Edo State Nigeria Research Articles

Whole Genome Sequencing of Antibiotic Resistant Genes in Isolates from Surfaces in a Science Laboratory.

Isolates obtained from laboratory surfaces were identified and characterized. Ten consecutive isolates were obtained from 30 sample surfaces of a University Science Laboratory in Edo State Nigeria in May, 2021. Swabs of surfaces from the laboratory were obtained aseptically. The sample swabs were streaked on MacConkey, eosin methylene blue, mannitol salt, and nutrient agar plates, respectively, and incubated appropriately. Distinct colonies were randomly obtained from culture plates and characterized phenotypically. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to analyze four isolates (40%) obtained by selection criteria. Susceptibility testing using antibiotics was performed for the identified isolates by Kirby-Bauer method for 15 antibiotics. Isolate characterization and identification of resistance determinants were determined using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Microorganisms identified included Leclercia adecarboxylata, Enterobacter hormaechei, Atlantibacter hermanii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Three identified isolates were antibiotics-resistant and were investigated by WGS. Resistance genes were found in all (100%) of the resistant laboratory isolates. The resistance determinants included β-lactamase genes, aminoglycoside modifying enzymes, qnr genes, sulfonamide, tetracycline, and trimethoprim resistance genes, respectively. Two isolates carried ESBL genes and blaCTX-M-15 was detected. Our study displays the dissemination of antibiotic resistance among isolates obtained from surface of a University Science Laboratory. To the best of our knowledge, we have reported the first genomic characterization of resistance to antibiotics in isolates obtained from surfaces of a University Science Laboratory in Nigeria.

Enablers and barriers to the acceptability of mHealth for maternal healthcare in rural Edo, Nigeria.

Acceptability has become a key consideration in designing, implementing and evaluating digital health interventions. Current evidence points to acceptability as a crucial factor in sustaining mobile health programs for maternal health across sub-Saharan Africa particularly in Nigeria where the burden of maternal mortality is high. This paper describes the enablers and barriers to the acceptance of Text4Life, a mobile phone-based health intervention that extends maternal healthcare services to rural areas of Edo State Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional qualitative study of women who used Text4Life, their spouses who were all men and Ward Development Committee chairpersons who oversaw the implementation of Text4Life. This study was set in Etsako East and Esan Central Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Between September 2021 and January 2022, eight focus groups were conducted with 64 participants: 39 women and 25 men. Two in-depth interviews were conducted with Ward Development Committee chairpersons. Data collection was conducted in English and Pidgin English. Discussions and interviews were digitally recorded and translated to English from Pidgin English where necessary. Data analysis followed a mainly deductive approach to thematic analysis, however, emergent information from the data was also considered and reported. The results show that participants' positive attitudes towards the intervention, the involvement of the community, participants' understanding of the intervention, and perceived effectiveness of the Text4Life program were enablers to women's acceptance of Text4Life and enablers to Ward Development Committee chairpersons' assistance with the program. On the other hand, limited resources and a clash with the community's value system presented barriers to the acceptability of the Text4Life program. Our findings demonstrate the importance of alleviating the burdens associated with participating in mobile health interventions while noting that the risk of obstructing the gains from mobile health interventions is high if plans for sustaining it are not incorporated early enough in the design phase.

Assessment of Ambient Air Pollution Pattern in Ikpeshi Community Edo State Nigeria Using Geostatistical Analysis

