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Optimization and modeling of process parameters on the yield of enhanced pyrolysis oil during co-pyrolysis of cassava peel with polystyrene
(2021) Adeboye BS; Adewole BZ; Adedoja AM; Obayopo SO; Asere AA; Kayode O; Idris MO; Okediran IK
The co-pyrolysis of cassava peel (CP) and a synthetic waste, that is polystyrene (PS) has been investigated to optimize the yield of biofuel with improved properties. The main and interaction effects of process variables (temperature, feedstock ratio, and pyrolysis time) on the yield of pyrolysis oil were modeled and the optimal condition for enhanced pyrolysis oil yield was determined using response surface methodology by employing the central composite design matrix. A model equation was generated using the data obtained and the significance of the model was investigated using analysis of variance to determine if the fit of multiple regressions was significant. Some physical properties of the pyrolysis oil at the optimum condition were determined to investigate the suitability of the pyrolysis oil as a fuel source. From the statistical analysis, the study concluded that the feedstock ratio has the most significant effect on the yield of pyrolysis oil.
Influence of health literacy on health promoting behaviour of adolescents with and without obesity
(2021) Adewole KO; Ogunfowokan AA; Olodu M
Background Learning has been associated with human behaviour, and health literacy is vital in an individual’s health promotion and maintenance activities. Purpose This study aimed at comparing the health literacy and health-promoting behaviour of adolescents with and without obesity, and to also identify the association between health literacy and health-promoting behaviour of these two groups of adolescents. Methods A concurrent mixed-method design was adopted and the study was conducted among150 adolescents with obesity and 150 adolescents without obesity from 15 private secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. A structured self-administered questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide were used to collect data on their health literacy levels and health-promoting behaviour. Results The findings showed that adolescents without obesity had a higher level of health literacy (70%) compared to their counterparts with obesity (59%). More than half (55.3%) of those with obesity and 35% of those without obesity scored low on health-promoting behaviour scale. Also, there was a significant relationship between health literacy and health-promoting behaviour among adolescents with obesity (r = 0.29; p = 0.001) and those without obesity (r = 0.85, p = 0.015). Conclusion The study concluded that adolescents with obesity had lower level of health-promoting behaviour despite their high level of health literacy, compared to those without obesity. Irrespective of the adolescent’s obesity status, their health-promoting behaviour is significantly associated with their health literacy. Implication for school nursing practice is documented.
Influence of nature of catalyst on biodiesel synthesis via irradiation-aided transesterification of waste cooking oil-honne seed oil blend: Modeling and optimization by Taguchi design method
(2021) Falowo OA; Apanisile OE; Aladelusi AO; Adeleke AE; Oke MA; Enamhanye A; Latinwo LM; Betiku E
Biodiesel synthesis from waste cooking oil (WCO) and honne (Calophyllum inophyllum) seed oil (HSO) blend with heterogeneous (calcined Ba(OH)2 and calcined biomass waste (CBW) from Enterolobium cyclocarpum) and homogeneous (KOH) catalysts via two-step irradiated-transesterification process was evaluated in this study. The modeling and optimization of the two processes were studied using Taguchi orthogonal array technique. The factors considered for the esterification process were methanol/WCO-HSO ratio (10:1–30:1), time (2–8 min), heating power (150–450 W), and H2SO4 dosage (0.5–1.5 wt%). In contrast, the factors considered for the transesterification process were methanol/WCO-HSO ratio (6:1–12:1), time (1–7 min), heating power (150–450 W), and catalyst dosage (1–2.5 wt%). Minimum FFA of 0.50% was attained using methanol/WCO-HSO ratio of 30:1, time of 2 min, heating power of 150 W, and H2SO4 dosage of 1.5 wt%. For the transesterification of WCO-HSO blend, the optimum values are methanol/WCO-HSO ratio of 6:1, time of 1 min, heating power of 450 W, and KOH dosage of 1.75 wt% with a biodiesel yield of 99.4 wt%; methanol/WCO-HSO ratio of 6:1, time of 1 min, heating power of 300 W, and calcined Ba(OH)2 dosage of 1.75 wt% with a biodiesel yield of 98.8 wt%; and methanol/WCO-HSO ratio of 6:1, time of 4 min, heating power of 450 W, and CBW dosage of 1.75 wt% with a biodiesel yield of 100 wt%. The processes catalyzed with synthetic KOH and Ba(OH)2 reached maximum biodiesel yield faster than the crude CBW. The biodiesel quality obtained in this study shows that all three fuels met the American standard specifications and could thus serve as substitutes for fossil diesel.
