Investigations has been made concerning the development of the effect of shell structure on neutron induced cross section, evaluations for Actinides elements in the energy range of 0-30 MeV. The EXIFON code, which is based on the analytical model for statistical multistep direct and multistep compound reactions, was used for the calculation of the cross section for (n-2n), (n-p) and (n-α) reaction channels. Results are compared with data from the experimental database, EXFOR from the IAEA nuclear data bank to deduce the shell effect. An empirical relation for the reaction cross section has been established for magic numbers nucleus in the (n-2n) reaction channel in the energy range. Results shows that the odd-even effect has also been observed as the cross section for odd-even nuclei are higher than their neighbouring even-even nuclei and with comparison in term of Shell correction, the cross section is higher when the Shell correction is not considered.

Background: Tuberculosis is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis is essential for early disease management. Aim: This study evaluated the performance of gene expert MTB/ RIF assay for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampin (RIF) resistance with conventional methods. Methods: A total of 130 sputum samples from suspected tuberculosis patients were examined from July 2019 to August 2019. Results: Fifty-nine patients 59(45.4%) were males and seventy-one 71 patients (54.6%) were females. Seventeen patients (13.07%) had tuberculosis. Of the 17 Confirmed tuberculosis patients, 6(35.2%) were ZN positive, 11(64.7%) were GeneXpert positive and 17(100%) were positive to TB Culture. One sample showed false-positive GeneXpert result. The GeneXpert assay achieved 47.1% sensitivity, 97.3% specificity, 72.7% Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and 92.4% Negative Predictive Value (NPV) while ZN Staining method had 35.3% Sensitivity, 97.27% Specificity, 100% PPV and 91.1% NPV. GeneXpert detected 5(29.41%) Rifampicin resistant TB. The risk factors associated with tuberculosis in this study had HIV (17.6%), Malnutrition (13.8%) and Overcrowding (15.3%). Conclusion: GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay is a helpful tool for rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment of TB. However, the use of Genexpert does not eliminate the need of conventional microscopy, culture and anti-tubercular sensitivity that are required to monitor the progression of treatment.