Understanding the Spatial distribution of ambient air quality in an active mining and solid mineral processing community is important in order to determine pollution hot spots and cold spots, as well as the trend. This will help Air Quality Managers to evaluate areas that are highly exposed to air pollution for mitigation purposes. In this study, dust particles in the form of ambient PM2.5, and PM10 were measured on weekly basis for a period of one year at 73 sampling points located in Ikpeshi, a mining and mineral processing community in Edo State, Nigeria using Double Parameter HoldPeak HP-5800D model Laser PM2.5 Meter. Geospatial data was also collected by means of Garmin GPSmap 78s model. The PM2.5 and PM10 data were preprocessed in MS Excel 2010 computer software to obtain the mean pollutant concentrations for the two parameters. The mean PM concentrations were analyzed and mapped using ArcGIS 10.0 software to generate various geostatistical surfaces to describe the ambient air pollution pattern and spatial distribution of pollutants in the community. The predicted mean concentrations ranged from 5.25 to 88.75µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 8.15 to 552.85µg/m3 for PM10. Mann-Kendall’s test showed that the observed pattern in ambient air quality exhibits a linear trend at 5% significant level with pollution hot spots found in the South-Eastern part of the community where the mills and quarries are domiciled while the cold spots appeared in the residential areas found in the North-Western part of the community. It was therefore concluded that the ambient air pollution pattern in the study area exhibits a linear south-east to north-west trend which is statistically significant at 5% level.

Lead and Cadmium Ions Mitigation in Soil using Calcium Carbide Waste-Carbonised Lophira Alata Sawdust Composite (CCW-CLAS) as Immobilizing Agent

Soil contamination with heavy metals is a global environmental matter of interest due to its thinkable dangers to humans, environmental health and ecosystem preceding shortfalls in agricultural produce and dangerous health outcomes as they penetrate the food chain. The aim of this study was to mitigate lead and cadmium ions contaminant in soil using calcium carbide waste-carbonized lophira alata sawdust composite (CCW-CLAS). Contaminated soil samples were collected from Evbareke spare parts market, Benin City, Edo state Nigeria, using a grid sampling method at the depth of 0-20cm with the aid of soil auger. 50% W/W of the powdered calcium carbide waste and lophira alata sawdust was placed in a ceramic crucible and put into muffle furnace and heated at 350oC for 3 hours. The X-ray diffraction analysis for the calcium carbide waste-carbonized lophira alata sawdust composite (CCW-CLAS) revealed that it was made up of predominantly calcite fraction (55.0%), portlandite (25.0%), coesite (7.3%), muscovite (6.7%), dolomite (4.0%) and lime (2.1%) this was supported by FTIR analysis. SEM analysis revealed that calcium carbide waste-carbonized lophira alata sawdust composite (CCW-CLAS) possess a rough surface with pore of varied size and irregular shape. The contaminated soil from the Evbareke spare parts market was heavily polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons, and the soil was highly saline with low C.E.C. The soil texture was loamy-sand. As the amount of CCW-CLAS increased in the soil, the amount of cadmium and lead ions that was releasable in the soil reduced, indicating that CCW-CLAS was effective in immobilizing cadmium and lead ions. The optimum amount of the amender in the contaminated soil to immobilize lead ion was 4% w/w and cadmium ion was 2%.

Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Gram-negative Bacteria from Different Fresh Retail Vegetables in Nigeria

Aim: The proportion of food borne disease outbreaks as a result of contaminated products has increased over the years. In this study, the genetic characteristics of antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteria from different fresh retail vegetables in Okada, Edo state Nigeria was investigated.
 Place and Duration of Study: In April-May 2021, the study was carried out in the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Igbinedion University Okada Edo state Nigeria.
 Methodology: One hundred and eight isolates were isolated from sixteen different retail leafy and salad vegetable samples. Recovered isolates from samples were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Species identification for ten randomly selected isolates was performed by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (rMLST). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer method for 15 antibiotics. Isolates were characterized by whole genome sequencing (WGS).
 Results: Species identification using MALDI-TOF-MS and ribosomal MLST assigned the 10 randomly selected isolates to four different species. Identified isolates include Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Acinetobacter baumanii and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae. Out of the 10 randomly selected isolates, 60% (6/10) were antibiotic resistant in the antibiotic susceptibility test. WGS data confirmed the identities of the isolates except Proteus vulgaris identified as P. terrae. More than one resistant determinant was detected on the draft genome sequence of 80% (8/10) of the randomly selected isolates especially the regulatory system modulating antibiotic efflux CRP and the plasmid mediated quinolone resistant determinant qnrD1. Significantly, one Proteus mirabilis isolate was sensitive to the antibiotics in the phenotypic testing but had resistance determinants present.
 Conclusion: This study provides genomic characterization of antibiotic resistant isolates from retail leafy and salad vegetables from Nigeria. Further study is important to understand the public health importance of such resistance and the amount of risk posed to human health by these resistant organisms.