Investigation into the suitability of well water near cassava processing areas for drinking and irrigation purposes
(2021) Oyewusi TF; Osunbitan JA; Taiwo A
Water used for domestic and irrigation purposes are sometime contaminated by organic and inorganic pollutants from cassava processing centres. Accordingly, groundwater from ten randomly wells were analyzed for pH, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), CN−, Na+, K+, Ca++, Mg++ and NO3− ion concentrations and the microbial content to determine the suitability of these waters for drinking and/or irrigation purposes. The qualitative analysis reveals that all the ten sites recorded permissible of limits for TDS (<500 mg/l for drinking purposes). Also, all the sites had permissible limits for EC values (<750 dSm−1 recommended for irrigation water) and thus can be used for irrigation with adequate attention on irrigation duration and frequency, drainage and crop species. However, none of the groundwater samples satisfy the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 0.1 mg/l cyanide value and zero coliform bacterial count for drinking water quality and are therefore not recommended for drinking.
Effectiveness of different alpha lattice designs in the evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes in a rainforest agro-ecology
(2021) Akinwale RO; Odunlami LK; Eze CE; Oladejo AS
Plant breeding experiments require the use of appropriate experimental designs that will efficiently block variation due to wide heterogeneity nature of tropical soils. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of eight different alpha-lattice designs relative to randomized complete block design for evaluating 108 genotypes of maize under rainforest agro-ecology. The maize genotypes were field-tested using three replications at two locations. Data were collected on grain yield and other agronomic traits. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) assuming randomized complete block design (RCBD) and eight alpha-lattice designs. Pearson's correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to analyze relationship among different designs and efficiency of the lattice designs over RCBD was computed. Result showed that all the alpha lattice designs except 27 × 4 were effective in evaluating the genotypes for plant height. There was significant difference (p < 0.001) among genotypes for grain yield only when data were analyzed based on 9 × 12 alpha lattice design. In addition, results showed that the proportion of variation due to blocking and R-square values of the model increased with increase in the number of blocks for grain yield. In contrast, coefficient of variation decreased with increase in the number of blocks. The result showed an increase in efficiency of the alpha lattice designs as the number of blocks increased. It could then be concluded that the more the number of blocks within replicate, the proportion of total variation due to blocking increased, the coefficient of variation (CV) reduced, coefficient of determination (R-square) increased and thus, effectiveness increased. Appropriateness of designs was trait dependent. The 9 × 12 alpha lattice design was identified to be the best in the evaluation of grain yield for the maize genotypes.
Can occupational safety and health problems be prevented or not? Exploring the perception of informal automobile artisans in Nigeria
(2021) Afolabi FJ; de Beer P; Haafkens JA
It is well-known that informal workers in developing countries run a high risk of Occupational Safety and Health Problems (OSH problems). However, little is known about their perception of the preventability of these problems. This study explores how informal automobile artisans in Nigeria perceive the preventability of OSH problems and possible barriers to prevention. 43 artisans were purposively interviewed. Only one third of the participants perceived OSH problems as preventable while a majority perceived OSH problems as not preventable. Their perception of the causes of OSH problems and cost considerations strongly influenced their perceptions of the preventability of OSH problems. The major perceived barrier to prevention is economic insecurity and, as a consequence, non-availability of modern equipment. The study concluded that availability of accessible loans and regular training of the artisans may be helpful in preventing and reducing OSH problems in the informal sector.
Esterification of Khaya senegalensis seed oil with a solid heterogeneous acid catalyst: Modeling, optimization, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
(2021) Olagbende OH; Falowo OA; Latinwo LM; Betiku E
The current study investigated the esterification of Khaya senegalensis seed oil (KSSO) with a high free fatty acid (FFA) using ferric sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3) as a solid heterogeneous acid catalyst. Taguchi design approach was applied in modeling and optimizing the input variables to obtain the minimum %FFA for the KSSO esterification process. Besides modeling and optimization, the kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the process were carried out to obtain pertinent data required for reactor design. The optimum values with the minimum %FFA (0.49) for the esterification process are a temperature of 60 °C, methanol-to-KSSO ratio of 15:1, ferric sulfate dosage of 9 wt%, and time of 60 min. The reaction of the triglycerides in the KSSO with methanol showed that it followed first-order kinetics. The pre-exponential factor (A), activation energy (Ea), and reaction rate constant (k) for the reaction are 37.73 min-1, 18.11 kJ/mol, and 0.0554 min-1, respectively, at a temperature of 60 °C, indicating that the esterification process proceeded at a fast rate. The thermodynamic properties determined for the process are ΔS§ (entropy), ΔH§ (enthalpy), and ΔG§ (Gibbs free energy) of activation with respective values of – 0.205 kJ/mol.K, 15.34 kJ/mol, and 83.54 kJ/mol, confirming the endergonic, endothermic, and non-spontaneous nature of the reaction. Thus, the determination of key process conditions with the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the KSSO esterification process could aid the use of the oil as a viable feedstock for biodiesel synthesis and reactor design for industrial applications.
