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Item Assessment of antimalarial medicinal plants used in Nigerian ethnomedicine reveals antimalarial potential of Cucurbita pepo leaf extract(2022) Ezeani C; Ezenyi I; Erhunse N; Sahal D; Akunne T; Okoli CMedicinal plants are often used to treat malaria in different parts of Nigeria and exploiting these can unravel new therapeutic leads. This study evaluated the antiplasmodial potential of selected plants used to treat malaria in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria. Leaves of three different plants (Cucurbita pepo, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Pennisetum purpureum) were collected for screening and two extracts viz., 70%v/v ethanol and dichloromethane/methanol (1:1 v/v), were prepared for each. An acute toxicity test was done in mice and cytotoxicity was assessed using human hepatoma cell line (HUH). The extracts were screened against chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum (Pf3D7) in vitro, and chloroquine-resistant P. berghei ANKA in vivo using a 4 day-suppressive test in mice. Cucurbita pepo ethanol extract was further tested for hemolytic effect on human erythrocytes and in established infection in mice. Parameters assessed were post-treatment parasitemia, hematological indices, organ (brain, kidney, liver, and spleen) weights, and survival. The extracts were non-cytotoxic up to a test dose of 100 μg/ml and 2000 mg/kg fed - mice did not show acute or delayed toxicity. Cucurbita pepo ethanol extract (CpE) displayed excellent in vitro antiplasmodial activity with IC50 of 3.05 μg/ml. At an oral dose of 500 mg/kg, mice were observed to display significant (p < 0.01) ∼51% suppression of parasitemia. The extract did not produce any significant hemolytic effect up to a test concentration of 1 mg/ml. In established infection, a dose of 300 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.01) protected mice from anemia caused by low hematocrit. The extract produced significant (p < 0.05) elevation in red blood cells and platelet counts, and an increase in hemoglobin was evident at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Further, CpE in a dose-dependent manner, reversed liver and spleen weight increase seen in untreated, infected mice. These findings show C. pepo as a potential candidate for further studies to identify its bioactive principle(s) and possible mechanism(s) of antimalarial action.Item Aquifer prospect and vulnerability of Upper Maastrichtian sandstones: Case of Ajali and Nsukka formations in the Northern Enugu Province, southeastern Nigeria(2017) Ukpai SN; Ezeh HN; Igwe JOTwo typical aquifer systems, namely, regional aquifer and local Perched aquifer have been delineated in the study area. The regional aquifer was identified at about 100 m depth around lowland areas, although prone to polluting effects from farming activities, erosion and weathering processes. This study investigated extents of groundwater pollution and permeability of the aquifers from water sample and grain size analyses. Results show porosity ranging from 49 to 50% and hydraulic conductivities as follows: 7.0 m/day for the sandstone of Nsukka Formation, 34.6 m/day for the outcrop of Ajali sandstone and 10.4 m/day for the sandstone at saturated subsurface zone with transmissivity of about 572 m2/day. The results signify that the regional aquifer is recharged by substantial rate of infiltrations vis-a-vis surface outcrops, and is therefore vulnerable to infiltration of pollution plumes. The groundwater is mainly acidic at pH ranging from 5.05 to 7.41 with a mean value of about 6.48, hence the pollution from dissolved iron in many places. Three main water types were identified, namely, Ca-Mg-HCO3, Ca-HCO3-Cl2 and Mg-Na-HCO3-SO4-Cl2 facies, all signifying dominance of groundwater species arising from precipitation recharge. This has resulted in the influences of surface effluents from run off as indicated by nitrate pollution in some areas. Thus, active hydrologic cycle controls the chemical facies in the water resources of the region, and with its hydraulic influence on the landscape, the quality status of groundwater, as well as the growth of agricultural products have been impaired.Item Assessing the potentials of largescale generation of solar energy in Eastern Nigeria with geospatial technologies(2021) Chiemelu NE; Anejionu OC; Ndukwu RI; Okeke FIThe quest to improve power supply in Nigeria has motivated the country to look for alternative energy resources to augment existing ones. Being in the tropics, Nigeria is well positioned to harness solar energy to improve its energy poverty status. Although, a number of solar energy projects have been initiated in the arid parts of the country, very little has been done in the humid Eastern part of the country. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the solar energy generation potential in Eastern Nigeria, using geospatial technologies. A spatially-explicit multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was implemented with GIS, using a number of geospatial data products including Landsat satellite images, NASA global direct normal irradiance (DNI), ASTER Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and National Forest Reserve map covering the study area. Various derivatives, including land use and land cover (LU/LC) map, slope, and factor maps were generated in other to produce a solar energy potential map of the region. This research found that over 59,000ha (0.67% of the region) were found to be suitable for the production of solar energy.Item Waste reduction and utilization strategies to improve municipal solid waste management on Nigerian campuses(2021) Ugwu CO; Ozoegwu CG; Ozor PA; Agwu N; Mbohwa CUniversities bear the important responsibility of training capable individuals and imbibing into the society plans, programs and policies that are sustainable. However, they have failed to live up to this expectation/responsibility in developing nations like Nigeria. As a result, various publication domains like the Elsevier, Engineering village, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis, Springer books, Research gate, etc. were explored to understand different approaches by various authors on the strategies of managing solid waste generated in universities around the world so as to recommend better strategies for managing the solid wastes generated in Nigerian universities for a sustainable development. The solid wastes that are prevalent in most studies reviewed include organic, plastic, polythene, paper/cardboard, e-waste, metal/cans, sanitary, wood, leather/textiles, glass/bottle, polystyrene food pack, medical and rubber. However, there are four major categories that pose the most challenges to the environment, the atmosphere, the entire populace and during all stages of management because they contribute the most percentage both by volume and weight. They include: organic, paper, polythene and plastic. Consequently, the strategies for the four major categories were discussed in this work. Some of the strategies include prevention of the generation of avoidable wastes, reduction of the generated waste through recovery, reuse of the recovered wastes, recycling of the recyclables, composting of organic wastes for energy/electricity generation, and eventual disposal at sanitary landfills. The strategies were based on the principles of the Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) approach (3Rs) of an efficient and effective sustainable waste management, viz; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.Item Vulnerability mapping as a tool to foster groundwater protection in areas subject to rapid population expansion: The case study of Abuja Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)(2022) Etuk M; Viaroli S; Ogbonnaya I; Re VStudy region Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT; Nigeria). Study Focus Rapid population growth has led to significant land use changes, with potential negative impacts on groundwater quality. However, the lack of understanding of hydrogeological settings, often due to limited data availability, is one of the main obstacles to sound planning in rapidly changing environments. To assess the specific groundwater vulnerability to nitrate, a DRASTIC-LU model was applied, combining the land use data from the last 20 years with the intrinsic aquifer vulnerability. This study represents the first attempt to assess aquifer vulnerability in the region. New hydrogeological insights for the region Results show that the Abuja FCT has been affected by a dramatic change in land use with an increase in urbanized and agricultural areas and may induce nitrate contamination in groundwater. Currently, several wells in the region are showing nitrate concentrations that exceed the statutory limit for drinking purposes. The comparison of DRASTIC-LU results with nitrate concentrations shows that the highest concentrations are found in urban/peri-urban areas. Although fertilizers are generally considered to be the main source of nitrate contamination, these results suggest a possible mixed (urban and agricultural) pollution origin. This investigation therefore represents a starting point for future nitrate monitoring assessments and for supporting decision makers with adequate information for urban planning in view of the expected population growth in the area.Item Application of WHO 2007 growth reference in assessing the anthropometric status of Nigerian adolescents; A systematic review and meta analysis(2022) Iheme G; Uzokwe C; Ezenwa H; Nwamadi C; Okonkwo E; Matthew SObjectives The study was designed to assess the application of WHO 2007 growth reference by local studies published from 2009 to 2020 in data generation of Nigerian adolescents’ anthropometric status. Methods Meta-analysis of literatures on anthropometric status of adolescents in Nigeria by articles published from 2009 to 2020 was conducted. A bibliographic survey was carried out in several databases –Google Scholar, PubMed and African Journals Online. Review of abstracts and full texts followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodology for anthropometric assessment of these eligible studies were compared to WHO 2007 growth reference. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Results A total of 24 articles which captured 12,482 adolescents met the inclusion criteria. Less than one fifth (16.7%) of the studies adopted the WHO 2007 growth references in their data generation while the adult recommendations for BMI application dominated the reviewed studies. A slow increase in the adoption of the WHO 2007 growth reference was observed. Conclusion The low application of the recommended growth reference by local researchers is of concern. Hence, the need to ensure quick adoption of standard indicators/guidelines in local studies will not only promote the generation of pooled evidence to reveal cross-cutting gaps but also ensure that the public health situation is not under/over-estimated.Item Urban daily lives and out-of-home food consumption among the urban poor in Nigeria: A practice-based approach(2022) Adeosun KP; Greene M; Oosterveer PUnderstanding the interaction between urban daily lives and patterns of food consumption in the Global South is important for informing health and sustainability transitions. In recent years, the lives of poor urban dwellers have undergone significant transformations which have been associated with shifts in patterns of daily food consumption from household-based towards primarily out-of-home. However, as of yet, little research has explored how changing everyday contexts of consumers' lives interrelate with their food vending-consumption practices. This study seeks to understand the interrelations between everyday urban lives and out-of-home food consumption practices among the urban poor in Ibadan, Nigeria. A situated social practice approach is employed to understand how everyday contexts shape practices of out-of-home food vending consumption. Multiple methods were employed, including GIS mapping of food vending outlets, quantitative consumer surveys, in-depth consumer interviews, and participant observation. The study provides an overview of food vending-consumption practices in terms of the socio-demographic situation of consumers and the embeddedness of food vending in the practice arrangements making up their daily lives. The findings reveal three key daily life practices that interlock with their ready-to-eat foods consumption practices: daily mobility practices, working arrangements, and domestic engagements These three categories of daily urban practices that have undergone rapid transformation in line with socio-economic change and urbanisation and emerged as particularly important in shaping out-of-home food consumption. The paper concludes by considering the importance of understanding the embeddedness of food vending practices in the daily lives of the urban poor for sustainable food systems transitions in the Global South.Item An appraisal of data collection, analysis, and reporting adopted for water quality assessment: A case of Nigeria water quality research(2021) Ewuzie U; Aku NO; Nwankpa SUThe appropriate acquisition and processing of water quality data are crucial for water resource management. As such, published articles on water quality monitoring and assessment are meant to convey essential and reliable information to water quality experts, decision-makers, researchers, students, and the public. The implication is that such information must emanate from data obtained and analysed in an up-to-date, scientifically sound manner. Thus, inappropriate data analysis and reporting techniques could yield misleading results and mar the endeavours of achieving error-free conclusions. This study utilises the findings on water quality assessment in Nigeria over the last 20 years to reveal the likely trends in water quality research regarding data collection, data analysis, and reporting for physicochemical, bacteriological parameters, and trace organics. A total of 123 Web of Science and quartile ranked (Q1–Q4) published articles involving water quality assessment in Nigeria were analysed. Results indicated shortcomings in various aspects of data analysis and reporting. Consequently, we use simulated heatmaps and graphs to illustrate preferred ways of analysing, reporting, and visualising some regularly used descriptive and inferential statistics of water quality variables. Finally, we highlight alternative approaches to the customarily applied water quality assessment methods in Nigeria and emphasise other areas of deficiency that