, elevated LDL and reduced HDL, as well as obesity were associated with T2D and correlated with FBS in this population.

Association of Haplotypes in Exon 4 of KLK2 Gene with Raised Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen

The standard diagnostic modalities for Prostate Cancer (PC) include serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) assay, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), and histological examination of prostate biopsy. They are limited by low predictive potential and inability to predict which patients are at risk of developing metastatic disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the exon 4 of the KLK2 gene of subjects for changes in its nucleotide sequences (SNPs) and determine the correlation of these changes with serum PSA in an Igbo population of Nigeria. One hundred male subjects aged 40 years and above, who gave their consent, were used for the study. Their PSA determinations were done using ELISA technique while genetic studies were carried out using real-time PCR. tPSA, fPSA, and % fPSA of the subjects ranged between 0.8% - 18.30%, 0.10% - 1.60% and 0.0% - 0.7% respectively. Of the 100 subjects, 28 subjects had tPSA levels above 4.0 ng/ml with a mean of 7.10 (±3.30) ng/ml. Those with tPSA less than 4 ng/ml had a mean of 1.87 (±0.85) ng/m. 15 subjects showed SNPs with a mean tPSA of 6.87 (±4.82) ng/ml while the remaining 85 subjects without SNPs had a mean of 1.86 (±0.80) ng/ml. Results from direct DNA sequencing showed 11 SNPs. Ten subjects are curated in SNP database while one is uncurated. The Chi-square test showed significant association (p = 0.00) between tPSA levels and SNPs mutation (X2 = 17.35, p = 0.00). A Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated that the positional arrangement of the SNP mutations had no effect on PSA-total or free-values (H (10) = 10.92, p = 0.28;H (10) = 10.07, p = 0.38 respectively). Two SNPs: rs6072 and rs74478031 were associated with elevated PSA levels (p < 0.05). Their presence, therefore, has the potential to serve, in conjunction with raised PSA, as biomarkers of prostate cancer in the study population.

Assessment of Renal Erythropoietic Status of the Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients without Renal Impairment in Benin City, Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a carbohydrate metabolism disorder which is caused due to impairment in insulin secretion and/or the activity of insulin, leading to chronic hyperglycemia with defective carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. This study aimed at assessing the erythropoietin (EPO), hemoglobin and renal parameters levels among the newly diagnosed diabetic patients and providing valuable insights into the management and progression of the disease. A case-control study was conducted on samples of 60 consenting participants including newly diagnosed diabetic patients (n − 30), and healthy controls (n − 30) of age ranging between 20 - 50 years. EPO level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the renal parameters (electrolytes) were measured using Ion-Selective Electrodes. Hemoglobin, urea and creatinine were measured using cyanmethemoglobin and colorimetric methods respectively under standard protocols. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, diabetes duration, iron rich diet consumption, medication history and family history were collected via questionnaires. Independent sample t-test indicated significantly higher mean hemoglobin (p < 0.05), packed cell volume (p = 0.05) and fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001) in newly diagnosed diabetic patients compared with their healthy control. No significant differences were observed in EPO, creatinine, urea, potassium, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride between the two groups. In this study, the values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, EPO and all renal biomarkers were normal, this may be due to the early diagnosis of the disease. It also suggests the extensive capacity of the kidney which is able to withstand metabolic disturbances in the newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus condition. Routine medical check and lifestyle modification are recommended to a newly diagnosed diabetic patients. Also further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these assessments in predicting diabetes complications, disease progression and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Predictors of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge among Women of Reproductive Age in Southeast Nigeria

Background: An abnormal vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women of reproductive age, and it can indicate serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 women of reproductive age group attending the clinic at Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, in Imo State, Nigeria. Respondents were recruited using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge. Statistical significance was set at p Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30 ± 4.5 years. Predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge were: age 36 - 45 years (OR: 4.5;95% C.I: 1.023 - 8.967, p = 0.041), being a student (OR: 2.4: 95% C.I: 1.496 - 7.336, p = 0.003), use of oral contraceptives (OR: 3.4;95% C.I: 1.068 - 6.932, p = 0.010), use of water cistern (OR: 4.7;C.I: 1.654 - 5.210, p = 0.028) anal hygiene practices (OR: 2.7;95% C.I: 1.142 - 4.809, p Conclusion: These findings suggest that targeted sexual and reproductive health interventions should be provided to reduce the risk of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group.