Vegetable polyphenols inhibit starch digestibility and phenolic availability from composite carbohydrate foods in-vitro
(2021) Ajayi IO; Otemuyiwa IO; Adeyanju AA; Falade OS
The interaction of Phenolic compounds with carbohydrate has been observed to reduce postprandial glucose released from carbohydrate foods. This study investigates the chemical composition of eight species of vegetable; the vegetables (raw and blanched) were subjected to phytochemical screening, phenolic and antioxidant potential analyses. The phenolic compounds profile of Amaranthus hybridus was also determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Composite foods containing A. hybridus vegetable with either rice or wheat were prepared, digested in-vitro using a multienzyme simulated method and the digestates dialyzed. The dialysates were analyzed for phenolic and glucose availability. The results indicated that the total phenol, tannin and flavonoids ranged from 21.1 to 106 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, 1.89 to 14.4 and 3.5–20.5 mg catechin equivalent/g, respectively. Crude and neutral detergent fibres varied between 0.02 - 16.7% and 10.8–79.2%, respectively. Reducing sugar, total sugar and Uronic acid ranged from 0.84 to 9.40 mg/g, 5.00–11.12 mg/g and 136.8–498.4 mg/g, respectively. Blanching was observed to cause reduction in phenolic compounds in A. hybridus. The in-vitro available phenolics and glucose were inhibited in the composite diets, and the percentage inhibition varied between 37.5 and 53.3% for phenolics, and 11.3 and 51.5% for glucose. The study revealed that interaction between phenolic compounds and carbohydrates could impair starch digestibility hence the inclusion of vegetable with high glycemic index foods could serve as an alternative nutrition therapy in the management of diabetes.
Indoor levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from environment tobacco smoke of public bars
(2021) Adesina OA; Nwogu AS; Sonibare JA
In this work level of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) from indoor Environment Tobacco Smoke (ETS) of pubic bars in Nigeria was investigated. Indoor air samples were obtained from different public bars using Polyurethane foam (PUF) passive samplers. Analysis of PAHs was carried out using GC-MS operated in selected ion monitoring mode. Result showed the average concentration range of 2.71–9.69 ng/m3 while the ∑ 16 PAHs range from 43.43 to 155.11 ng/m3. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values from inhalation of PAHs in these bars ranged from 2.4×10−7−5.2×10−7 while non-carcinogenic risk, Hazard Quotient (HQ) ranged from 2×10−4−4.5×10−4. Although these values are lower than WHO permissible limit, nevertheless the study underscores the danger associated with the inhalation of ETS in the public bars in Nigeria.
Deep multiple-instance learning for abnormal cell detection in cervical histopathology images
(2021) Pal A; Xue Z; Desai K; Aina F Banjo A; Adepiti CA; Long LR; Schiffman M; Antani S
Cervical cancer is a disease of significant concern affecting women's health worldwide. Early detection of and treatment at the precancerous stage can help reduce mortality. High-grade cervical abnormalities and precancer are confirmed using microscopic analysis of cervical histopathology. However, manual analysis of cervical biopsy slides is time-consuming, needs expert pathologists, and suffers from reader variability errors. Prior work in the literature has suggested using automated image analysis algorithms for analyzing cervical histopathology images captured with the whole slide digital scanners (e.g., Aperio, Hamamatsu, etc.). However, whole-slide digital tissue scanners with good optical magnification and acceptable imaging quality are cost-prohibitive and difficult to acquire in low and middle-resource regions. Hence, the development of low-cost imaging systems and automated image analysis algorithms are of critical importance. Motivated by this, we conduct an experimental study to assess the feasibility of developing a low-cost diagnostic system with the H&E stained cervical tissue image analysis algorithm. In our imaging system, the image acquisition is performed by a smartphone affixing it on the top of a commonly available light microscope which magnifies the cervical tissues. The images are not captured in a constant optical magnification, and, unlike whole-slide scanners, our imaging system is unable to record the magnification. The images are mega-pixel images and are labeled based on the presence of abnormal cells. In our dataset, there are total 1331 (train: 846, validation: 116 test: 369) images. We formulate the classification task as a deep multiple instance learning problem and quantitatively evaluate the classification performance of four different types of multiple instance learning algorithms trained with five different architectures designed with varying instance sizes. Finally, we designed a sparse attention-based multiple instance learning framework that can produce a maximum of 84.55% classification accuracy on the test set.