Epidemiological description of and response to a large yellow fever outbreak in Edo state Nigeria, September 2018 - January 2019

BackgroundEdo State Surveillance Unit observed the emergence of a disease with “no clear-cut-diagnosis”, which affected peri-urban Local Government Areas (LGAs) from September 6 to November 1, 2018. On notification, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control deployed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to support outbreak investigation and response activities in the State. This study describes the epidemiology of and response to a large yellow fever (YF) outbreak in Edo State.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive outbreak investigation of YF outbreak in Edo State. A suspected case of YF was defined as “Any person residing in Edo State with acute onset of fever and jaundice appearing within 14 days of onset of the first symptoms from September 2018 to January 2019”. Our response involved active case search in health facilities and communities, retrospective review of patients’ records, rapid risk assessment, entomological survey, rapid YF vaccination coverage assessment, blood sample collection, case management and risk communication. Descriptive data analysis using percentages, proportions, frequencies were made.ResultsA total of 209 suspected cases were line-listed. Sixty-seven (67) confirmed in 12 LGAs with 15 deaths [Case fatality rate (CFR 22.4%)]. Among confirmed cases, median age was 24.8, (range 64 (1-64) years; Fifty-one (76.1%) were males; and only 13 (19.4%) had a history of YF vaccination. Vaccination coverage survey involving 241 children revealed low YF vaccine uptake, with 44.6% providing routine immunisation cards for sighting. Risk of YF transmission was 71.4%. Presence of Aedes with high-larval indices (House Index ≥5% and/or Breteau Index ≥20) were established in all the seven locations visited. YF reactive mass vaccination campaign was implemented.ConclusionEdo State is one of the states in Nigeria with the highest burden of yellow fever. More males were affected among the confirmed. Major symptoms include fever, jaundice, weakness, and bleeding. Majority of surveillance performance indicators were above target. There is a high risk of transmission of the disease in the state. Low yellow fever vaccination coverage, and presence of yellow fever vectors (Ae.aegypti, Ae.albopictus and Ae.simpsoni) are responsible for cases in affected communities. Enhanced surveillance, improved laboratory sample management, reactive vaccination campaign, improved yellow fever case management and increased risk communication/awareness are very important mitigation strategies to be sustained in Edo state to prevent further spread and mortality from yellow fever.

The economic potential of some metacarbonate rocks in Akoko-Edo, Edo state Nigeria

ABSTRACT The application of metacarbonate rocks depend majorly on their physical and/or chemical properties. The mineralogical and chemical properties of the metacarbonate rocks from Enwan, Bekuma, and Ekpedo metacarbonate deposits in Akoko Edo, Nigeria were determined using combined modal petrographic analysis and XRS-FP quantitative analysis. The modal analyses show that the metacarbonate rocks from Enwan, Ekpedo and Bekuma contain averages of 96.4%, 58.5%, and 77.35% CaCO3 respectively and 3.6%, 41.5% and 13.1% MgO respectively. The mineralogical constituent include calcite, dolomite, quartz, plagioclase and muscovite. The principal constituents of the carbonate rocks are calcite and dolomite with calcite being the dominant mineral. The marbles can be used in a variety of calcium carbonate industries due to the low quartz content and the mineralogical composition. These characteristics make the metacarbonate rocks suitable for the production of paint, factory lime, pesticide and animal feed, as construction material and for use in the chemical industry.