need attention for improved water quality research.Item Validation of the fear of the COVID-19 scale in Nigeria: Implications for public health practice(2021) Chia T; Oyeniran OI; Iorfa SKObjective The fear of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected a wide range of health-related attitudes and behaviours worldwide. However, within an African population, it is not clear how the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic may be particularly important for formulating public health policies and their consequent implementation. As a first step, it is important to validate a psychometrically sound instrument to assess the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic using an African population. This study presents a preliminary validation of the fear of the COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) using a sub-Saharan African population from Nigeria. Methods Three hundred and eighty-nine people responded from a total of 1000 invitees. The participants were requested to fill a web-based (Google forms) FCV-19S questionnaire. The responses, together with their socio-demographic data, were analysed using descriptive statistics and a confirmatory factor analysis. Results The age of the participants ranged between 21 and 30 years (mean 25.84 years). The study participants comprised 220 males (56.6%) and 169 females (43.4%). The factor loadings of all seven items of the FCV-19S questionnaire reached statistical significance and, therefore, were retained. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the two-factor structure of the FCV-19S questionnaire was a better fit for the Nigerian subpopulation under consideration. Cronbach's alphas for both subscales were acceptable. Conclusions The FCV-19S is a valid, suitable, and effective tool for the African population. Additionally, the implications of its use for public health practice in Africa are essential.Item Virulence-associated genes of avian pathogenic E. coli isolated from chickens with colibacillosis in Enugu State, Nigeria(2020) Ugwu IC; Lee-Ching L; Ugwu C; Chah K; Okoye JOItem Treated wastewater used in fresh produce irrigation in Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria is a reservoir of enterotoxigenic and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli(2020) Chigor V; Ibangha IA; Chigor C; Titilawo YBackground Occurrences of pathogens in environmental and irrigation waters, as well as the use of inadequately treated sewage for fresh produce constitute potential public health threats worldwide. Objective To investigate the treated wastewater used in fresh produce irrigation in Nsuskka, Southeastern Nigeria, as a reservoir enterotoxigenic and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. Methods Treated wastewater (from the sewage treatment facility at Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria), soil and irrigated vegetable samples were collected and analyzed using standard procedures. Escherichia coli isolated from the samples were screened for the presence of enterotoxigenic E. coli strain encoding lt gene and profiled for antibiotic resistance using the conventional PCR and standardized agar disk diffusion assays respectively. Results Of the total presumptive 103 isolates, PCR detected uidA gene in 87 (84 %), of which 23 (26 %) harboured the lt encoding ETEC gene. Generally, imipenem, cefuroxime and norfloxacin proved to be most effective of all the antibiotics employed. Wastewater isolates were variously susceptible to ciprofloxacin (95 %), norfloxacin (95 %), cefuroxime (93 %), chloramphenicol (93 %), trimethoprim and tetracycline (88 %), soil isolates to streptomycin (75 %) and vegetable isolates to cefuroxime (90 %), norfloxacin (86 %), ciprofloxacin (81 %) and chloramphenicol. Contrariwise, high resistances observed to other antibiotics were in the order; ampicillin (95 %), penicillin (93 %), erythromycin (90 %) and clarithromycin (83 %) among wastewater isolates, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin (75 %) in soil isolates; penicillin, vancomycin and erythromycin (98 %), rifampicin and clarithromycin (93 %), sulphamethoxazole (83 %), ampicillin (81 %), tetracycline and imipenem (76 %), trimethoprim (72 %) and amoxicillin (71 %) among vegetable isolates, with multidrug resistance patterns ranging from three to seventeen. Conclusions Our results reveal the treated wastewater as a reservoir of enterotoxigenic E. coli as well as multidrug resistance that may pose a health hazard for humans and animals when released to the natural environment. Hence, there is need to develop management strategies and ensure compliance in order to prevent water-borne diarrhoea caused by ETEC and reduce the menace of antibiotic resistance in the environment.Item Small hydropower as a source of clean and local energy in Nigeria: Prospects and challenges(2022) Ugwu CO; Ozor PA; Mbohwa