Effect of compost extract processing parameters on the growth and yield parameters of Amaranthus and Celosia Vegetables
(2021) Oyewusi TF; Osunbitan JA
In an effort to provide a more affordable fertilizer alternative to farmers, the effect of compost extract processing parameters was investigated on the growth and yield parameters of vegetables. In order to extract nutrients from compost, composted chicken manure was steeped in a container of a predetermined water and subjected to three processing parameters (compost to water ratio, steeping time and water temperature) at different levels. The compost extract produced was used for production of Amaranthus and Celosia vegetables through fertigation by pot experiment in a screenhouse. The growth and yield parameters of the vegetables were determined using standard procedures. The results showed that highest values of growth and yield parameters were obtained in vegetables with fertigation of compost extract compared to the control. The three processing parameters of the applied compost extract significantly (p < 0.05) affected growth and yield parameters of both vegetables. The maximum growth and yield parameters for both vegetables occurred with fertigation of extract made under compost to water ratio of 1:3 when steeped for 72 h at 25 °C water temperature. Therefore, compost extract is well suitable for vegetables production.
HemoTypeSC point-of-care testing shows high sensitivity with alkaline cellulose acetate hemoglobin electrophoresis for screening hemoglobin SS and SC genotypes
(2021) Adegoke SA; Oladimeji OI; Akinlosotu MA; Akinwumi AI; Matthew KA
Introduction By providing timely actionable results for prompt management, point-of-care testing (POCT) kits have revolutionised medical care for various diseases, ranging from infectious diseases like malaria to genetic disorders, such as sickle cell disease (SCD). They are, however, underutilised in the diagnosis of SCD in developing countries, where the need is greatest. Objective The study was aimed at assessing the sensitivity of HemoTypeSC POCT among a cohort of children with SCD, previously diagnosed by Alkaline cellulose acetate hemoglobin electrophoresis (ACAE), with or without high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, HemoTypeSC test was conducted on all participants and its sensitivity was determined by comparing results with those obtained using ACAE. Discordance was verified with HPLC. Results One hundred and forty-five children aged one to 19 years were studied. There were 84 males and 61 females (male: female ratio = 1.4: 1). The HemoTypeSC was able to correctly diagnose sickle cell anemia (SCA) and hemoglobin SC in all (100%) of the children tested. Conclusion The HemoTypeSC shows high sensitivity in detecting SCA and hemoglobin SC. Hence, it is useful for targeted screening of individuals suspected of having SCD, leading to rapid diagnosis of these hemoglobinopathies, even in resource-constrained settings.
Comparative performance of limestone calcined clay and limestone calcined laterite blended cement concrete
(2021) Musbau KD; Kolawole JT; Babafemi AJ; Olalusi OB
The global availability and abundance of clay soil and limestone have recently driven research for their combined use as supplementary cementitious material (SCMs). In tropical regions, laterite (which has similar chemical signature to clay) naturally abounds in larger quantities and can potentially be used in place of clay soil as SCM. This is the focus of this study which experimentally evaluates the comparative performance of concrete made from limestone calcined clay, limestone calcined laterite and calcined laterite as supplementary cementitious materials by simple test methods. The replacement of the Portland cement with these SCMs was up to 45% to achieve low-carbon cementitious materials. The cementitious materials were characterised and four concrete mixes (100% ordinary Portland cement; 15-30-55% of limestone-calcined clay-Portland cement; 30–70% of calcined laterite-Portland cement; and 15-30-55% of limestone-calcined laterite-Portland cement) were formulated to showcase their performance in terms of workability, strength, and durability. The possibility of a differing influence of varied water-to-binder ratio on the clay and laterite SCMs was also examined. The results show no significant difference between the performance of the laterite-based and clay-based blended cement concrete. It was concluded that laterite can be interchangeably used in place of clay in limestone calcined clay cements (LC3), especially in tropical regions where laterite is in abundance as much as or more than clay. Further investigation is recommended for long term performance evaluation.