Collaborating Conflict Management and Rural/Urban Sustainable Development in South-South Nigeria

Conflicts have emerged as key issues challenging local, regional, national and global security. Environmental crises and problems throughout the world are widespread and increasing rapidly. In relation to these concerns, the main objective of the study was to examine the collaborating conflict management and rural/urban sustainable development in south-south Nigeria. Other specific objectives set for the study were to examine the impact of accommodation on economic growth and to determine the influence of communication on quality of life. The population comprised of staff of ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Edo state. A sample size of eighty five (85) participants were selected using stratified sampling method taking from the total staff of ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Edo state Nigeria. The statistical technique used was linear regression analysis. The results showed that a statistically strong and positive relationship exists between accommodation and economic growth (R square = 0.944 p < 0.05), and that communication have significant influence on quality of life (R square = 0.769 p < 0.05). This result is statistically significant as the p-value of the results (0.000) is less than 0.05 level of significance set for the study. The study concluded that accommodation has a strong and significant impact on economic growth of south-south Nigeria and that if there is effective communication it will help enhance the people’s quality of life. The study recommends that organizations/government should provide conducive environment through good accommodation in order to foster the economic growth and they should continue to communicate effectively through clear policies, apparent procedures and rules communication to improve quality of life of the people.

Comparative Proximate Analysis of T. Occidentalis (Fluted Pumpkin) Leaves Sold In Three Different Markets in Benin City, Nigeria.

Research was carried out to investigate the proximate analysis of Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin) leaves sold in three different markets in Benin-City, Edo State Nigeria. Samples of each substrate were randomly purchased from three different sellers in each market. The proximate analysis was carried out using standard methods of food analysis. Experimental results revealed that across the markets, moisture content was the highest and ranged from 91.25±0.38 to 92.45±1.02%, crude fibre content ranged from 2.98±0.22 to 3.51±0.13%, carbohydrate content ranged from 2.65±0.05 to 3.29±0.15%, the protein content ranged from 1.05±0.03 to 2.06±0.15%, the fat content ranged from 0.25±0.05 to 0.45±0.04% and the ash content ranged from 0.18±0.02 to 0.28±0.04%. The results were compared using an analysis of variance test. There were no significant differences in the nutritional composition of Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin) leaves sold in the three different markets considered (p > 0.05).

Comparative Proximate Analysis of T. Occidentalis (Fluted Pumpkin) Leaves Sold In Three Different Markets in Benin City, Nigeria.

Research was carried out to investigate the proximate analysis of Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin) leaves sold in three different markets in Benin-City, Edo State Nigeria. Samples of each substrate were randomly purchased from three different sellers in each market. The proximate analysis was carried out using standard methods of food analysis. Experimental results revealed that across the markets, moisture content was the highest and ranged from 91.25±0.38 to 92.45±1.02%, crude fibre content ranged from 2.98±0.22 to 3.51±0.13%, carbohydrate content ranged from 2.65±0.05 to 3.29±0.15%, the protein content ranged from 1.05±0.03 to 2.06±0.15%, the fat content ranged from 0.25±0.05 to 0.45±0.04% and the ash content ranged from 0.18±0.02 to 0.28±0.04%. The results were compared using an analysis of variance test. There were no significant differences in the nutritional composition of Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin) leaves sold in the three different markets considered (p > 0.05).

Genetic Characterization of Antibiotic Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Isolates From Bovine Animals and the Environment in Nigeria.

There is a link between antibiotic resistance in humans, livestock and the environment. This study was carried out to characterize antibiotic resistant bovine and environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 109 consecutive isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from March–May 2015 from 150 fecal samples of healthy bovine animals from three farms at slaughter in Edo state Nigeria. Similarly, 43 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were also obtained from a total of 100 environmental samples from different sources. Isolates were recovered and identified from samples using standard microbiological techniques. Recovered isolates were pre-identified by the Microbact Gram-Negative identification system and confirmed with Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (rMLST). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out by Kirby-Bauer method for 14 antibiotics. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was carried out for isolate characterization and identification of resistance determinants. Out of 109 animal and 43 environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 18 (17%) and 8 (19%) isolates based on selection criteria showed antibiotic resistance and were further investigated by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Resistance genes were detected in all (100%) of the resistant bovine and environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The resistance determinants included β-lactamase genes, aminoglycoside modifying enzymes, qnr genes, sulfonamide, tetracycline and trimethoprim resistance genes, respectively. Out of the 18 and 8 resistant animal and environmental isolates 3 (17%) and 2 (25%) were multidrug resistant (MDR) and had resistance determinants which included efflux genes, regulatory systems modulating antibiotic efflux and antibiotic target alteration genes. Our study shows the dissemination of antibiotic resistance especially MDR strains among Nigerian bovine and environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The presence of these resistant strains in animals and the environment constitute a serious health concern indicated by the difficult treatment options of the infections caused by these organisms. To the best of our knowledge we report the first detailed genomic characterization of antibiotic resistance in bovine and environmental Enterobacteriaceae isolates for Nigeria.