A Comprehensive Review of Water Quality Monitoring and Assess­ment in Delta State,Southern Part of Nigeria

This research presents a review on water resources in Delta state,south­ern part of Nigeria,with emphasis on hydrogeochemical and microbial assessment.It evaluates factors responsible for water contamination,and their resulting health challenges within the study area.To achieve the ob­jective of this study,related articles were downloaded from Google,pub­lished article on influence of hydrogeochemical and microbial activities on water resources.These articles were thoroughly studied.Findings from this study,suggested that groundwater was more studied than surface wa­ter.We also observed that groundwater within the riverine communities is much more prone to pollution when compared to groundwater in an up­land area.Results from various authors suggested that,larger percentage of groundwater showed presence of coliform.Further findings suggested that geochemical processes such as rock water interaction,seawater in­trusion and precipitation influences groundwater quality within the study area especially within Sombreiro-Warri Deltaic Plain Deposit.

Integrated Geophysical and Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Assessment of Groundwater Studies in Adum West Area of Benue State,Nigeria

Integration of geophysical and hydrogeochemical methods has been scientifically proven to be useful in vulnerability study and groundwater characterization.Subsurface geoelectric parameters such as resistivity and thickness obtained from geophysical method(Vertical Electrical Sounding VES)was used to determine aquifers vulnerability,longitudinal resistance(ρL)and transverse unit resistance(Rt).Thirty four water samples were collected from groundwater sources for physicochemical analysis.Estimated results from longitudinal conductance(S),(Rt)and(ρL)showed that the values ranges from 0.03 to 2.5mhos,103.64 to 1964417.8Ω/m^(2) and 215.41 to 65731.68Ω-m respectively.Result from S suggested that 50%of groundwater is considered to be vulnerable to contamination from the earth surface,while the remaining 50%is considered to be slightly vulnerable to surface contamination.Further findings obtained from hydrogeochemical analysis such as Gibb’s and Chadba plots revealed that groundwater is highly influenced by rock water interaction,groundwater is classified to be Na^(+)+HCO_(3)^(-),Ca^(2+)+Mg^(2+)+HCO_(3)^(-),Na^(+)+Cl^(-)and Ca^(2+)+Mg^(2+)+Cl^(-)water type.Deduction from Soltan classification suggested that groundwater is classified to be of Na^(+)+HCO_(3)^(-) and Na^(+)-SO_(4)^(2-) water type.Results obtained from Ec and pH suggested that the values were below WHO permissible limit,while result obtained from TDS showed that at some sampling points TDS values were above WHO limit.Based on pH value obtained groundwater within the study area fell within slightly basic to acidic.

Evaluation of Quality of Healthcare Service Avaeilable to People Living with HIVIAIDS： Evidence from Enugu State

The study evaluated the quality of healthcare services given to PLWHA （people living with HIV/AIDS） in different communities of Enugu State of Nigeria. Descriptive cross sectional survey design was employed for the study. The participants were PLWHA attending health facilities in different communities in the state. A sample of 180 PLWHA who participated in the study were selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure and were interviewed at community level. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that 82.2% of the respondents were cared for by government health facilities, 75% were of the opinion that the health workers in those places do not discriminate against them, 81.7% felt that they were being given high quality healthcare, 82.8% stated that their drugs were readily available, 75% were of the opinion that the physical facilities in their care centers were adequate, 84.4% felt that grievance redressing were good while 90% felt that their healthcare providers maintain confidentiality about their conditions. It was concluded from the findings that quality of care provided to PLWHA in communities was of good quality as perceived by PLWHA and that the national antiretroviral programmes are making drugs available and affordable in the state. It was then recommended that all levels of government in the nation should strengthen the programmes on HIV prevention and control to maintain the continuity of care to PLWHA.

Gene Expression Profile, Androgen Independence and Prostate Cancer

It is now generally accepted that the burden of disease due to prostate cancer has tremendously increased globally. Current data indicates that prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men in the United State of America, and the second leading cause of death due to cancer in men. Progression to androgen independence and subsequent therapeutic resistance and death is a common fate of patients with prostate cancer. This review highlights the gene expression profile of androgen independent prostate cancer and the possible mechanisms that results in transformation to such treatment resistant state.