Preparation, characterization and evaluation of a styrene-based molecularly imprinted polymer for capturing pyridine and pyrrole from crude oil
(2021) Awokoya KN; Okoya AA; Elujulo O
The rapid increase in global energy demand met with fossil fuel exploration and use as an energy source has not been achieved without its impacts on human and environmental health. Consequently, the imposition of stricter measures on key pollution sources in the effort to reduce the emission of contaminants into the environment became necessary. In this work, a new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) targeting pyridine (pyd) and pyrrole (pyr) was synthesized using styrene as a functional monomer. MIP and the non-imprinted polymer (NIP) were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The polymer had spongy surfaces and porous network structures. The effects of several factors, such as initial analyte concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dose on pyd and pyr removal efficiencies from crude oil were evaluated. Quantitative analyses indicated that the removal of pyd and pyr occurred at fast kinetics, with a removal efficiency of 15.12 and 15.33, respectively, after 10 min of adsorption time. Optimum adsorption for both analytes was however not reached until 420 min, indicating slow kinetics. The uptake of the analytes increased with a rise in concentration. The highest removal percentages were recorded at 99.9% and 99.7% for pyd and pyr respectively, at 0.06 mol dm−3 adsorbate concentration of the modeling organic media. Two adsorption isotherm models were applied to analyze the equilibrium data, obtaining the best description by the Freundlich isotherm model. The accuracy of the MIP materials was validated using Bonny crude oil from Nigeria. The results showed that the MIP was effective for the adsorption of pyd and pyr in both modeling organic media and real crude oil.
Isolation and characterization of nanocrystalline cellulose from cocoa pod husk (CPH) biomass wastes
(2021) Akinjokun AI; Petrik LF; Ogunfowokan AO; Ajao J; Ojumu TV
In this paper, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were isolated from the cellulose extracted from cocoa pod husk waste, followed by characterization using XRD, FT-IR, TGA, SEM and TEM to determine its crystallinity, structural properties, thermal characteristics, morphology and dimensions respectively. The result revealed that the cocoa pod husk amorphous segments containing hemicelluloses and lignin were extensively removed with increasing chemical treatments leading to increased purity, crystallinity index and thermal stability of the extracted materials. The diameter, length and crystallinity index of the CNC isolated from the CPH are 10–60 nm, 41–155 nm and 67.60% respectively.
Effects of cypermethrin as a model chemical on life cycle and biochemical responses of the tropical stingless bee Meliponula bocandei Spinola, 1853
(2021) Chibee GU; Ojelabi OM; Fajana HO; Akinpelu BA; Kehinde TO; Awodiran OM; Obuotor EM; Owojori OJ
The tropical stingless bee, Meliponula bocandei Spinola, 1853 is an important pollinator in West Africa but there is no study on the effect of pesticides on this species. This study assessed the effects of cypermethrin, a common pyrethroid on survival, taste (sucrose sensitivity), and biochemical responses of M. bocandei. The biochemical markers were superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione [GSH]), and acetylcholinesterase [AChE]) as well as glucose, trehalose and total protein concentrations. Test temperature was optimized by acclimatizing adult worker bees collected from a pristine natural colony to different temperature regimes in the laboratory and fed with sucrose solution. The optimized temperature (22°C) for survival and sucrose consumption was adopted for the toxicity test. The 24–48 h oral lethal dose (LD50) and 24–96 h indirect contact lethal concentration (LC50) of cypermethrin on the bees was in the range of 0.66–0.76 µg/ml and 92.24–223.69 µg/ml respectively. Also, the overall PER response reduced below 50% in bees that were orally exposed to high doses of cypermethrin. There was significant decrease in glucose, trehalose, total protein and GSH concentrations in bees when compared with the control. Also, significant alterations were observed in SOD, CAT, GST and AChE activity for both oral and contact exposure pathways. In conclusion, cypermethrin modulated the activities of biomarkers of oxidative stress and altered the level of energy metabolites in the bees.