Abundance, Distribution, Morphometric, Feeding Evaluation and the Reproductive Strategies of Gymnarchus niloticus in the Lower River Niger at Agenebode, Edo State Nigeria

The study of the numerous areas of biology of fish produces ample and relevant information that aids scientist to explore, know and maintain the survival, growth, continuity and sustainability of life of various fish species. A total of 94 specimens of Gymnarchus niloticus were collected from River Niger at Agenebode during the sample period that ranged from 14 – 94 cm total length (54.88± 17.92); weighed 424 - 2281g (1569.61 ± 422.85). The length weight relationship (LWR) of G. niloticus in this study showed a negative (b<3) allometric growth pattern. Out of the 94 specimens analysed 54 males and 40 females were examined with a ratio of 1:1.4. Insects and decapods were the major food of the juveniles of Gymnarchus niloticus while the major food of preference of the sub adults and adults were Fish and insects with 27.12%, and 27.97% by FO. Gymnarchus niloticus possesses a single ovary in the female and single testis in the male which is often referred to as unpaired gonad. Fecundity ranged between 620 to 1378 eggs with a mean of 957.69 ± 112.31 eggs in females. The relationship between fecundity (F) and weight (W) and fecundity and standard length (SL) showed that fecundity is more related to weight than length of fish. Log F = 820.66 + 0.11 W and Log F = 151.23 + 5.31 SL. Fecundity had a positive significant correlation (P<0.05) with both somatic weight (r = 0.714) and standard length (r = 0.657) of fish. Ova diameter showed a ranged between 3.5 and 7.9 mm with a mean of 4.72 ± SD1.69 mm and it had significant relationship (P<0.05) with total weight, gonad weight and maturity stage. Gymnarchus niloticus in the Lower River Niger at Agenebode showed that G. niloticus has an unpaired gonad in both sexes, a gonochoristic reproductive pattern. Fecundity is low and the ova are large. They are small brood spawners with asynchronous breeding strategy. The attributes of G. niloticus obtained from this study reveals that the fish species is a good candidate for fish culture.

Insecticidal Effect of Piper guineense Seed Powder in the Control of Beans Weevil Callosobruschus maculatus (Fabr)

Piper guineense commonly called Usira in Edo, Uziza in Igbo and IgherelIyere in Yoruba belongs to the family piperaceae. The efficiency of its seed powder in the control of callosobruschus maculatus (beans weevil) was investigated in the Science Laboratory Department of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State Nigeria. The seed powder was applied at the rate of O control, 15, 25, 50 and 100 (gkg-1). The result obtained shows that piper guineense seed powder at 25gkg-1 to 100gkg-1 were effective in the control of callosobrusus maculatus at 0.01% level of significance. It was revealed that a very strong insecticidal action of I. piper guineense on beans weevil. However, the efficiency of this insecticidal action on callosobruschus maculatus with increasing concentration of the plant material seed powder with 100gkg-1 giving the highest mortality rate, residual action and egg plugs of the weevils. This finding is critical to resource poor farmers in developing countries who will find this trial practicable and affordable. colourkasi hustlers.