CJust as the need for air is inevitable in our everyday existence, energy is consumed in every sector of any nation at every second. Due to the increase in technological advancements and high population growth rate, among other factors, in the world today, there is the need for more energy than in the past centuries. Therefore, one of the best solutions to address this issue of increasing energy demand in Nigeria is harnessing the enormous small hydropower potential sites that is scattered in many parts of the nation. It is unfortunate that out of over 278 potential sites with 734.3 MW potential capacity, Nigeria has yet explored only 37.0MW. It is noteworthy that the SHP scheme has its own challenges especially in developing nations. For instance, it is reported to have high capital investment. This challenge is offset by the fact that it incurs little operation and maintenance costs. It has very high payback ratio which proves it to be a cheap source of energy. Furthermore, it is a clean and local source of energy that is reliable, affordable and predictable due to the consistency in the availability of water in rivers and its ability to be integrated with existing projects. Such multi-purpose schemes that can be integrated with the SHP schemes while guaranteeing its primary function include; irrigation network, drinking water reservoirs, wastewater treatment plants, etc. It also has the potential to create many job opportunities and also enhance women development.Item Socioeconomic factors affecting households' use of indigenous forest management practices in managing non-wood forest products: evidence from forest communities in Nigeria derived savannah(2020) Chukwuone NA; Adeosun KP; Chukwuone CAAlthough indigenous forest management practices have been used effectively by local people in the management and conservation of forest resources, these practices are eroding, causing negative consequences on the welfare of the people and their forests. To stem the erosion of the indigenous practices and instead stimulate, preserve, or improve their use, this study determines the socioeconomic factors that drive the household's use of the practices in the management and conservation of plant species of non-wood forest products (NWFPs). The study was carried out in Nigeria derived savannah. Data was collected from 200 randomly selected households in 10 randomly selected forest communities. Multivariate probit model was used to estimate the socioeconomic factors that influence the simultaneous use of indigenous forest management practices by households. Given multiple use of the practices, the result shows that the indigenous forest management practices used by the households are selective weeding (82.98%), controlled harvesting (82.45%), enrichment planting (75.53%), fire breaks (76.06%) and indigenous protective mechanism (45.74%). The majority (71.28%) of the respondents said they managed bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis and wombulu) using the practices, while the lowest proportion (21.28%) managed bush buck (Gongronema latifolium). The result of the multivariate probit model shows that virtually all the indigenous forest management practices are positively and significantly associated and are thus, complements. However, local protective mechanisms and controlled harvesting, local protective mechanisms and selective weeding, and local protective mechanisms and enrichment planting are not significantly associated. Farming occupation significantly increases the likelihood of simultaneous use of controlled harvesting, enrichment planting, and fire breaks as indigenous forest management practices in the management and conservation of NWFP. On the other hand, age significantly reduces the likelihood of the use of controlled harvesting and selective weeding. The study recommends the provision of support for young people who are more likely to be involved in the indigenous forest management practices; support to farmers who simultaneously use the practices, for example, through the provision of credit facilities; and a proper definition of user rights in community forests.Item Secondary school students' knowledge, attitude, and practices towards epilepsy in Nsukka City, Enugu State(2020) Anene-Okeke CG; Anosike C; Aluh DO; Odo LEBackground Epilepsy is the most common noninfectious neurologic disease in Nigeria and other developing African countries. Epilepsy remains a stigmatized disease. The stigma stems from the traditional African belief, which views epilepsy as a spiritual disease. A lack of information and illiteracy has been blamed as the cause of the stigmatization. Aims The aim of the present study was to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards epilepsy among secondary school students in Nsukka. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey using a validated, self-administered questionnaire comprising four sections: demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards people living with epilepsy (PLWE). Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Descriptive analysis (frequencies, percentage, mean, and standard deviations) were used to summarize the data. The relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge score and attitude score was performed using chi-square analysis. Statistical significance was set as a p-value <0.05. Results The majority of the students (87.4%) had heard of epilepsy as a disease. The most common source of information was the electronic media (21.5%). More than half (61.6%) had witnessed a convulsion in the past, and 36.9% knew someone with epilepsy. The majority of the students (66.7%) believed that epilepsy is caused by witchcraft. Jerking (77.3%) and loss of consciousness (82.4%) were identified as the commonest manifestation of epilepsy. Regarding treatment management of epilepsy, 81.3% of the students believe the use of orthodox medicine, while 85.4% would insert a spoon in the mouth when a seizure occurs as part of first-aid treatment. Nearly half of the students had good knowledge (48.1%) of epilepsy and a positive attitude (46.5%) towards the disease. The students' knowledge was associated with their school (X2 = 23.21, p = 0.001). However, students' attitude towards epilepsy was associated with their schools (X2 = 5.93, p = 0.015) and their guardians' level of education (X2 = 14.65, p = 0.012). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest poor knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy among secondary school students in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.Item Semen Characteristics and Hematology of Nigerian Local Cocks Fed Varying Dietary Levels of Ethiopian Pepper Fruit Meal(2019) Uzochukwu IE; Amaefule BC; Aba CN; Nnajiofor NW; Machebe NS; Foleng HNSUMMARY This study evaluated the effect of Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) fruit meal (EPFM) on the semen quality and hematology of Nigerian light ecotype local cocks. A total of 90 mature cocks (weighing about 1.4 ± 1.00 kg) were randomly assorted into 5 treatments groups: T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 with 18 cocks per treatment in a completely randomized design. The birds in T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 were fed basal diets containing EPFM at the levels of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg diet, respectively. Semen was collected twice per week using the abdominal massage method, while blood samples were collected at the eighth week of study for hematological analysis. Sperm concentration, sperm motility, live sperm cells, normal sperm cells, and total sperm count were higher in birds fed 2 and 4 g EPFM compared to the control group. At and above 6 g/kg diet, EPFM was observed to significantly decrease semen quality. The hematology results showed no significant differences among the different treatments in the considered indices. From these findings, we conclude that addition of EPFM up to 4 g/kg diet could be used to improve semen quality of cocks without detrimental effects on the physiological status of the birds.Item Sequence analysis for SNP detection and phylogenetic reconstruction of SARS-cov-2 isolated from Nigerian COVID-19 cases(2022) Taiwo IA; Adeleye N; Anwoju FO; Adeyinka A; Uzoma IC; Bankole TTBackground Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that belong to the Family Coronaviridae, genus Betacoronavirus. In December 2019, a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) characterized by severe respiratory symptoms was discovered. The causative pathogen was a novel coronavirus known as 2019-nCoV and later as SARS-CoV-2. Within two months of its discovery, COVID-19 became a pandemic causing widespread morbidity and mortality. Methodology Whole genome sequence data of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Nigerian COVID-19 cases were retrieved by downloading from GISAID database. A total of 18 sequences that satisfied quality assurance (length ≥29,700 nts and number of unknown bases denoted as “N” ≤ 5%) were used for the study. In addition, genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 obtained from Nigeria's COVID-19 index case (Accession ID: EPI_ISL_413550) and the reference genome (Accession NC_ 045512.2) were obtained from GISAID and the GenBank databases, respectively. Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) was done in MAFFT (Version 7.471) while SNP calling was implemented in DnaSP (Version 6.12.03), respectively and then visualized in Jalview (Version 2.11.1.0). Phylogenetic analysis was with MEGA X software. Results Nigerian SARS-CoV-2 had 99.9% genomic similarity with four large conserved genomic regions. A total of 66 SNPs were identified out of which 31 were informative. Nucleotide diversity assessment gave Pi = 0.00048 and average SNP frequency of 2.22 SNPs per 1000 nts. Non-coding genomic regions particularly 5′UTR and 3′UTR had a SNP density of 3.77 and 35.4, respectively. The region with the highest SNP density was ORF10 with a frequency of 8.55 SNPs/1000 nts). This value was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that of the spike gene, the region of greatest interest in SARS-CoV-2 genomics. Majority (72.2%) of viruses in Nigeria are of L lineage with preponderance of D614G mutation which accounted for 11 (61.1%) out of the 18 viral sequences. Nigeria SARS-CoV-2 revealed 3 major clades namely Oyo, Ekiti and Osun on a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree. Conclusion and Recommendation There was a preponderance of L lineage (to include the new lineage scheme) and D614G mutants. Nigerian SARS-CoV-2 genome revealed ORF1ab as the region containing the highest SNP density as compared to the spike gene. The implication of this distribution of SNPs for the empirical lower infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria is discussed. This also underscores the need for more aggressive testing and treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Additionally, attempt to produce testing kits for COVID-19 in Nigeria should consider the conserved regions identified in this study. Strict adherence to COVID-19 preventive measure is recommended in view of Nigerian SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetic clustering pattern, which suggests intensive community transmission possibly rooted in communal culture characteristic of many ethnicities in Nigeria.Item Survey data of COVID-19-related Knowledge, Risk Perceptions and Precautionary Behavior among Nigerians(2020) Olapegba PO; Iorfa SK; Kolawole SO; Oguntayo R; Gandi JC; Ottu IF; Ayandele OIn response to the global call for strategic information to understand the novel coronavirus, the dataset presented in this paper is an examination of COVID-19-related knowledge, risk perceptions and precautionary health behavior among Nigerians. The data were generated during the COVID-19 lockdown in the country through a survey distributed via an online questionnaire, assessing socio-demographic information (7 items), knowledge (5 items), information sources (1 item), risk perception (9 items), expected end of lockdown (1 item), and COVID-19 precautionary health behavior (10 items), from 28th March to 4th April, 2020, gathering a total of 1,357 responses. A combination of purposive and snowball techniques helped to select the respondents via Whatsapp and Facebook from 180 cities/towns in the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The entire dataset is stored in a Microsoft Excel Worksheet (xls) and the questionnaire is attached as a supplementary file. The data will assist in curbing the Coronavirus pandemic by offering evidence for strategic and targeted interventions as well as health policy formulations and implementation.Item Solid waste quantification and characterization in university of Nigeria, Nsukka campus, and recommendations for sustainable management(2020) Ugwu CO; Ozoegwu CG; Ozor PAQuantification and characterization of municipal solid waste are the bases for a proper solid waste management planning but the needed collection, transportation, characterization and disposal are grossly under-investigated and scarcely implemented in Nigerian Universities. This study, therefore, quantified and characterized the waste generated in the university of Nigeria, Nsukka campus using ASTM D5231-92 method, and recommended possible integrated solid waste management strategies for a sustainable management of the waste. The average daily solid waste generation in the university was estimated to be 2,218.66kg during the 6-month study period from 24th February to 18th August in 2017/2018 academic session with organic and polythene representing the largest portion at 32.36% and 34.29%, respectively. Glass/bottle, textiles/leather, rubber, wood, e-waste, sanitary, medical, polystyrene food pack and metal wastes represented 0.97%, 2.69%, 0.28%, 0.82%, 0.98%, 2.16%, 0.16%, 1.04% and 1.67%, respectively. The campus has a per capita solid waste generation rate of about 0.06kg/day. About 96.58% of the total waste is recyclable, and has about 51.85% biomass potential. Analysis of variance showed that differently dominated areas of the campus have different quantities and compositions of wastes mainly due to significant variation of organic and polythene components across the differently dominated areas. The barriers against effective solid waste management and recommendations for integrated solid waste management strategies were made to include solid waste generation reduction, re-usage, recycling, composting, and proper training and provision of incentive and other fiscal policies.Item Plastic pollution in the environment in Nigeria: A rapid