Combined urethral and suprapubic catheter drainage improves post operative management after open simple prostatectomy without bladder irrigation

AIM To compare outcomes after open simple prostatectomy without bladder irrigation, in subjects drained by combined 2-way urethral catheter and suprapubic catheter(SPC) vs those drained by 2-way urethral catheter only.METHODS A total of 84 participants undergoing Freyer's simple prostatectomy over an 18-mo period were randomized into 2 groups(n=42). Subjects in group 1 were managed with 2-way urethral catheter and in situ 2-way SPC while subjects in group 2 had a 2-way urethral catheter drainage only. In group 1 subjects, the SPC was spigotted and only used for drainage if there was clot retention. The primary outcomes were number of clot retention episodes, and number of clot retention episodes requiring bladder syringe evacuation. Other secondary outcomes evaluated were blood loss, requirement of extra analgesics, duration of surgery, hospital stay and presence or absence of post-op complications. RESULTS The mean age in the groups was 65.7(± 7.6) in group 1 vs 64.8(±6.8) in group 2.The groups were similar with respect to age, prostate specific antigen, prostate volume, blood loss, duration of surgery, blood transfusion and overall complication rate. However statistically significant differences were observed in clot retention episodes between group 1 and 2:0.8(±1.5)vs3.5(±4.4), P<0.000, clot retention episodes requiring evacuation with bladder syringe 0.4(± 0.9) vs 2.6(± 3.8), P = 0.001, requirement of extra analgesics 0.4(±0.5)vs4.0(±1.5), P<0.000 and duration of admission 8.6d(± 1.2) vs 7.3 CONCLUSION Subjects drained with a combination of urethral and SPCs have fewer clot retention episodes and reduced requirement of extra analgesics but slightly longer hospital stay.

Evaluation Pattern of Use of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services for HIV among Youths in Anambra State of Nigeria

The study aimed at determining the patterns of use of VCT for HIV among the youths in Anambra State of Nigeria was done using survey research design. Multi-stage, random sampling methods were used to select 400 youth and the instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The results show that majority of youths （85.1%） willingly accessed VCT and major reason was to check own HIV status. However only （35.9%） actually use VCT as recommended （every 6 months） thus indicating poor response to VCT services. Proper education of the public on the importance of VCT services should be provided to improve the response to VCT services.

Effect of Professional Designation on the Level of Task Performance by Community Health Workers in Enugu State

The study aimed at assessment of level of task performance of Primary Health Care Worker （PHCWs） according to their professional designations in selected Local Government Areas （LGA） in Enugu State. Descriptive survey research was used. 291 PHCWs were randomly selected from 9 LGA using a multistage method. Questionnaire was used to collect data and the instrument was validated using test-retest method with correlation coefficient of 0.79. The findings show that Community Health Extension Workers （CHEWs） performed higher than Environmental Health Officer （EVO） and Community Health Officers （CHOs） in the area of health education concerning prevailing health problems and method of control. They scored 66.09% as against 52.8% and 60.61% for EVO and CHEW respectively. The result showed that the professional designation has no significant effect （P 〈 0.05） on the level of task performed by PHCW and their levels of task performance were low. It was recommended that public Health physicians and Nurses should be involved in the PHC in Enugu State to provide the fight supervision to the PHCW.

Non Selective Inhibition of COX Activity Reversed Inflammation and Reactive Oxygen Radicals Mediated Prostate Cancer Risk and Decreased Disease Progression in Preclinical Model

Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the most frequent urologic diagnosis in elderly males. We have previously shown that exposure of prostate to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) promotes cancer risk. We investigated the effect of non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition on prostate inflammation-mediated cancer risk in vivo. The prostates of male rats were inoculated with E. coli as sources of inflammatory molecules (LPS) and were treated with COX inhibitor, aspirin 2 mg/Kg orally for 14 days or PBS. Oxidative stress was induced with two 2 mls of hydrogen peroxide orally twice daily or PBS for 14 days;they were either treated with COX inhibitor or PBS for another 14 days. Blood was collected and analyzed for acid phosphatase and PSA. Data showed presences of LPS in the prostate of the rats resulted in gradual increase in PSA when compared to control (P < 0.0001). However, COX inhibition resulted in statistically significant reduction in concentration of PSA level compared to control group (P < 0.0001). To understand if oxidative stress mechanism was involved in the inflammation mediated increase in PSA, data showed that rats exposed to H2O2 had 2.5 fold increase in acid phosphatase (ACP) compared control (P < 0.0001), and by inhiting COX activity, a statistically significant reduction in ACP from 11.2 IU/L ± 0.67 to 5.7 IU/L ± 0.347 (P < 0.0034) was observed. Thus since increased in PSA was associated to cancer risk, our data suggested that inflammation mediated prostate cancer risk was reversible by Inhibition of COX Activity in rats.