Role model and entrepreneurial intention of small business owners in Nigeria

The study aims to explore the impact of role models on the entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of small business owners in Nigeria. Specifically, the impact of the gender role model, the education role model, and the age role model on entrepreneurial intention. The authors have surveyed selected small business owners in Edo State Nigeria. The study uses regression analysis to analyze data collected from 120 business owners. The result suggests that gender role model has a significant effect on entrepreneurial intentions. The education role model has a significant effect on EI. Furthermore, age role model significantly influences entrepreneurial intentions. Authors, therefore, have concluded that perceived similarity of role model personal attributes influence potential entrepreneurs' willingness to establish a new business.

Accelerating and Mitigating Postharvest Losses in Nigeria Through an Automated Hydrid Dryer

Africa has the world's biggest population of people without access to electricity, with an estimated 600 million people without access today and 700 million by 2030. Currently, almost two-thirds of Nigeria's population lacks access to reliable energy, and the majority of rural regions are not connected to the national grid. Given these staggering statistics, farmers in Nigeria, especially those in the production section are exposed to postharvest losses annually. Every year, Nigeria loses N3. 5 trillion in post-harvest losses due to a lack of suitable storage facilities and bad road conditions across the country. To mitigate this trend and help accelerate the adoption and acceptability of technology that will solve these postharvest problems, a hybrid dryer is developed. This research involved the development of an automated passive, hybrid dryer developed in the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State Nigeria with a research grant from TETFUND. A detailed AUTOCAD model for the dryer is developed and validated through experimentation. Energy and environmental analysis of the proposed dryer system were equally evaluated. Two crop produce, yam and tomatoes were used in evaluating the machine. One of the major highlights of the machine is that it is an automated dryer with power sources from both solar and mains supply. The drying process was conducted during the day, and it was compared with open sun drying and oven drying. The highest solar drying temperature obtained under the same condition for both yam and tomatoes were 38 0 C. At the average solar radiation of 2462 W/m 2 and air flow rate of 19.74 kg/s, the thermal efficiency of the hybrid dryer was obtained at 23.74 %. It was observed that the thermal efficiency of the collector was high when compared to similar dryers from literatures. Further analysis to established the commercial scalability of the system is however, recommend. Keywords: Postharvest losses, Hydrid, Automated, Accelerate, Mitigate DOI: 10.7176/ISDE/12-4-02 Publication date: October 31 st 2021

School Environment and Methods of Teaching as Correlates of Language Skills Achievement of Pre–Primary School Pupils in Edo State Nigeria

The study investigated the effects of school environment and methods of teaching on language skills achievement of pre – primary school pupils in Edo State. It also investigated the interaction effects of Montessori and played methods and urban and rural environments on pupils' achievement in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Three urban and three rural areas which were selected from two Local Government Areas (LGAs) were used for the study. Six pre - primary schools were purposively selected for the study. A total of 228 kindergartens 2 pupils intact classes were used for the study which lasted for eight weeks. The study was a pretest, posttest, quasi- experimental control group design with independent variables as methods and school location while achievement in Language Skills Achievement Test (LSAT) was the dependent variable. Descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were used to analyze the data obtained while the Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) was used as post-hoc test for further significance. Three research questions were answered with three hypotheses, tested at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that the Montessori Method of teaching pre –primary pupils was more effective than the play method. Similarly, urban school pupils achieved higher than their rural counterparts. There was also a significant interaction effect of methods and school location on pupils' academic achievement in Language skills. It was therefore recommended that the Nigerian Government should adopt the Montessori Method as a dominant method of teaching pre – primary school pupils and that pre – primary school owners should provide materials adequately for teaching and learning.