systematic review of the sources, distribution, research gaps and policy needs(2022) Yalwaji B; John-Nwagwu HO; Sogbanmu TOPlastic are emerging pollutants requiring urgent intervention for its management. In African countries like Nigeria, the evidence to inform plastic pollution management is scanty. This rapid review aimed to systematically evaluate evidence on the distribution, sources, biological effects, research gaps and policy needs of plastic pollution in various environmental matrices in Nigeria. Peer-reviewed journal articles on nano-, micro-, meso- and macroplastics contamination of water, sediment, air, soil and biota were accessed from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. They were screened, comprehensively revised and critically appraised for inclusion, data extraction and evidence synthesis. A total of 358,974 articles were accessed from any publication date up till May 30, 2021. Only 34 articles met the inclusion criteria and critical appraisal. Only 26 of the included studies reported the distribution, levels and/or effects of microplastics (MPs) (n = 12), macroplastics (n = 12) or both (n = 2) in water, sediment, biota, food and/or land. Only 15 of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had any data on micro- and/or macroplastics. Macroplastics from land-based sources were mainly reported from educational institutions, residential areas and markets. Plastic sources reported were tire wear, cigarette butts, fishing ropes and gears, plastic bags, water sachets and e-wastes. Biological effects (oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, reduced plant root biomass) of virgin MPs were reported in crab, African catfish and lime tree only in laboratory experiments. Microplastic data in biota were limited to selected fish species, aquatic insects and gastropods. Only one (1) study on plastics in waterbodies in Northern Nigeria (Kogi State) was found. Research gaps on plastic distribution in terrestrial biota, other aquatic biota, soil, air, ground and potable water sources as well as biological effects were identified. Policy needs for plastic pollution management identified include stakeholder education, polymer replacement, recycling, tax and incentives to support the sustainability of life below water and on land (UN SDGs 14 and 15).Item Problems and Challenges Facing the Nigerian Transportation System Which Affect Their Contribution to the Economic Development of the Country in the 21st Century(2020) Onokala PC; Olajide CJThe aim of this paper is to discuss the current problems and challenges facing the four major modes of transportation in Nigeria, which affect their continued contribution to the economic development of the country in the 21st Century as well as their prospects for further development in the future. Data used were obtained from in-depth literature search in books, journals and relevant government publications as well as oral interviews and field observations. The historical development of each mode and the role it played in the economic development of the country in the past are presented and then the challenges and problems that affect their continued contribution to the economic development of the country are discussed. Presently, the movement of people and all types of goods all over the country is handled by road transport. while roads are overused and also wrongly used in Nigeria the waterways have a lot of capacity that is not being utilized. In addition, pipelines are no longer used and petroleum product are now moved the already congested roads so pipeline are not discussed separately. While roads are overused and also wrongly used in Nigeria the waterways have a lot of capacity that is not being utilized. Railways were heavily used in the past but sparingly used now while the airways are heavily used but still need a lot of improvement and expansion. The major result of the predominant use of road transportation over all the other modes are environmental problems of road transportation and high frequency of road traffic accidents on Nigerian roads. The problem of inefficiencies at the ports of Nigeria has led to missed opportunities for receiving more imports at the Nigerian seaports from other countries as well as goods meant for Nigerian ports being diverted to other ports along the coast of West Africa. The inland waterways have a lot of capacity that is not being utilized while the railway system is old and obsolete. The airways are heavily used but still need a lot of improvement and expansion. All these adversely affect the contribution of these modes of transport to the economic development of the country. The paper suggested sustainable ways of handling these problems and challenges so that these modes can continue their contribution to the economic development of Nigeria in the 21st Century.
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