Serum Levels of Prostate Specific Antigen Parameters among Male Patients with Lepromatous Leprosy in Edo State, Nigeria

Aim: This study is aimed at determining the total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) concentrations and free to total PSA ratio (f/tPSA) and their utility in prostate cancer (PCa) risk stratification among male lepromatous leprosy patients in Edo state, Nigeria. Methods: Forty participants and thirty controls participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant to elicit details such as their personal data, age, sex, residence, medications, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, length of time of diagnosis, sexual activities, as well as the history of any other underlying diseases. Blood samples were collected from the participants. Total and free PSA concentrations in the samples were measured using ELISA method. Results: Significantly (p = 0.042) higher serum fPSA among the leprosy patients (0.22 ± 0.12 ng/ml) compared with the healthy controls (0.17 ± 0.09 ng/ml). There were no significant (p = 0.055) difference in the mean tPSA between the leprosy patients (2.69 ± 2.25 ng/ml) compared with the control (1.95 ± 0.69 ng/ml). Similarly, no significant (p = 0.548) difference was observed in PSA ratio between the control (0.08 ± 0.04) and the leprosy patients (0.09 ± 0.03). Conclusion: Our study indicated no significant differences in tPSA and f/tPSA between the leprosy patients and their healthy control. Elevated tPSA as well as f/tPSA levels that fell within the high risk zones of PCa were more prevalent among patients aged ≥ 70 years, not married, who rarely had sexual intercourse and those with longer disease duration.

Assessment of Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases among Leprosy Patients Settlement at Ossiomo-Ogan Rehabilitation Center, Edo State, Nigeria

Background/Aim: Quality of life is reduced in people living with leprosy as a result of its impact on human activities. Lipid profile means pattern of lipids in the blood, which is routinely done to assess cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases among the leprosy patients settlement at Ossiomo-Ogan, Edo state. Method: Blood samples were collected from a total number of one hundred and eight (108) (57 leprosy patients and 51 controls) subjects. The lipid profiles of the participants were determined using standard methods. Results: Significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL in leprosy patients compared with the healthy controls were obtained. There is significant positive correlation between artherogenic index and levels of total cholesterol (r = 0.663;p < 0.001);triglyceride (r = 0.901;p < 0.001);HDL (r = 0.284;p = 0.003);and LDL (r = 0.626;p < 0.001) in leprosy patients. However, all the control subjects and 54 (94.7%) of the leprosy patients had low cardiovascular disease risk, while 3 (2.8%) indicated moderate CVD risk. None of the participants had high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: In this study, lipid profile levels of leprosy patients significantly increased despite moderate level of BMI. This study also showed significant positive correlation between the anthrogenic index of plasma and all the lipid profile. Many of the leprosy patients are not conscious of their diet which was tilted towards heavy carbohydrate and fatty meals. None of the participants is at high risk of cardiovascular diseases but the risk may increase with further elevation of the lipid profiles. Efforts should be made by all stakeholders to improve on the awareness of leprosy disease and encourage the sufferers to live decent lives.

Taxation in a Decentralized Value Added Tax Regime: Implications for States in Nigeria

The study examined the implication of a decentralized Value Added Tax system for states in Nigeria.It is a theoretical presentation that made is made of journals,articles,and data from the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS)accessed on Google Scholar Websites.A total of eighty(80)articles were accessed.Results from a theoretical review revealed that while few states in Nigeria are in favor of a decentralized VAT administration in the country,quite a number of them(States)are averse to the new VAT regime due to differences among the states in terms of volume of business activities and economic power as many of the states rely on federal allocation.The study,therefore,recommends Partial Decentralization(PD)of VAT administration in Nigeria as a measure of autonomy for states that will guarantee fairness in resource control in the Nigerian Society.

Principal Component Analysis of Ground Level Enhancement of Cosmic Ray Events

We applied principal component analysis(PCA)to the study of five ground level enhancements(GLEs)of cosmic ray(CR)events.The nature of the multivariate data involved makes PCA a useful tool for this study.A subroutine program written and implemented in the R software environment generated interesting principal components.Analysis of the results shows that the method can distinguish between neutron monitors(NMs)that observed Forbush decreases from those that observed GLEs at the same time.The PCA equally assigned NMs with identical signal counts with the same correlation factor(r)and those with close r values equally have a close resemblance in their CR counts.The results further indicate that while NMs that have the same time of peak may not have the same r,most NMs that had the same r also had the same time of peak.Analyzing the second principal components yielded information on the differences between NMs having opposite but the same or close values of r.NMs that had the same r equally had the tendency of being close in latitude.