Application of Electrical Geophysical Method in Site Selection for Viable Area for Agricultural Practices: A Case Study of Ukpenu-Ibhiese and Iruekpen Edo State-Nigeria

Electrical geophysical method was applied, to select viable area with essential soil nutrients for plant’s growth. Conventional soil test analysis was carried out for the purpose of confirmation. A case study was done at Ukpenu-Ibhiese and Iruekpen in Ekpoma. The result of the electrical resistivity geophysical method showed that southwest and northwest of the area has resistivity values that ranged between 80?m to 170?m while the remaining part of the area has values higher than 170?m, ranged from 580?m to 950?m. Values of organic matter, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, obtained from the soil test in area with 80?m to 170?m indicated good proportion of essential soil nutrients for plant growth while area with resistivity values that ranged from 580?m to 950?m was deficient in essential soil nutrients for plant growth. The results further proved that soil electrical physical properties thus detected and mapped can be used as a proxy of physical, chemical, and biological features relevant for the appropriate site selection and soils management, based on their resistivity behavior, spatial variability, and time dynamics in the area of study.

Geospatial Assessment of the Impacts of Sand Mining Activities in Benin City, Edo State Nigeria

This study assessed the geospatial impacts of sand mining activities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. There are thirty five (35) burrow pits in Benin and eleven (11) were used for the study. Similarly, three (3) distinct datasets and sources were used to determine the spatial extent of environmental degradation as a result of sand mining activities in Benin City. The first data set was the 19th January, 2019 satellite imagery of each of the mining sites. This high resolution remotely sensed data was used in the determination of areal extent of the sand mining sites. The second set of data was the Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) 30meters resolution digital elevation model (DEM). The ASTER-DEM was used as an input dataset in the determination of the volume of sand that have been mined in each site and compilation of three – dimensional model (3D Model) of each the sand mining site. The third set of data was the geographic coordinates of the mining sites. They were sourced from field survey with the use of global positioning system (GPS).The study concluded that sand mining and development cannot be entirely separated but mining should be done in a sustainable manner with less of environmental degradation. It is recommended that miners should be regularly sensitized by the government on environmental degradation and about the fragile nature of the environment. The government regulatory body should ensure that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is carried before mining pits are approved for mining activities. Also illegal burrow pits should be short down to check environmental degradation.

Gender Based Violence at Workplace: A Case Study of Egor Local Government of Edo State of Nigeria

This study examines gender-based violence at workplace using Egor Local Government, Edo State, Nigeria as a case study. A sample of 180 respondents comprising of 100 females and 80 males was selected from Egor Local council area, Benin municipality, Edo state Nigeria. The objectives of the study is to investigate the prevalence of gender-based violence and its toll on the performance of workers of Egor Local Government of Edo State and proffer solutions in curbing gender-based violence at workplace in all the organizations in the state. The study’s findings indicate that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) exists in most public workplaces in Edo state of Nigeria and that it leads to poor employee performance and that at least one in every three women in the state public sector claimed to have been harassed sexually, physically beaten and/or otherwise abused in their workplace. This supports the findings of International Labour Organization (ILO) working paper of Working by Adrienne Cruz and Sabine Klinger (2011).

Predictors of Peripheral Artery Disease among Elderly Respondents in an Urban Hospital, Edo State Nigeria

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) potentially affects health-related Quality of Life, Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and is a strong prognostic marker for future cardiovascular events in elderly population. PAD commonly affects the elderly but may go undiagnosed in them, probably due to the presence of other morbidities like osteoarthritis and associated muscle spasm.
 Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of PAD in elderly by evaluating the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics in elderly patients.
 Methods. A cross sectional hospital based study was carried out among 370 patients aged 60 years and above attending a Tertiary Hospital from September to November 2017. A systematic random sampling technique was utilized. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle variables, and medical history. The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) was used to assess for PAD. Analysis was done using Chi-square test and logistic regression. 
 Results. The mean age was 69.3±7 years comprising of 76.5% females, 50% of the respondents were married while 47% were widowed. After adjusting for other variables, the result of the multi-logistic regression indicated that only patients with abnormal pedal pulse were more likely to present with PAD than those with normal pedal pulse (OR=10.634, 95% CI=2.4-47.121, p=0.002).
 Conclusion. The study reveals that abnormal pedal pulses were significant predictors of PAD, therefore it is recommended that regular screening (clinical foot examination and ABI) should be done for elderly to achieve early detection of PAD and facilitate prompt treatment.