Energy research in Nigeria: A bibliometric analysis
(2021) Adedayo HB; Adio SA; Oboirien BO
The scant supply of energy in Nigeria in relation to its energy demand has triggered interest in the scientific investigation of various energy research. This study reports on the bibliometric analysis of energy publications from Nigerian researchers from 1974 to 2019 (45 years) from the Elsevier Scopus database. The analysis includes publication types, languages of publication, institutions of authors and collaborators. Based on the analysis, the number of publications has increased in the 45 years period. With significant changes being from the period 2006–2015 by an average of 113 publications per year, to an average of 326 publications per year from 2016 to 2019. The contributions of institutional energy publications by region showed that the South-Western States region had the highest number of publications. A global map showing energy collaboration at international level Nigerian-authors mainly co-author energy publications with South Africa, Malaysia, the United States and the United Kingdom institutions. The publications are mainly in solar energy, wind energy and biomass energy and surprisely less in gas and hydro energy which are the main sources of electricity generation in Nigeria.
Water and sub-soil contamination in the coastal aquifers of Arogbo, Ondo State, Nigeria
(2021) Awoyemi MO; Ajama OD; Adekola SA; Arogundade AB; Fashina CD; Akinlade GO; Oyekunle JA
Study Region Arogbo Community, Ondo State, Nigeria. Study Focus In this study, groundwater and subsoil contamination within the coastal aquifers of Arogbo was investigated in order to determine the nature and sources of contamination, and its variation with season. In dry and wet seasons, water samples were analysed for their physico-chemical and bacteriological properties while soil samples were collected at depths of 0–0.5 and 0.5–1.0 m to determine the elemental concentration of heavy metals and their variation with depth. New Hydrological Insights for the Region The data obtained showed that the aquifer is shallow with a depth to water table ranging from 0.37 to 1.20 m. The hydro-chemical results revealed that the quality of water have been greatly impaired by the presence of contaminants such as Fe, Mn, and brackish water while the bacterial analysis showed that only few water samples were fit for human consumption. The results of soil analysis revealed the presence of anthropogenic contaminants such as Cd, Cu and Zn. This study concluded that the soil contaminants had no significant impact on the contamination level of water within the study area. Rather, terrestrial sources of iron and manganese were the major contaminants responsible for the high level of colouration of surface water and groundwater within the study area. These contaminants could pose serious health hazards to residents of the community.
The potential kimberlite field of the Kafur-Masari-Malumfashi area, northwestern Nigeria – evidence from integrated regional geophysical signatures
(2021) Falebita D; Falade A; Adepelumi A
This study investigates the distribution of potential kimberlitic pipes in the Kafur-Masari-Malumfashi region of northwestern Nigeria from satellite gravity and regional aeromagnetic data beyond the Kafur kimberlite pipe discovered previously. The interpretation indicates the presence of some roughly circular to oval shaped analytical signal anomalies which coincide with locations of concealed kimberlitic pipes. These results confirm the Kafur kimberlite and delineate six other suspected kimberlitic pipes. The integrated 2D model images and the signatures of the anomalies obtained allow us to interpret and confirm the field responses as possible multiple kimberlitic pipe intrusions within the basement. Thus suggesting that the region is a potential kimberlite field and represents targets for follow-up surveys.
Understanding the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder maize farmers in South-west, Nigeria
(2021) Adeagbo OA; Ojo TO; Adetoro AA
Climate is one of the most important factors in agricultural productivity, which could directly or indirectly influence productivity since the climate is linked to physiological processes. It is, therefore, essential to understanding the various strategies used by farmers to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change and the factors that influence maize farmers' adoption and intensity of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder maize farmers in South-west Nigeria. In all, a sample of three hundred and thirty (311) smallholder maize farmers were interviewed. A double-hurdle count data model was employed to estimate the factors influencing farmers' adoption of adaptation strategies while accounting for selection bias with the plugging of inverse mill ratio (IMR) as a regressor. Significant variables such as household size, depreciation ratio, frequency of extension visits, access to extension, and non-farm income were factors influencing the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies among maize farmers. Age of the respondent, age square, household size, farm-based organization (FBO), non-farm income, climate information, access to credit, farmers residing in Osun State (location_Osun), distance to market significantly influenced the intensity of climate change adaptation strategies. This study, therefore, concluded that farm-level policy efforts that aim to improve rural development should focus on farmers’ membership in FBO, increase the visits of extension agents, encourage non-farm income and access to climate change information, particularly during the off-cropping season. Policies and investment strategies of the government should be geared towards supporting improved extension service, providing on-farm demonstration training, and disseminating information about climate change adaptation strategies, particularly for smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

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